I have a few questions about Reed

Colleges and Universities A-Z Reed College
1

<p>I really do love Reed as a college. My personality is ideally suited to its intellectually curious atmosphere and its dedication to rigor. However, I am concerned about the expense of Reed. I don't know whether the advantages of the Reed experience can overcome it. </p>

<p>I can go to Reed for about $28,000 a year plus plane tickets (I live on the East coast). I got accepted at a few other, similar liberal arts schools (Wesleyan, Macalester), but I would certainly prefer Reed. However, I could go to the University of Connecticut as an in-state student for about $17,000. I am, of course, in the honors program at the school. Moreover, I half a half tuition scholarship, so the bulk of that cost is room and board. </p>

<p>So, there's the expense. A more than 10,000 a year difference. </p>

<p>I plan to go on to graduate school. I don't know whether I want to go to medical school or to specialize in neuroscience or biomedical engineering. But, I know I want an extensive program in postgraduate education. </p>

<p>There are a few harsh dichotomies here. </p>

<p>If I'm not mistaken, Reed has the highest portion of undergraduates going on to earn PhD's in the country, and a very high medical school acceptance rate. Great. However, does that have to do with Reed's reputation as a college or the motivation and ability of the student who enrolls at Reed? If the latter, then I would theoretically do just as well at UCONN. I am a Reedie at heart. I'm just poor, haha. </p>

<p>Also, I don't know how Reed is for neuroscience preparation in particular. I could major in biology, chemistry, or psychology. Not neuroscience. UCONN has Physiology and Neurobiology as a major, and it is a well-established research institution with an auxiliary medical school. </p>

<p>On the other hand, I don't know what UCONN's record is for getting its undergraduates into medical school or biomedical research, although a population bias exists there as well. I think I would perform better than the average UCONN student. </p>

<p>To make a brief digression, I am a pretty strong student. Statistics don't prove anything, but they do act as basic indicators. So, I earned a 2300 on the SAT, I've taken 6 AP courses and an actual college course through the University of Connecticut, I'm in the top 1% of my class with a weighted GPA of 105.5, and I'm an absolute fanatic for knowledge. </p>

<p>And a few other, more trivial concerns about Reed:
I've heard from some people that the meal plan is pretty sparse. Is that actually a concern?
I imagine Reed has a gym. I've recently picked up the habit of lifting weights. Yes, I know, hardly stereotypical of a Reed student. Regardless, is the gym suitable for that?
I would like to do study abroad during my undergraduate education. Does Reed's tuition cover such costs, or would that be an additional expense for me? </p>

<p>I would really appreciate advice on this matter. Very sincerely.</p>

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<p>I understand your dilemma and I think it demands careful consideration. What do your parents think? Would attending Reed put you/your family into considerable amounts of debt, or would you be able to afford it but could save money by attending UConn? Do you expect to take out a bunch of loans to cover graduate school as well, or is there possibilities for a fellowship? Would the cost to attend Reed preclude going to grad school? For me, attending Reed was actually cheaper than any of my other options (due to fin aid) so that was a no brainer…
Would living off campus (starting your sophomore year) make a big difference in cost? I know that Reed still takes off-campus living costs into financial aid awards (a ~$6500 allowance), whereas UConn probably doesn’t. Also, if your family circumstances changed (i.e. a parent loses his/her job), Reed would be able to take that into consideration and award you more financial aid, where as at UConn you will probably have to pay the same rate no matter what.</p>

<p>You could try doing a year or two at UConn and then applying to transfer to Reed…? If you did, make sure to plan out your classes so that they meet Reed and UConn’s requirements (and you don’t get set back a year). Will you be dissatisfied with UConn and wishing you were at Reed? Or can you accept and make the best of your circumstances?</p>

<p>As far as your other questions…
Potentially, you could major in Bio-Chem at Reed. As would be expected, it’s a very science-heavy track. Also, when writing a thesis, there is a decent amount of freedom to focus on what you want as long as it’s somehow related to your major. So I would imagine you could write a thesis on neuroscience as a Bio, Chem, and maybe even Psych major.
I’m guessing the PhD acceptance is based on Reed’s reputation, Reed’s challenging curriculum (and senior thesis requirement), and students’ intelligence/potential/initiative. You would probably do great at UConn and potentially be a big fish in a big pond, so that could bode well for your med school etc admissions (though it might get old to consistently be the smartest kid in class). At the same time, you might not be challenged or driven in the same ways there and wouldn’t explore your full potential as you might at Reed— there’s really no way to tell… Generally though, I think education is what you make of it and I’m sure you could succeed at either institution.
Meal plan- What do you mean by sparse? There are different price points (though it’s certainly more expensive than cooking for yourself)… the dining hall is better than most but does get old after a while.
Gym- yes, the sports center has a weight-lifting room.
Study abroad- Most of the cost is absorbed by your tuition (and likewise covered by your financial aid). You may have to pay for plane tickets?? I don’t know all the specifics.</p>

<p>Good luck with your decision. Try to be confident in whatever you choose.</p>