<p>So I want to apply to Reed ED II planning to be a Math major. My dad is an alumni and i'm definitely going for an interview. </p>
<p>I'm nervous since I do have some C's on my transcript from sophomore year; I suffered depression and an overloaded schedule that year. I talked to my guidance counselor about explaining my bad grades, however she only said that it's common for people to go through these circumstances and that I would only sound whiny and like a "typical teenager."</p>
<p>Also, writing is not my strongest subject yet I want to get a Phd in Mathematics or some field related to Math since it is my favorite and best subject, so I am a little nervous about the essay. I know they have high expectations and will almost base their decision on it. </p>
<p>I have a strong passion in music (I've played the Double Bass for 9 years now) but don't plan on being a music major. I do plan on sending a supplement, and perhaps an additional recommendation from my orch teacher (will they even read it?)</p>
<p>Basically my question is will Reed overlook my bad grades from one year (only C's)</p>
<p>Do your best. College admissions are a lottery. Are you interested only in liberal arts colleges, or would you also consider science schools like Carnegie Mellon, Harvey Mudd, and Lafayette? If you are interested in Mudd, you might also consider Scripps, which is a women’s college across the street from Mudd. These two colleges are members of an inter-college consortium which allows students at any of them to take courses at the others. Maybe you would like to be a student at Scripps (the campus is indescribably gorgeous and the dorms are palaces) for your liberal arts experience, and take some courses at Mudd, to further your science education. (Not that Scripps doesn’t offer good courses in the sciences…but Mudd is very science-oriented.) In other words, look around, get used to writing essays, and don’t focus on the weak aspects of your background. Also: the word in Latin for a male graduate is “alumnus”. The plural of this word is “alumni”–like “fungus” and “fungi”. You, a female, will be an “alumna” when you graduate, and, if there were two or more of you, you would be “alumnae.” Getting this right on the essay never hurts. By the way, if you are susceptible to depression, you should know that Reed sometimes elicits or induces it in students. The Portland winters, and the constant rain, are factors; some believe that Reed is a difficult place. Ask your father.</p>
<p>In answer to the last question, the answer is Yes. However, it won’t overlook anything in your record from junior AND senior years (including the latest semester). Reed takes a holistic view on admissions, and your ability and commitment are going to matter more than something you did (or did not do) at age 15-16.</p>
<p>At the same time, Reed still has to make a judgment of whether you are a good potential Reedie. As your dad can tell you, Reed’s program is intensive (I am also an alumnus), so you need to show you can handle that. Do work on your writing. Your musical interests are definitely also a plus. </p>
<p>Reed will read anything you put into your application. It will pay attention to that “Why Reed” essay, and you should think through your answer and provide a sincere rationale. At the same time, as Prairie suggests, cover your bases with applications to other colleges with good math programs.</p>