<p>Ok so I am new here, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice on these two schools. I've decided that I want to go to either Macalester or Reed, but I don't know which one. Reed is so unique and weird, but I love that about them! They also gave me a great financial aid package, but (I've visited the school) I feel like they might be a little too hipster for me. Also it seems as if they have cliques at the school. I was going to visit Mac, but there was a last minute change in plans, but Mac was my number 1 choice before I visited Reed. Also the financial aid package isn't so great and I don't want to go into debt. If you are currently going to, are the parents of students who go to, or perspective students of either one of these schools please any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.</p>
<p>Daughter at Mac and have visited Reed. Did not consider Reed in part because of extreme rep and fact we are from northwest and Portland has no unique pull like it does for so many young people. My experience is that although Mac is fairly liberal it does have a great diversity of people from all over the country and a strong focus on the world with most students going abroad at some point. Also more international students than maybe 90% of liberal arts colleges. I know Reed is quite scholarly and prides itself on being one of the bastions of rigorous grading with A’s hard to come by. Daughter has been very happy with Mac and has found it challenging with engaged and very bright students. I think you need to visit a school to get a sense of fit and if you sense a good fit and the money is right and you can’t visit Mac and don’t want a lot of debt I would be a Griffin and not a Scot.</p>