<p>So, I really adore Portland. I would really love to move there, hopefully by going as a student first. I know the different colleges and universities I'm interested in, but I was hoping to get some first hand knowledge from Portlandians. Between University of Portland, Reed College, Lewis and Clark, and Portland State, which do you think would give me the best education? </p>
<p>I'm not so interested in the normal college experience, so things like sororities and sports teams aren't a big factor. I'm looking at the quality of education. I'm not religious, but I don't mind going to a religious school (as long as being of that religion is not a requirement). I know Portland State isn't really regarded that well, but it's definitely the most affordable. I'm from California, so I couldn't get in-state, but I could look into the whole WICHE program to make it more affordable. And while I can apply for financial aid, I don't think I could qualify for most, so price is something I'm looking out for. But quality of education comes first. I would be going in as a transfer, just in case that helps. Any insight?</p>
<p>Well it is definitely a matter of grades. Both University of Portland and Reed College are excellent schools, and looked at very highly. It depends on what you are majoring in, as we all know that Reed is strictly art. You have to have very good grades and some extracurricular if you plan on applying to those two schools.</p>
<p>Do not go to Portland State, around here, it’s not even classified as an option to most students. Its cheap sure, but they don’t have bachelor degrees to a lot of majors. It’s basically community college. Lots of druggies people go there, and lots of middle aged people.</p>
<p>University of Portland is basically in downtown Portland, it’s maybe 10 minutes away from the heart of downtown, but outside the campus it’s in a little sketchy part of Portland. The campus is beautiful, small but scenic. You will get a great education here no matter what!</p>
<p>Reed is also a WONDERFUL school, but its strictly arts, so make sure before you apply there that you are set in an art you would want to spend your life doing. But if you aren’t into art, and you don’t have proof you’ve spent your high school life doing it, you won’t get in and it’s not really a place for you.</p>
<p>Lewis and Clark is a good school… I haven’t heard all too much about it to be honest. But I know its an art/science school, so you would be surrounded with people with majors like yours. University of Portland would give you a good rounded education/as they have much more classes and majors. Reed is a great art school and looked at very highly. Those two are the most expensive, but well worth it. Reed is looked at nationally, as well. Lewis and Clark is the smallest probably, not as expensive and not in the downtown Portland area, as the other two are.
Hope I helped!</p>
<p>What do you mean when you say that Reed is strictly arts? I dont know much about Reed other than I believe that Steve Jobs went there, but the Academics page on Reed’s web site lists departments including Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Chinese, Classics, Economics, English, French, German, History, Humanities, Linguistics, Mathematics, etc . Under Dual Degree & Special Programs such programs include Computer Science and Engineering, Forestry-Environmental Sciences and a Premedical and Preveterinary Program.</p>
<p>Are you saying that Reed’s strengths are in the arts vs. these other departments and programs?</p>
<p>Like Reed, Lewis and Clark is a private LAC so you don’t need to be in-state. Contrary to Reed they will offer some merit aid. L&C is also less selective than Reed. </p>
<p>In addition to previous advice – Reed is quirkier and more academic and U Portland. Lewis & Clark is in an extremely quiet suburban area. It is a great school but if you are looking for a downtown Portland experience it would not be a good choice.</p>
<p>If that - bottom line - is the key question, then the answer would be Reed. If you’d said “I really adore America; between the colleges there, which do you think would give me the best education?,” the answer might still be Reed.</p>
<p>Well put. Reed will give you one of the best and most well-rounded educations anywhere…think Portland’s answer to Williams or Swarthmore. Be warned though, it does have a reputation as a school with pretty heavy drug use.</p>