Questions from a senior who wants to go to Reed

Colleges and Universities A-Z Reed College
1

<p>Hi! I'm a prospie whose top choice is Reed. Before I ask my questions here are my stats.</p>

<p>Class of 2015
I go to a public school, pretty average but apparently it's one of the top 20 most challenging in the state
Unweighted GPA: ??? somewhere around 3.1 ish, my school doesn't give this unless you ask.
Weighted GPA: 3.21 - would be around a 3.4 ish I believe if not for my very low GPA when I started HS, and I'm planning on raising it as much as I can next semester...I promise!
PSAT: 185
SAT: Haven't decided whether it's worth taking or not..
ACT: 31 (36 English, 25 Math, 28 Science, 33 Reading) Retaking it this fall
Class Rank: Top 50%
State: Colorado
Major: Music</p>

<p>APs: Junior year - Lang (4), Euro (3); Senior year - Music Theory, Psych, French
ECs:
* Diversity Club and GSA, 9th grade (moved schools during 2nd semester)
* Choir 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
* Advanced choir 12th
* Community theater 9th, 10th, 11th
* Theater in-school 11th, 12th
* Thespian Club/inducted thespian
* LINK Leader 11th
* Key Club 11th, 12th (secretary 12th)
* Private voice and theory lessons 11th, 12th
* Thinking of joining FBLA too, but I don't want to overload myself</p>

<p>Current courses:
AP Music Theory
AP Psych
Government
Music Appreciation
AP French
British Literature
Advanced Women's Choir
Probability & Statistics</p>

<p>Other info:
* I'm half black
* I come from a very diverse family, interesting life story
* I overcame a lot of obstacles to get to where I am now
* I think my letters of rec will be very good (especially from my music teacher)
* I've been told I'm a very good writer
* I have a very big need for financial aid
* I toured and interviewed at Reed over the summer, it went well, I fell in love with the campus</p>

<p>I know I'm not the strongest candidate, and I want to raise my chances as much as I possibly can. I'm grateful for Reed's holistic admissions process as I had a lot of things going on throughout high school that I'll talk about in my application. I think I would fit in well, I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and I love academia, intellectual discussions, small classes, and unique vibes.</p>

<p>My current plan...get as involved in the community as I can, try to add on more ECs (I'm probably trying out for allstate choir), go to every event I can that Reed admissions people will be at, contact my regional admissions counselor (?), and most importantly, RAISE MY GPA. I'm honestly shooting for a 3.9+ this semester, I want to show them that I'm serious about my education and able to handle a rigorous course load.</p>

<p>So...3 questions:
1. Do I really have a shot if I work as hard as possible (as in, can I take it from a high reach to a normal or low reach)?
2. What else can I do to raise my odds?
3. Since it's my first choice, I want to apply ED, but I need to strengthen my record first - so is applying ED II a good idea?</p>

2

<p>Well, Reed casts a wider net than some schools, so that will work in your favor. I think you really need to focus on raising your grades which you are going to do. Your ACT scores are fine and clearly you are an unusual candidate. I would apply ED1–if you are deferred you will have another series of grades for them to consider. But yes, I think you are a viable candidate. And, of course, work on those essays! Good luck.</p>

3

<p>@zzzmmm Thank you! Would applying ED 1 hurt my chances at all since my grades from the first semester will be a selling point for me? Or would mid semester grades serve the same purpose?</p>

4

<p>I think mid semester grades or comments will help and ED 1 shows you are really serious. I don’t think they’ll deny you; they may defer–if they do, then you’ll have the next set of grades. If you are sure Reed is the school you want to be at, then ED may well help you.</p>