@EdenDanny Yeah I am, that is so cool! I’m not an immigrant though, just first generation but still I know Amharic and Tigrinya. I’ll admit I was a bit suspicious you were Ethiopian because my mom’s first name is Eden 
There’s like at most 25 of us where I live, but that’s actually what I’m sort of basing my common-app essay on. How despite being an Ethiopian-American and even visiting the country after my grandfather passed, I feel like a cultural nomad and just free float around. But seriously that is awesome! What are the odds? Now I feel bad that my profile pic on here is of Italy from Hetalia who occupied the country, (but come on anime Italy is so adorable)
@AGoodFloridian Yeah Papa hMensa was so nice and easy to talk to. He didn’t interrogate you like a delinquent! The only issue was my interview was in this random cafe in Miami and it was so crowded/loud where we were I had to strain to hear him, and my voice is pretty soft so I had to really speak up. Yeah it just feels almost narcissistic to talk about yourself. I have to give him credit though without meaning to I ended up rambling about the “I-Robot” series by Isaac Asimov when he asked about my favorite books and complained about inventions like Siri and artificial intelligence as prototypes we’re doomed as a civilization because they’re breaking the first three laws of robotics. So he has a way of making you talk about yourself without your own realization of what you’re doing. And I hope you get in too! Heck, I hope everyone on this forum gets in! If I don’t get into Reed though New College of Florida is my second choice, especially with how they manage to be as liberal as they are in Florida out of all places. I don’t know if you experienced this as a Floridian but when people ask “What college are you interested in?” and I respond with “Reed College” and explain its in Portland, they act as though I’m leaving the country. To be honest even if Reed was located 5 minutes away from my house, I would still go. I never realize how much I end up writing on these forums, side effect of being a “writer” I guess 
I’m glad to see you had a good experience! I love when people write a lot, type on!
Has anyone else been reading the past ED threads? I get this odd… Rush out of seeing the posters descend into a state of madness only to receive their acceptance letters. The euphoria that comes afterwards is so rewarding, then it hits me that we’re going to be in their shoes very soon.
I can’t wait. Am I bizarre in that I secretly love the college admissions process? Especially when others are in the same boat as me hahah. It’s my second time going through the whole routine.
Though, i should probably explain myself, and where that love comes from.
I made that thread, UF was not only my top choice, but also the only university I had applied to. To my surprise, I was accepted! Unfortunately, immigration stuck its mighty sword into my back and prolonged my case, thus forcing me to withdraw my spot. Guess what I received two days after cancelling my spot? My acceptance letter. A part of me died that day, I watched as all the friends I made went onto to study at UF, and I had to stick back. But no ones here for sob stories, am I right?!
I’m finally here in the US, almost 21 years old, with different views and focuses. It took a while, but I learned to stop feeling sorry for myself hahaha. I also learned that liberal arts colleges matched me more, you know? After much research, Reed fit perfectly in that void left by that experience. I learned to love the whole process, and the roller coaster of emotions it brings us all. The best part is having others in it together, so I hope to see more posters here throughout the upcoming weeks!
@AGoodFloridian The best part about your story is about how it changed you, and thats all that matters at the end too. I completely understand the “Reed fit me” feeling and frankly its indescribable in my case. Its just this…feeling that you get after researching so much. And that just makes you want to research MORE. It’s a cycle. I’ve legitimately read so much on Reed!
Even though (technically) we are all competition for one another, its an amazing feeling having people in the same boat as you, and frankly, I wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone on this thread. Thats why I created it!
Also, WRITE ON PLEASE! Its awesome to see people connecting and sharing stories - just reinforces the fact that everybody has an interesting story if you ask nicely.
How are you guys holding up with your “Paideia” essays? Feel free to share the general gist of what you’re writing about, if you’re comfortable!
I spent many years teaching English, and I have a deep admiration for professors and academia in general. Naturally, my essay will be about that. For the first time, I’m going to leave my comfort zone and make a humorous essay. I’m too mellow and black and white in my essays… And knowing Reed, they would accept humorous twists in essays with open arms, granted I keep it coherent of course.
“How I (mis)Taught My Poor Friend How to Fly”
…is the title of my essay hahaha.
@AGoodFloridian But they say that you want to play within your comfort zones in your essays 'cause thats what makes you you, isnt it?
I’m wring about “How to make awesome home made cricket balls?”
True, but I believe the content is still indicative to who I am. The real question is how I display that content. I could go down the more convenient, run-of-the-mill fashion and start off like
“I am teaching today’s lecture because teaching is important and made a big contribution to my life.”
Or, while still maintains the idea,
“I am in a coveted role right now, because without a professor who taught you how to learn, I wouldn’t be here teaching you how to teach.”
I won’t make jokes around ever corner of course, but a certain degree of humor and lightheartedness is a breath of fresh air that admissions officer, I imagine, love.
@AGoodFloridian I actually really enjoyed writing my Paideia essay! It’s titled “The Octopus - a story of the ultimate sacrifice”.
Hahah, that’s great!
You know what would be really awesome? If at one point during his our studies at Reed(and yes, we will get in. Heads up guys!), we actually do the Paideia class with the essay we used… I wouldn’t mind at all!
On a random note… While scouring through some threads here, I found a movie that takes place at Reed :D. Judging from the comments, I may have reason to believe it’s a Christian movie… (Chrisitan movie, in Reed of all places? That in itself should be enough reason to watch the movie hahaha)
It’s called “Blue Like Jazz”, has anyone heard of it?
I guess I was kinda cajoled into actually joining this thread @AGoodFloridian lol. Umm yeah I’m still ridiculously procrastinating on my Paideia sooo we’ll see how that turns out. I’m planning on writing something about like the importance of bread and body image or something along those lines.
It’s awesome having you onboard @sailout !
I love reading the creativity with these Paideia ideas.
I want to share an interesting resource that could go well with your essays depending on the mood. Has anyone heard of the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows? There are words there that aren’t really “true” words, but they capture some of our most intimate feelings and put them into vocabulary.
Ever had that feeling when you’re trying to say a life experience but just give up because the listener most likely can’t relate all that well?
exulansis
n. the tendency to give up trying to talk about an experience because people are unable to relate to it—whether through envy or pity or simple foreignness—which allows it to drift away from the rest of your life story, until the memory itself feels out of place, almost mythical, wandering restlessly in the fog, no longer even looking for a place to land.
I really love that site. Check it out!
Yoo, I’m applying ED2. Is it bad that I haven’t finished my supplement essay or college apps yet? .-.
I’ve been trying to brainstorm essay ideas. I want to enjoy writing the essay, but it’s just a matter of finding the time and something I really can comfortably write about.
@AGoodFloridian Yeah I’ve heard about the movie and watched the trailer. I looked at the reviews and people said it was pretty bad. It seems that it would be like a “God’s Not Dead” type of film. I’ve heard that it doesn’t do a good job of representing the school.
@EdenDanny Hey! No, its not. It’ll happen when it’ll happen. Just promise yourself you’ll complete your first draft atleast 2 weeks before. As far as the apps themselves go, start now. Their is so much nitty gritty detail, financial aid apps (if you’re applying) and all, that its better to take it one step at a time. But honestly, whatever suits you man!
@AGoodFloridian @sailout @Shulav So I need some advice, for Reed, and in general. So I got my September ACT Writing scores back and I got a 21 (75th percentile). That in no way reflects my potential to write, and that is supported VERY well by my essays, grades in English etc. I think because of the new format I just messed it up entirely.
I have a good (but not great) writing score from April - a 29 (92nd percentile).
Both my ELA (English Language Arts) and STEM Scores are in the 95th percentile for the September 12 ACT. Do you think I should also send my old ACT Score so they can super score that one writing score? Or should I let it be? It’ll cost be about $100 more to send my old score to all those who superscore.
Just some background info: September - 30 ©, 28 (S), 32 ®, 32 (E), 29 (M). In April, the only thing I did better in was writing.
@blueshoe00 http://reedadmission.■■■■■■■■■■/post/129223340884/hi-there-regarding-the-act-does-reed-superscore Reed does not seem to superscore the ACT. So, I see no point in sending both the scores.
@blueshoe00 Maybe you can mention about how you messed up your writing on the “Additional Info” section and send that score. You seem to have a high score on the English section and I guess your essays will give them an idea about your writing. Also, have you taken the TOEFL? If you have, it will also act as an indicator.
@Shulav Ah, I see. No I don’t have a TOEFL Score, never took it because my primary language of teaching has always been English. I think mentioning it on the Additional info section is a great idea.
Thanks!
Half way through! Anybody else dying for December 16th to arrive?
Yeah, I’m biting my nails here. Reeds still at the top of my list, but let’s just say another contender made its way there too. I’m actually really torn between going ED for Reed or Vassar. Reed was the first college that got my attention when I started compiling a list months ago. After reading about Vassar, it also earned a place beside Reed. They’re different colleges, yes, but I feel that I’d fit in perfectly at both.
But the ED shall go to one. This is hard hahah
Hi guys,
Another international here.
I’m also applying for Reed ED2.
I think I have a really good chance at getting in. My scores and ACT are very great and I have high expectation from my recommenders. Although I still have to finish my Paideia, I am down to my last two choices.
@blueshoe00 my ACT writing is messed up too. I’ve got a composite score of 35 with a writing score of 22!!!
I don’t know where I went wrong, but I had high expectations. I’m hoping that my essays would cover some parts of the fiasco, but I will think about mentioning it in my more info section.
About the Peidia, do you guys prefer a lecture class or a class that you can get in and create things? Both of my topics are about my country and culture, but one of them is more lecture oriented and the other includes creating something in the class. I feel that they will both turn out well, but can quite settle for one. Any ideas?