Yeah I know, weird combination, but this what I ended up with. Anyway, I was accepted to Reed college’s physics program and mechanical engineering in Case Western. I just visited Reed and i absolutely loved it, the buildings, dorms, student environment and the classes. I don’t know if I’m gonna have time to visit case western. Reed offers really good results for grad school acceptance. And I plan on going to grad school either engineering or physics. I will be able to afford both school so finance is not as important in the decision making. Any input would help. Thanks!
Almost forgot to add, I’m also accepted to lafayette college, don’t know if it’s as good as the other two though…
As you know, these are three very different schools. Reed (and Portland generally) is characterized by an unconventional funky attitude which you probably won’t find (at least not to the same extent) at Case or Lafayette. So if you love the distinctive Reed atmosphere (not everyone does), then that might be the best place for you.
Of the two other options, Lafayette would be closer to Reed, since they are both LACs. However, Lafayette is nearly twice the size of Reed and has a much more mainstream campus culture.
Portland is a great city (if you can handle a little rain) and is quite accessible from Reed by public transportation and bicycle. Most twentysomethings would probably regard Portland as a much more desirable destination than Cleveland or Easton.
Most LACs (including Reed) don’t offer engineering, but Lafayette does. Obviously Case does too. So you would have more academic options at either of those schools; at Reed, your only option would be physics. On the other hand, Reed is noted for strong undergraduate physics, with (as you know) excellent graduate school placement.
Be aware that Reed will make you take a full year of Greek and Roman classics as a freshman (they used to send every accepted student a copy of the Iliad). They have a PE requirement, but don’t expect NCAA sports.