Reed for Art?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Reed College
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<p>I'm in the end of my junior year of high school and I've gotten straight As & A+s, though only in mostly academic classes, leaving my GPA around a 4.0-4.3 (it hasn't been calc. yet). This year I took a few APs, but purely for my own interest in the material. Compared to the AP laden classes of other prospective Reedies, it doesn't measure up and I'm feeling highly discouraged. I took the SATS w/o studying and got close to 700s across the board, so I'm confident when I actually study for the fall tests they will be about on par with most accepted students. Next year I'm taking AP studio art, and my school's whole art dept. loves me so I'm hoping good recommendation letters might help, too.</p>

<p>I plan to major in art, and I understand Reed's art department isn't exactly large, but it seems sufficient and I'm head over heels with the school's philosophy. So, my question is, can a great portfolio/essays (I'm a good writer, so this is a strong point for me) outweigh my lackluster transcript? Until recently, I was convinced college wasn't an option for me (i want to become a tattoo artist, so i was more concerned with an apprenticeship). However, now that I've discovered Reed I'd love to get in...should i just stop hoping now, or does the fact I'm planning on being an art major (which I'm told is more dependent on portfolio review) help me out?</p>

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<p>You should search the Reed forum for older threads related to majoring in art at Reed. Most of them emphasize that you will have to take rigorous classes in a variety of disciplines, not just art. Questions of fit arise, but that doesn’t seem to be a concern for you. </p>

<p>First of all, your transcript is not “lackluster,” it is actually quite fantastic. Straight A’s and high SAT scores? That’s great! Reed cares a lot that you care about them; you need to demonstrate interest in your application and write a BA Why Reed essay. </p>

<p>Have you taken a look at Reed’s group and distribution requirements? You should if you have not already.</p>

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<p>Also, you don’t have to declare a major until the end of you sophomore year, so you can apply as undeclared. Go ahead and send in an art supplement if you want, but <em>as far as I know</em> portfolio review isn’t a huge deal at all in the admissions process. I’m not an art major though, so take that with a grain of salt.</p>