Hey guys. I’m looking at Reed as a potential college to apply ED to. I have loved every aspect of them since I first heard about them from a student there.
But I’m really confused about the Paideia essay. Don’t really know what I should write.
Do you think talking about an ECA/ something related to my major is too bland? Or should I go a bit more personal? I actually wrote one about “Competitive pokemon battling.” haha
I like the idea of “competitive Pokemon battling” – you might actually have persuaded me to take your class. If you can write it well and reveal something of yourself in it, I think you might show your Reedie potential.
The prompt is essentially a chance for you to talk about a special interest you have. It does not in any way need to be about academics, unless you can write a personal essay that lets your personality come through about your major. I wrote about moshing. Friends of mine wrote about cooking, the movie Clueless, mountain climbing, etc. Just have fun with the essay and it’ll be good.
^^ I wish it were possible to do both like and helpful, but I had to choose one. Thank you for this.
I know im probably asking for a lot, but do either of you know where I can see how some people approach the essay? A website/article with some examples?
I think the Reed Magazine may have run some in the past. http://www.reed.edu/reed-magazine/
I’d opt for the personal essay. Reed is the antithesis of bland. My D17 (applied ED1) has been at Reed 2 months and loves it.