Reed vs. Haverford

Colleges and Universities A-Z Reed College
1

I have recently been accepted to both schools, and pending the financial aid package from Reed, I’m pretty torn.
I want to study the humanities (literature, medieval studies) and want a highly intellectual, challenging, yet supportive community. Being close with my professors is another factor that is very important to me.

Right now, the pros of Haverford are:
-2 hour flight away (vs. 6 hours to Portland)
-I have visited and know I love it
-Great reputation
-Location right by Philly
-Access to many classes through the tri-college system
-The honor code
-Customs week

Cons:
A more traditional school/student body

The pros of Reed are:
-Quirkiness and traditions
-Great reputation with grad schools
-High amount of students going on to get PhD’s
-Highly intellectual community

Possible cons of Reed:
-Drug culture
-Cutthroat environment
-Overwhelming course load
-Distance from home

I’m cross posting this so if anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated!!

2

How did each feel when you visited? They’re different enough that one probably felt more comfortable. I’d pick Haverford but that’s just me.

3

That’s something I probably should’ve included–I haven’t visited Reed, and right now I’m trying to figure out how sincere my interest is/how much I like it compared to Haverford to determine if a trip is worthwhile. Thanks for your advice! @gardenstategal

4

I’d bet that if Haverford felt so right when you visited, it is right… more so than Reed. It’s a great scool with a nice mix of students and great academics. Hard to go wrong!