<p>Ok so I am new here, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice on these two schools. I've decided that I want to go to either Macalester or Reed, but I don't know which one. Reed is so unique and weird, but I love that about them! They also gave me a great financial aid package, but (I've visited the school) I feel like they might be a little too hipster for me. Also it seems as if they have cliques at the school. I was going to visit Mac, but there was a last minute change in plans, but Mac was my number 1 choice before I visited Reed. Also the financial aid package isn't so great and I don't want to go into debt. If you are currently going to, are the parents of students who go to, or perspective students of either one of these schools please any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.</p>
<p>Do you mean the wiki definition of contemporary subculture hipster?
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<p>I think there are some at Reed like this.</p>
<p>“Also it seems as if they have cliques at the school.”</p>
<p>I don’t think you’ll find much exclusion at Reed. Most freshmen won’t even know each other.</p>
<p>Yes, there are a lot of hipsters at Reed. I am not one of them and I don’t find it to be a problem. People are very accepting and you will not find many who aim to exclude.</p>
<p>I was admitted to Macalester last year as a senior in HS and I’m applying to Reed this year as a transfer. I haven’t been to Reed, so I’m not sure if I’ll be much help.
But from what I can tell, I think the schools are pretty similar.
However, I think the academic intensity/atmosphere at Macalester is a lot different than Reed’s. Reed’s extremely rigorous while at Macalester I could tell that people were a lot more chill about it. I visited on a weekend and honestly people were more focused on having a good time/social life/break from school. </p>
<p>I don’t think you’ll have to worry about exclusion at either schools. People at Macalester were extremely friendly. There was a ton of diversity there as well. I met students from Somalia and there were a ton of international students. I don’t think this is true for Reed. But regardless I know both schools are accepting of anyone and everyone.</p>
<p>Ultimately, I think it’s up to you to decide what school “fits you best.” I know Macalester’s academics are not nearly as intense as Reed’s, but are still pretty demanding. I love both schools.</p>
<p>Oh, there are a fair amount of hipsters at Mac too.</p>