<p>I love the idea of Reed, I was wondering what schools are like reed in terms of the student body being quirky, and lively.</p>
<p>I hear Hampshire College is similar to Reed. However, I don't think, in my opinion, that any other school is actually like Reed. It's one of a kind.</p>
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<p>Definitely, how about schools similar to reed. Would Vassar and Wesleyan be two?</p>
<p>Reed is in its own niche world.</p>
<p>But definitely look at Wesleyan. Vassar less of an overlap.</p>
<p>Be sure to look at Carleton and Oberlin. Might also consider Grinnell, Haverford, Swarthmore and Whitman.</p>
<p>with interesting people</p>
<p>Try U. of Chicago. Like Reed, a paragon of quirky and lively.</p>
<p>I liked Reed a lot back when I was looking at colleges (mainly because of the student body). I also really liked:</p>
<p>Wesleyan (ended being my first choice), Brown, Vassar, Carleton, Pomona, Oberlin, Occidental, Skidmore. Of those, Wes and Oberlin reminded me the most of Reed. Carleton also had a similarly quirky and intellectual, though less alternative, atmosphere.</p>
<p>I agree that UChicago is a possibility, as is Swarthmore. Those two, along with Reed, are often listed together as having similarly intense academic experiences, and both have quirky student bodies (though not in quite the same was as Reed, so you’ll have to see if they also appeal to you).</p>
<p>Some other possibilities: Pitzer, Grinnell, Colorado College. If you like the Portland area, I’ve heard good things about Lewis + Clark as well, and it might serve as a good match or safety. </p>
<p>On the more alternative side, Hampshire, Evergreen State and Bard have overlap with Reed.</p>
<p>I love the idea of Reed, I plan on applying as a transfer for Fall 09 and wanted to start compiling a list of schools similar to Reed, so I appreciate everyone's contributions. I was definitely thinking Pitzer.</p>
<p>With a school like Swarthmore, I can see how the comparisson can be made in terms of the rigorous academics, but are the student bodies similar in being fun and quirky. I've read college guide books, and they always state Swarthmore as having more of a student body who are all about studying and school.</p>
<p>It is pretty hard to categorize Reed along with other schools, but here are some schools I applied to and I know many other class of 2012ers also applied to...</p>
<p>Macalester
Oberlin (this place especially...)
Bard
Wesleyan
Carleton
Swarthmore
Lewis & Clark
UChicago
Hampshire
Grinnell</p>
<p>
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but are the student bodies similar in being fun and quirky. I've read college guide books, and they always state Swarthmore as having more of a student body who are all about studying and school.
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<p>This depends on who you ask...some say that the student body is slightly quirky but focused on school, others would say its in the fun and quirky catagory. I think it would be worth looking into more for you (either visit before application go out, or maybe, if you can't do that, apply and then visit if you get in), though if you come up with a good list of other schools you love, it might not be.</p>
<p>I think Reed and Swat students are roughly equal in how focused they are on studying. You have to be highly focused to make it through Reed, pass your Junior Quals, write your thesis, and make it through your Oral defense. </p>
<p>In my experience Swat kids are less quirky than Reedies, a little more conservative in how they dress, and also seemingly more well-balanced in how they live their lives and handle their work loads.</p>
<p>In addition to those mentioned so far, St. John's College and Reed are similar in that both are distinctive and unusual.</p>
<p>Another possibility: Sarah Lawrence.</p>
<p>As a fellow Reed-infatuate, my meanderings through online resources have lead me to the perception that the University of Chicago and Swarthmore College are most similar to Reed. </p>
<p>U-Chicago is less focused on the humanities (more in economics, sciences... not that a philosophy major like myself wouldn't find excellent resources), and a less left-wing, liberal culture (not conservative, just more moderate).</p>
<p>Swarthmore seems to have more a New England, "preppy"-ISH (emphasis on the ISH) culture, and likes to emphasizes its very diverse student body. Swarthmore's top departments seem to be Political Science and (maybe) English.</p>
<p>Reed's quirky atmosphere is its defining characteristic among this trio, and its curriculum has an emphasis on the humanities.</p>
<p>The common bond between the three colleges is an emphasis on ACADEMICS and MORE ACADEMICS, (which is why I'm excitedly applying to all three). :)</p>
<p>Good luck in your search.</p>
<p>Some of us add Carleton, Grinnell and Oberlin as attracting some similar students, especially those attracted by academics.</p>
<p>I am applying for Reed this year from Vietnam (wanna be the first VNese here, how cool is it!!!). So can any Reedie here look through my personal statement and leave some comments abt the content ?</p>
<p>I'm applying to reed this year too, although I'm not sure I'm qualified to look @ an essay. For anyone looking at reed I would also suggest Bennington College in Vermont, they have a very cool open curriculum progressive learning agenda like reed seems to have. Also it is statistically easier to get into Bennington, which is always a plus.</p>
<p>Reed does not have an open curriculum. From what I can tell it has plenty of requirements and has a fairly classical curriculum.</p>
<p>I know but they seem to have a "progressive learning environment" because of their evaluations, not grades. I mean the programs at each school are very different but the feeling is the same - trying to get kids to love learning, not competition. Maybe I'm wrong, that's the feeling I got when I was applying.</p>