<p>Okay, so, I got information from Whitman today. I was so totally waitlisted. Now, I thought this would be a big deal and whatever (Whitman was my first choice for like, ever) but, really, I'm cool with it. They don't want me, I don't need to worry, yanno? Plus, finances are so tight I don't think it would be fair to my family to deposit at another school and stay on the waitlist because I probably won't get much aid and then would be tempted to go if I ended up getting admitted. Its a great school but there's obviously a reason that it didn't work out. ^_^</p>
<p>Anyway, so Reed is looking like my very clear first choice (I'll definitely be arranging a visit ASAP) and I was just wondering what sort of experiences people have had with the school? I've been following the LJ and I've also done a few forum searches, but I guess I was just wondering what people think. Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>Its amazing how things work out in the end.</p>
<p>Look up posts by EmeraldKity. Her D goes there.
I've been totally awed by Reed graduates myself, so I congratulate you on your acceptance. It's much better known nationally than Whitman.</p>
<p>The new, young college counselor at my son's school went to Reed. She is awesome! She's articulate, intelligent, warm and personable, the kids and parents alike love her.
When I graduated high school (back in the stone age) the most literary student went to Reed. She had an amazing style and the best wit. I think the people you will meet there will be intelligent and independent minded. I agree with marite - never met a dull grad.
Reed's known to be very rigorous - not for slackers of any kind. I think if it's liberal arts you're after, you will get a fabulous education.</p>
<p>I dunno- I haven't seen Whitman - and I do know that lots of people love it- my daughter didn't want to apply because in middle school ( we are in washington) they studied the Whitmans for Wa state history and she never wanted to hear their names uttered again!</p>
<p>She does love Reed though- it is probably less emotionally supportive than Whitman- but she has grown a lot and I wouldn't say that it isn't supportive- afterall her profs are very accessible and she has aquirred a very solid group of friends who are seeing her through taking her senior year off. ( note this if nothing else- Reed * deserves* its reputation for challenging studies.)
From what I have heard about some other LACs including Whitman- that wouldn't have been such an issue there- but live and learn.
Portland is also a great city- I really love Portland
another thing- you won't need a car in Portland. at all.
save you money.
Very small school- if you want to change majors like to Italian or education, you would have to go someplace else.
She is a biology major- very strong in sciences- and in fields that involve a lot of writing ( english- phil-poli sci)
very small theatre/music/arts depts but that also means you can take over in areas where you might not get to in a bigger school.Reed will give you depth and breadth through their strict requirements ( like HUM110) and if you want to attend grad school at some point it can't be beat.</p>
<p>Thank you so much everyone! I really am honored to have been accepted at such an excellent school! ^_^ I'm always so impressed at what I hear about it, especially that it keeps sounding more and more like the college I've always dreamed of. </p>
<p>Here's something that I'm up against though... my dad is still enamoured with Linfield, even if he isn't saying it straight up. He's convinced I'm not going to work hard enough to and am going to end up "wasting 100k on an education that will get me nowhere". Now, I have no clue where this is coming from. :/ I'm a really hardworking student who recieves straight A's (by choice rather than "college need") and who's taken the hardest class set high school had to offer (once again, by choice). Basically, I guess, does anyone know anything I can show him to help convince him that Reed is so worth it? I don't think his problem is me failing as much as he just plain doesn't believe any school is worth 26k a year. :/ </p>
<p>Reed graduates have gotten into Ph.D. programs at HYP, etc... and some are now profs at HYP. Before getting onto CC, I'd never heard of Linfield.</p>
<p>well I don't know what your field is- but I imagine if you are interested in Reed you are interested in continuing to grad school
Reed is in the top 10% of students attaining a Ph.d , in all fields- have your dad ask Linfield how many students recieve a Ph.d
<a href="http://web.reed.edu/ir/phd.html%5B/url%5D">http://web.reed.edu/ir/phd.html</a>
My daughter toured Linfield and it is my impression that you would not be challenged. She was not the type to get As generally in high school and she felt that Linfield was just like high school ( except in a smaller town)</p>
<p>I went to Reed and loved it. It helps if you like to study and are inclined toward all things intellectual and academic; I found the rigor incredibly stimulating, and when I did well, I felt as if I'd really accomplished something. As for whether Reed is worth the cost, this really depends on what you want out of your education. But Reed is very highly regarded in academic circles, and their placement rate in top graduate programs (of all sorts) is very strong; this is particularly true if you distinguish yourself at Reed, not just because good graduate programs always look for top students, but also because these programs know that grade inflation does not exist at Reed. As other posters have noted, Reed produces a lot of Ph.d's (a fact that impresses some and leaves others cold) but nobody has mentioned that Reed is near the top of the list of colleges and universities that have produced the most Rhodes scholars, an amazing feat for such a small college. One particular virtue of a Reed education is the independence it engenders and fosters in its students. Reed gives its students a lot of responsibility, a fact that can be both scary and, ultimately, very gratifying. The fact that I wrote a 100-page thesis as a 20-year-old still boggles my mind a bit, and it's an experience I will always be grateful for. Good luck with your choice. You sound like a smart, grounded person who is open to new experiences and willing to work hard; in my experience, these traits marked the people who were best at sidestepping Reed's particular pitfalls and making the most out of a distinctive and challenging environment. Good luck.</p>
<p>I have no personal experience with Reed or Linfield; however, I live in Oregon, so I do hear things about both. Around here, if someone says they go to Linfield, the reaction is, "That's nice. good school." If someone says they go to Reed, it is more like,"Wow! You must be smart. That's a tough school!" Reed definitely gets more respect, and I feel it would probably open more doors for you in the future.</p>
<p>Whitney- you come across as a very mature and thoughtful person. I'm sure you'd be well prepared to handle the rigors of Reed. Sounds like your father is having trouble reconciling the fact that you prefer Reed over Linfield. Please let us know how your visit goes. BTW, excellent post on the Whitman thread!</p>
<p>Whitney, from reading your posts it seems that you REALLY enjoy learning for the sake of learning. You are probably sometimes frustrated with your high school classmates because they don't (all) share your passion. Go to Reed. It wasn't the right place for me for various reasons (which I have posted on other threads) but you will find many people there who are much like you, in terms of their level of intellectual curiosity. I just don't think you'd find that at Linfield. </p>
<p>Whitney - Time to have another heart to heart with your Dad about the money issue. It sounds like he may be embarrassed to tell you that he just can't afford more than Linfield will cost.</p>
<p>That said, is there any way your dad could sit in on a class at both Reed and Linfield? I think both he and you will quickly realize that the difference is huge. From what you have told us in the past, sounds like Reed will be much more challenging and satisfying for you! </p>
<p>Best of luck making this decision --- I will keep my fingers crossed that your Dad will come around.</p>
<p>Once again, thank you everyone! I'm totally flattered by all of your glowing compliments. </p>
<p>I'm really looking forward to visiting Reed! I just need to be home at a time I can actually contact the admissions office. >.<;; Its really hard for some reason. </p>
<p>I'm going to be talking to my dad again soon, and this time its going to be with my mom too. Hopefully that will go better. My mom is totally supportive of this. Plus, everyone I talk to seems to brighten up when they hear the word "Reed". They all keep commenting about how much we "match".</p>
<p>They will let you spend the night but will be shutting that down by May 2 as they start preparing for exams then. "The admission office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., throughout the year. You may schedule a campus visit by calling Kristine Sawicki, our visit coordinator in the admission office, at 800/547-4750. When possible, we would appreciate two weeks notice." </p>
<p>Good luck. You'll know within a few hours of visiting if you were born to be a Reedie or not. Actually, it sounds as if you already know. My D only confirmed it with her visit--she knew the 1st time she saw their view book that she was a Reedie!</p>
<p>Let us know if you go--maybe you & my D can exchange e-mail etc.</p>
<p>I agree with metermaid. A visit will tell you all that you need to know. Reed is a very different school. If you fit, there is no better. Good luck.</p>