<p>I'm currently a Literature major at a community college hoping to transfer to a liberal arts college. I've had my eye on Reed for awhile now--it's one of my top 3. From what I've researched so far, the intellectual, "eccentric" atmosphere is just what I'm looking for--and I heard it has a wonderful writing program, which is ideal for me as an aspiring writer. </p>
<p>My GPA is fairly low -- 2.7. But before anyone tells me what I probably already know (yes, I look way beyond the horizon), please read on a little more. This is what I'm writing in the "additional comments" box on the application essay: </p>
<p>"During my first year at ____ , I felt that my special intellectual curiosity could not be supplied for. Instead of attending classes, I'd hide in libraries, indulging in Kafka and Salinger and daydreaming of running away to New York to become a writer. Along with a history of depression and dealing with the death of a boyfriend, I experienced a series of existential crises. This, more or less, lead to my mixed academic record. But this last spring, with the help of therapy and solace from my Literature professors, I realized that this was only temporary--and that there were many like-minded individuals out there. Having compromised my idealistic soul to work hard during my remaining time at _____ , I believe that I'll progress to my desired place in the world."</p>
<p>(If you'd care to read my whole essay, please message me.)</p>
<p>I did some quick calculations. If I retake the classes I did poorly in, and get A's in all my other ones-- I should get up to a 3.2gpa by the end of spring quarter. </p>
<p>Do I still have a shot at Reed? Will it not hurt just to try? I'm going to be applying to Lewis & Clark and Sarah Lawrence as well--if that gives you an idea of my other (more realistic?) choices. </p>
<p>Anyway I am going to fly to Portland over break. I've already set up an interview and tour with L&C, but I don't know if I should even bother with Reed. Please be honest, and empathetic. Thank you in advance.</p>
<p>Hi Pennylane17,
I visited both Reed and Lewis and Clark with my son, and I think both are fabulous. I think you should apply to any school that “sings” to you. Like my mom says about the lottery, you can’t win if you don’t play. And you have such a strong desire. Here is a suggestion: (I am a high school English teacher.) </p>
<p>“During my first year at ____ , I felt that my special intellectual curiosity could not be supplied for.”</p>
<p>“supplied for” sounds like a weak translation of “satisfied.” I would tweak that if you haven’t already sent it.</p>
<p>Yes you can tour L & C , & Reed on same day.
But I would really tweak your essay- I don’t know grammar so I can’t elaborate much, but clear & concise writing is always best.</p>
<p>You may be helped if you can get strong recommendations from your Lit professors- although your GPA hurts you.
All the schools you are looking at are expensive & I believe are all need aware.
How much financial aid will you need?</p>
<p>I will say I expecting transferring into Reed may be more difficult than other schools.
At Reed all freshman take the same HUM110 course & it is very important-
</p>
<p>Will you finish with an AA certificate?
Transferring into Reed as a junior means you will have to ramp up your academics quickly in order to take your qualifying exam towards end of jr year ( to prepare you for your senior year thesis)
It may be a better idea to transfer as a sophomore.
[Reed</a> College | Admission | Reed College Admission Office](<a href=“http://www.reed.edu/apply/applying_to_reed/transfer.html]Reed”>http://www.reed.edu/apply/applying_to_reed/transfer.html)</p>
<p>If you have time, it could be a good idea to take the SATs. If you do reasonably well, you could reference that to show that you do have more academic promise than your transcript would suggest.</p>
<p>Things you probably already know: you have a fairly low GPA at a community college that probably isn’t nearly as rigorous as Reed so Admissions might wonder how you’d manage Reed’s academics, transfer admissions is much more competitive at Reed than regular admission, and it seems like for transfers, Admissions cares more about recent college academics than past high school achievement.</p>
<p>It sounds bleak but it never hurts to give it a try. I also know that admissions has taken “risks” in the past on some transfer students who didn’t think they had a shot, so who knows? Your GPA could possibly be overcome by some amazing recommendations and essays, a good interview, possibly high test scores and a good record in HS, or anything else that might indicate that this is a fluke. If you think you might do better than you did in HS on your SAT/ACT or SAT IIs, retake them. Obviously, if you’ve never taken them, you should.</p>
<p>Depending on when your term ends, I don’t know if your spring transcript with your improved GPA would arrive before they make admissions decisions (April). Also, to be very blunt, your explanation of special circumstances kind of seems like you’re trying too hard to sound smart and ends up kind of making light of some serious stuff that no doubt was a huge contributing factor to your grades. I would take emeraldkitty’s advice and be more clear and concise. Also, you can address the lack of challenging courses/motivation in your essay for why you want to leave your current institution (which shouldn’t strictly be ragging on your CC but also demonstrating why Reed is a better fit).</p>
<p>If you don’t get in, you could retake the classes you did poorly in, try to get all As and reapply next year. I am a transfer student who ended up waiting a year to apply so I could better “prove” my academic potential. Admissions likes to see that you have continued interest and continued upward progress.</p>
<p>Just to be on the safe side, I’d also add another school to your list that you know you would have nearly guaranteed acceptance to. All 3 of the schools you are applying to are pretty competitive and even more so for transfers. If you want to be in the Portland area, you could try Pacific University. They are a less competitive LAC with a good English program.</p>