Transferring to Reed

Colleges and Universities A-Z Reed College
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<p>Tried to avoid this site, but knowing there are dedicated Reedies who are here to help, I figure it can't hurt.</p>

<p>My situation:</p>

<p>I am attempting to transfer to Reed from an enormous, reputable state school. I previously applied to Reed in 2010 as a high school senior and was rejected. My college GPA is something above a 3.7. Entering my current school without the intention to transfer, by the time I'd decided to I had amassed 90 quarter credits (30 from AP) and am currently taking a quarter off. </p>

<p>I'd like to continue in the English department at Reed. My English GPA is 3.85, maybe higher, and I've done well academically.</p>

<p>I'm sure I have a few credits that won't transfer - at least ten from AP, and my AP Econ looks like it will amount to 1 Reed credit (4's on both tests), so if accepted I'm pretty sure I'll be a sophomore, though I'm going back to my current school to retain my student status if Reed doesn't work out, and will try to take classes that I'll be able to transfer over. Unfortunately, I'm mostly taking upper-level courses that Reed will probably want me to take there (especially in English). I've yet to take a lab science class. Is it a good idea for me to get that out of the way since I still need more science credits at my current school and it might be more difficult at Reed (my school offers science classes that are pretty soft, b.s.-y ones)? At the same time, I'd be taking it in a 200+ student hideous lecture class and I might benefit from the smaller environment at Reed. </p>

<p>I know generally how transfer candidates are evaluated, but is there more insight anyone can offer? For example, when I was looking at Pomona College it seemed like most transfers were from similar Liberal Arts schools (perhaps even Reed), and other highly regarded institutions. Is Reed different in this sense, or are they looking for students who they are sure can perform at Reed's level of rigor? I know many freshman prospies have excellent academic records and so they look very closely at the Why Reed essay and personality. What is most important in transfer applicants?</p>

<p>I've tried to build my case on my application largely as "achieved scholar seeks more freedom" and also played heavily on the fact that most Reedies operate on the same intellectual plane (though I've tried to avoid "intellectual" as it seems like a platitude in Reed language) as that has - not being snooty - been a large problem at my current school. I integrated this part by showing my attraction to HUM 110 as a core curriculum that requires the same experience of all students, even if it doesn't exactly lead to the same love of literature I have. </p>

<p>Did I do things right? I'm kind of in an odd place for a transfer I feel, but I really want to continue my education at Reed and have tried to show that without getting on my knees and begging.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for any responses.</p>

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<p>you seem to have put yourself in a very good position but i cant help you out too much sorry</p>

3

<p>Anything? 5 days left, and going to submit the rest of my app very soon - the deadline approaches. Only thing I’ve been given is a PM advising me to “get the idea of Reed out of your head”.</p>

4

<p>I think the biggest factor in transfer admissions is how well you’ve done at the college level, which for you seems like it’s been pretty great. I think of freshman admissions as trying to determine what the student’s potential for achievement is based on several factors, while transfer admissions looks at your actual college track record. They are looking for ‘students who they are sure can perform at Reed’s level of rigor’ but that can come from a variety of places. Many transfer students come from Portland State or Portland Community College, so I don’t think public vs private matters too much as long as you distinguish yourself.</p>

<p>Students tend to lose some credits when transferring to Reed, so you are probably correct in assuming you’d be a sophomore (maybe 2nd semester soph. if you’re lucky?). However if you are admitted and they aren’t accepting classes that you think they should (that aren’t considered “professional, technical, vocational, or remedial courses”), feel free to challenge the transcript evaluation. It’s a good idea to keep the course descriptions and syllabi for each course you’ve taken so far. More about transfer admission here: [Reed</a> College | Catalog](<a href=“http://www.reed.edu/catalog/programs/dept_majors/eng.html]Reed”>English - Catalog - Reed College) and [Reed</a> College | Admission | Reed College Admission Office](<a href=“Apply - Admission - Reed College”>Apply - Admission - Reed College) </p>

<p>You are also correct in assuming that most depts want students to do the majority of their coursework at Reed and impose various limitations on how many transfer credits can be used to fulfill major reqs. So I’d inquire directly with admissions and the English dept to see what might/might not count towards your major and if there is a limit. </p>

<p>YES, TAKE YOUR LAB SCIENCE THERE. Intro science classes at Reed are notoriously difficult and if that is not your jive, get it out of the way now. They are also rather large lecture courses even at Reed so don’t worry about that. It has to be a lab-based and at least 12 credits/ 3 quarters/ equivalent to being year-long (6 quarter credits = 1 Reed unit). Reed offers Intro Bio, Chem, and Physics and accepts Geology transfers as long as it has an appropriate lab req, so I’d suggest going with one of those. Another thing transfer students often get hung up on is language requirements for certain departments (some require 2 years)… I guess the divisional req for English majors is 2 courses in foreign lit? [Reed</a> College | Catalog](<a href=“http://www.reed.edu/catalog/programs/div_ll.html]Reed”>Division of Literature and Languages - Catalog - Reed College) </p>

<p>Your angle for your Why Reed essay sounds fine. I think there’s nothing wrong with saying your current school doesn’t meet your academic/curiosity/intellectual needs, as long as you don’t start bashing the school. The majority of people transfer because they feel Reed will give them something their current school doesn’t.</p>

<p>FYI, here’s a basic breakdown of how Reed evaluates (largely freshman) candidates:
“Every application is rated according to five criteria— some data-driven, others more subjective:
Courses taken in high school, based on rigor of classes and curriculum;
Grades, class rank, and standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT;
Personal character and intellect, based on interviews and recommendations;
Essays and application essays;
Involvement, such as extracurriculars and community service.”
[Reed</a> Magazine: Many Apply. Few are Chosen. (5/5)](<a href=“http://www.reed.edu/reed_magazine/spring2008/features/many_apply/5.html]Reed”>Reed Magazine: Many Apply. Few are Chosen. (5/5)) </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>