<p>Hey :) I visited Reed yesterday and I've been reading about it. It's slowly becoming my top choice, but I'm trying to expand my list. So what colleges did you think were similar at all? Also, for Reedies, did you feel that Reed met your financial need and was worth it?</p>
<p>Regarding similar colleges, see the Reed vs ___ threads. I think Reedies tend to apply to other LACs or elite universities, but similarity seems to be primarily in the eye of the beholder. If you elaborated on what factors attract you to Reed and what you find important in a college, then perhaps I/we could be of more help.</p>
<p>I did feel like Reed met my financial need overall, though my first year there was a little rough cuz the breadwinner lost his job and a re-evaluation didn’t help much (but it was still miles ahead of other schools). But after that, the financial aid was pretty generous. I certainly felt like it was worth my time, money, and energy. Reed is awesome and you should definitely apply.</p>
<p>Thanks! I definitely will apply 
Some of the things I’m looking for in a college are:
-Intelligent, focused students who love learning for the sale of learning, and aren’t that preprofessional or lazy
-Great academics
-Close-knit and friendly community with students who are happy to be at the school
-Very socially liberal, not religious. Vegan friendly! (This one is kind of important)
-Preferably on the west coast or in the northeast, and not too isolated</p>
<p>My list so far:</p>
<p>Wesleyan
Vassar
Reed
Oberlin
Pitzer (?)
Bard (?)
Bryn Mawr (?)
Smith (?)
Skidmore? (Don’t know too much about it)
Lewis and Clark (it’s a free app, I liked the tour okay, and it’s in Portland. I couldn’t see myself there, though. It didn’t seem very intellectual)
UC Santa Cruz (and other UCs, although I haven’t decided which)</p>
<p>I’m not too interested in UC Santa Cruz or Lewis and Clark as my safeties, though 
I’m mainly focusing on finding more coed matches, or maybe reaches that are more realistic. I have a 3.5 UW (from a very competitive public school and with a huge upward trend) and a ~2200 SAT. I’m planning to visit some northeast colleges this spring break, so if anyone has any suggestions for that…? :)</p>
<p>*sake, not sale! Also, another thing that’s important to me is that social life doesn’t revolve around partying, alcohol, etc. and that sports and Greek life aren’t too prevalent</p>