<p>i just visited reed college in portland and whitman in walla walla, washington. loved whitman, but i'm still having a hard time convincing my dad that it's reputable and he won't consider letting me apply early. advice? </p>
<p>i'd also love to hear some input about reed's weirdness...our tour guide sucked and basically told me i wasn't weird enough to go there. i talked to a friend of mine who's a student at reed and he told me they specifically choose really 'different' people to give campus tours. why? so how do i know if i'll fit in? the academics were clearly incredible and i loved the campus... not sure what to do</p>
<p>I would say spend the night at Reed and talk to as many students as you can. Sit on on some classes. Do the same at Whitman. That should help you decide.</p>
<p>Why not apply to several schools? Once you're accepted, you can do more in-depth exploration. One good way to find out more about the school is by eating wherever folks are eating--in the cafe or coffee shop. Eavesdrop & see if you can join in conversations. In any case, you may change a great deal between now & spring of senior year and your idea of which school will be the best fit may also change.<br>
It is difficult to predict acceptances & any merit/financial awards without applying anyway.</p>
<p>Both Whitman and Reed are great schools. I agree with HImom--apply to several and you will have more time to consider what you really want and which one "feels" right. You should talk to your friend at Reed more about how they feel someone like you will fit in.
I am fairly familiar with Reed and my impression is that "mainstream" moderate to liberal kids fit in fine, while conservatives--especially religious conservatives--may have a tougher time. You do have to be accepting of those who are openly wierd, but they do not make up the whole student body. I think students differ some by major, also. I have had dinner with dozens of chemistry majors and most look completely "normal"--like they would fit in on any campus. A couple have had piercings, and a couple flamboyant hairdos, but even those were not extreme.</p>
<p>Have to agree with Nwestmom. Most people would fit in at Reed, as long as they are open to difference.</p>
<p>As for Whitman, it's a great school with an excellent reputation with grad schools and employers, so it is a reputable school. If it matters, and you Dad is only convinced by numbers, buy a USN College Ranking Guide and show him the test averages of Whitman and compare them to other top-tier national liberal arts colleges and national universities.</p>
<p>Whitman tends to be easier to get into, but if you have good scores, recs, and a B+ to A- average, I'd suggest applying during the RD round--so as not to upset your Dad, and curtail the chance of having a peaceful senior year.</p>
<p>Since you're in that neck 'o the woods, why not also consider Willamette University, Lewis and Clark College. There's also George Fox University, which is a sleeper.</p>