Admission

Application tips

physics chemistry

More detailed application instructions are in the Reed College Application instructions and checklist.

1) The application form:

  • Provide your full legal name on every item you submit.  Use your legal name as it appears on the application form to ensure that credentials are matched appropriately.
  • Supply all information requested to the best of your ability.  This will help the Admission Committee build a clearer picture of you.

2) The Personal Essay:

  • Follow instructions for the Personal Essay provided on the Common Application. 

3) The “Why Reed?” Essay:

4) Graded writing sample:

  • Note the instructions on the Reed Application instructions and checklist. 
  • The writing sample should include instructor's grade or comments. 
  • Submitted materials become the property of the college and will not be returned; send a photocopy, not the original.

5) Application fee ($50):

  • To pay the fee by credit card, go to the Common Application fee payment site. Register or login and follow the instructions for paying the fee online.
  • Or, if paying by check or money order, make it payable to Reed College and include the applicant’s full legal name.
  • Your application will not be evaluated until the fee requirement has been satisfied.

6) School Report:

  • The School Report must include a letter of recommendation from your counselor, or a narrative written in the space provided on the form. 
  • Transfer applicants should submit the College Official's Report, not the School Report.

7) High school and college transcripts:

  • Official transcripts with the school seal are required for every applicant from every school attended.
  • If you have graduated from high school, a final transcript showing your graduation date is required. 
  • If you have taken (or plan to take) the GED, an official copy of your scores is required.

8) Mid-Year Report:

  • This requirement can be met by receipt of either an official transcript showing first semester (or trimester) grades or by the specific form (including grades) completed by your high school counselor. 
  • Transfer applicants should not submit this form.

9) Teacher Recommendations:

  • Two recommendations from different academic disciplines are required and must include a letter or narrative written in the space provided on the form. 
  • A recommendation from a teacher who also serves as a counselor can satisfy either the counselor recommendation or teacher recommendation requirement, but not both. 
  • Transfer candidates must supply at least one recommendation from a college-level instructor.

10) Test scores:

  • Results of one the SAT I or ACT is required of all applicants (with no preference given to either). 
  • When scheduling tests, applicants must ensure that their scores will be available prior to the application deadline.
  • Scores must come directly from the testing agency or from your official high school transcript. 
  • SAT II tests are optional.
  • Reed recommends that applicants for whom English is not a first language who score below 600 on the SAT Critical Reading section take the TOEFL or IELTS.
  • SAT Code for Reed is 4654; ACT code for Reed is 3494.