Admission
Applying to Reed
Application Process and Timeline
Applying to Reed: General Information (for all applicants)
First-Year Applicants
Early Decision
Early Admission
Transfer Applicants
International Students
Home-Schooled Candidates
Reapplying to Reed
Frequently Asked Questions
Check Application Status
Financial Aid
One of the questions admission representatives are most frequently asked is, "What kind of student are you looking for at Reed?" There is no simple answer. Reed welcomes applications from freshman and transfer candidates who are passionate about learning, excited by ideas, oriented toward independent thought, and eager to enter an intellectual community that emphasizes student-faculty collaboration.
Admission decisions are based on many factors, but academic accomplishments are given the greatest weight in the selection process. A strong secondary school preparation, including honors and advanced courses where available, will improve a student's chance for admission. Given the wide variation in high school programs, however, there are no fixed requirements for secondary school courses. There are no "cutoff points" for high school or college grades, or for examination scores.
Reed recognizes that qualities of character -- in particular, motivation, intellectual curiosity, individual responsibility, and social consciousness -- are important considerations in the selection process, in addition to a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence. The college is committed to maintaining a student body distinguished by its intellectual passion, yet diverse in its range of backgrounds, interests, and talents.
Application Process and Timeline
The Admission Committee reviews applications on a defined schedule and will notify completed applicants of the admission decision by the date specified below.
All required application items must be received in the admission office before the Admission Committee will begin reviewing your application. Items required to complete an application are listed in the application instructions below.
Admission application deadlines
| Applications Due (postmarked by) |
Decisions Mailed (for complete applications) |
Deadline to Request Optional Interview | |
| First-year admission: | |||
| Early Decision I | November 15 | December 15 | October 25 |
| Early Decision II | December 20 | February 1 | December 1 |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | late March | January 1 |
| Transfer | March 1 | by May 15 | March 1 |
Financial Aid deadlines
| File the 2013-14 PROFILE &, if applicable, Noncustodial PROFILE with CSS by: |
File the 2013-14 FAFSA with the federal processor by: | File student & parent 2012 federal tax forms & W-2s & Verification Worksheet with IDOC by: | |
| Early Decision I | November 1 | February 1 | April 15 |
| Early Decision II | December 1 | February 1 | |
| Regular Decision | February 1 | February 1 | |
| Transfer | March 1 | March 1 |
Applying to Reed: General Information
Application Forms
Reed College is an exclusive user of The Common Application. All required forms to complete the application are available at www.commonapp.org.
Required Tests
All applicants for admission are required to submit the results of the SAT or the ACT. There is no preference for either the SAT or ACT. With the SAT, Reed will use the highest Reading, Math, and Writing subscores, if results from different testing dates are submitted. With the ACT, Reed uses the single highest composite score, if multiple test results are submitted. SAT subject tests are optional.
When scheduling tests, applicants must ensure that their scores will be available prior to the application deadline; applicants should ask the appropriate testing agency to report the test scores directly to Reed. Reed’s codes for the tests are: SAT 4654, ACT 3494, TOEFL 4654.
Application Fee
The application fee is $50. Payment of the application fee may be made online, by personal check, or by money order. To pay the fee online, go to the Common Application fee payment site at www.commonapp.org. Register or log in and follow the instructions for paying the fee online. To pay by check or money order, send payment to Reed College Office of Admission, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97202–8199. Please put the applicant’s full name on the check. We will consider a fee waiver request in cases where the application fee poses a financial hardship. Such requests must be accompanied by either 1) a letter from your counselor indicating financial hardship, or 2) the completed Application for Fee Waiver Form, found at www.nacacnet.org, or the College Board Fee Waiver Form available from your high school counselor. All other fee waiver forms will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Financial Aid
Reed awards financial assistance to students according to financial need as determined by an analysis of the information submitted through the CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA (for US citizens). In order to be eligible for aid, students must submit all required forms by the appropriate deadlines established by the financial aid office. If you have questions, you may reach Reed’s financial aid office at 503/777-7223, 800/547-4750, or financial.aid@reed.edu.
Home-schooled, and other applicants who do not have a high school diploma should note that a GED or state certification is required in order to be eligible for federal financial aid.
For a more thorough account of financial aid at Reed, visit www.reed.edu/financialaid
Admission Interviews
Admission interviews are a recommended part of a student’s application to Reed. Interviews are available in three ways:
1) You can interview in conjunciton with a campus visit.
2) Admission representatives offer interviews in most major cities in the summer, fall, and early winter.
3) We may be able to arrange an interview for you with a Reed alumnus or alumna in or near your hometown.
For details on Reed admission interviews, please visit www.reed.edu/apply/contact/interviews.html.
Late Applications
Applicants should make every effort to submit the application by the published deadline. Under special circumstances, the Admission Committee will consider applications submitted after the deadlines. Any applicant wishing to submit a late application should call the admission office to discuss the request.
First-Year Applicants
All first-year applicants to Reed must submit the following documents:
- The Common Application First-Year Application Form (online or in paper form) with personal essay - To submit the application online, go to www.commonapp.org and follow instructions for applying to Reed. Be sure to submit all other required materials as listed below. If you submit your application online, do not also send a printed copy.
- Application fee ($50)
- School Report with counselor recommendation - Provide your school’s college counseling office with this form. Make sure your counselor knows that a recommendation is required. The same person may not write both the counselor recommendation and a teacher recommendation. Be sure to read the home-school guidelines, if applicable.
- High school transcript(s) to date - Ask your school(s) to send an official copy of your high school transcript(s) to date. Be sure to read the home-school guidelines, if applicable. If you have already completed high school, submit an official final transcript that includes your graduation date, or, if applicable, an official copy of your GED scores or state high school completion certificate.
- College transcripts - Submit official copies of transcripts from all the colleges you have attended, regardless of whether you want credit at Reed for these courses.
- SAT or ACT test scores - These scores must be sent to Reed by the testing agency or be recorded on your official high school transcript.
- Two teacher evaluations - Ask two teachers in different academic disciplines to write your recommendations and provide each with a teacher evaluation form. The same person may not write both the counselor recommendation and a teacher recommendation. Be sure to read the home-school guidelines, if applicable.
- Reed application supplement form with essays - In addition to the personal essay on the Common Application, be sure to prepare and send both of the following required essays with your full name written on each essay:
- “Why Reed?” essay - Reed is a unique and exciting college experience. Discuss the reasons you believe Reed would be an appropriate place to continue your education.
- Writing sample - Submit a photocopy of a recently written analytical or expository paper (in the English language) with grade and/or instructor’s comments. Lab reports do not fulfill this requirement.
If you are applying for financial aid, submit the appropriate forms to the processors by the appropriate deadlines.
For further required documents for Early Decision, Transfer, and Home-Schooled candidates, please see the appropriate section.
Early Decision
If Reed is your first-choice college and you are certain that you will attend Reed if admitted, you are invited to apply under our Early Decision (ED) plan. ED is binding; by definition, it is the application process in which students make a commitment to a first-choice institution, and if admitted, commit to withdraw all other applications to other institutions and enroll at that institution. While pursuing admission under an ED plan, students may apply to other institutions, but may have only one ED application pending at any time. At Reed, there is no difference between applying ED I and ED II other than the application deadline and notification date.
- There is no ED option for Early Admission or Transfer applicants. (See below for more information and definitions for Early Admission and Transfer applicants.)
- Non–U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents who plan to apply ED may only apply under the ED I deadline (November 15).
Early Decision applicants should submit the Common Application and application fee ($50) no later than November 15 (ED I) or December 20 (ED II).
In addition to the application forms listed above, ED applicants must submit the Common Application Early Decision Agreement form, signed by the applicant, parent/guardian, and counselor. The form is available at www.commonapp.org.
Be sure to note on ALL parts of your application, including the envelopes, that you are an Early Decision candidate.
Admission decisions will be mailed according to the timeline above. The Admission Committee will admit, postpone, or deny Early Decision applications. Postponed applications will be reviewed again with the Regular Decision applications in the spring. In such cases, the Early Decision agreement is cancelled, and the student may apply to other colleges. If your ED application is denied, you may not submit another application for fall 2013.
Early Admission
The Admission Committee will consider applications from high school students who wish to enter Reed before completing high school. At Reed this is called Early Admission. Early Admission candidates may not apply Early Decision. To be a viable Early Admission (EA) candidate, you should have an outstanding high school record and have exhausted the educational opportunities available to you at your high school. Early Admission applicants follow the application process for Regular Decision with one difference. The EA application must be accompanied by a letter from a high school counselor or principal supporting your plan to apply Early Admission.
Transfer Applicants
You are considered a transfer candidate if you have graduated from high school (or the equivalent), and by the time you would enroll at Reed you will have done any of the following:
- Completed one or more terms (such as quarter, trimester, or semester) as a full-time student at an institution of higher education
- Earned a minimum of six Reed units of allowable transfer credit (six Reed units are equivalent to 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours of credit)
- Received financial aid at an accredited institution of higher learning
Transfer applicants should submit the Common Application and application fee ($50) no later than March 1. Transfer applicants must submit the following:
- The Common Application Transfer Application Form (online or in paper form) with transfer personal essay - To submit the application online, go to www.commonapp.org and follow instructions for applying to Reed. Be sure to submit all other required materials as listed below. If you submit your application online, do not also send a printed copy.
- Application fee ($50)
- College Official’s Report - Follow the instructions on the form available for download at www.commonapp.org.
- Final high school transcript - Have your high school send an official copy of your high school transcript showing graduation date. If you attended more than one high school, have an official transcript sent from each school attended. If you were home-schooled, be sure to read the home-school guidelines later in these instructions. If applicable, send an official copy of your GED scores or state high school completion certificate.
- College transcripts - Submit official copies of transcripts from all the colleges you have attended.
- SAT or ACT test scores - If not recorded on your official high school transcript, these scores must be sent to Reed by the testing agency. SAT or ACT scores do not expire and are required of all transfer applicants without exception.
- Two instructor evaluations - Ask two college instructors to write your recommendation letters. If you cannot supply two college instructor evaluations, email appcoordinator@reed.edu for additional information.
- Reed application supplement form with essays - In addition to the transfer personal essay on the Common Application, be sure to prepare and send the following required essays with your full name written on each essay:
- “Why Reed?” essay - Reed is a unique and exciting college experience. Discuss the reasons you believe Reed would be an appropriate place to continue your education.
- Writing sample - Submit a photocopy of a recently written analytical or expository paper (in the English language) with grade and/or instructor’s comments. Lab reports do not fulfill this requirement.
- If you are not currently enrolled in college, please submit a brief statement addressing what you have been doing since last enrolled in formal schooling.
If you are applying for financial aid, submit the appropriate forms to the processors by March 1. For more details, see the financial aid website.
Admission decisions will be mailed May 15 to candidates whose applications are complete by April 1.
For further details on transferring to Reed, please visit this website.
International Students
You are considered an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, follow the instructions for your specific application type (Regular Decision, Transfer, etc.).
International applicants are required to submit scores from the SAT or ACT. In addition, international citizens who have an SAT critical reading score below 600 are strongly recommended to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
International citizens who are applying for financial aid must submit the CSS PROFILE. CSS PROFILE registration materials are available online at profileonline.collegeboard.com. The Reed College code for the PROFILE is 4654. Fee waivers for the CSS PROFILE are available through the Reed College Office of Financial Aid for students who qualify for an admission application fee waiver.
Early Decision
International applicants may apply under the Early Decision I admission timeline, but are not eligible to apply Early Decision II.
Home-Schooled Candidates
Although home-schooled applicants may not be able to submit everything we request, they should send as much information as possible about their academic background and capabilities. Listed below are suggestions for how to customize your materials to fulfill our requirements.
In order to help us best assess the fit for Reed, the application must include the following:
- The Common Application Home School Supplement, or a detailed outline of the home-school curriculum, including subject areas studied, texts used, and time spent on each discipline.
- A comprehensive list of the books and texts read over the last four years, including novels, textbooks, and other resources.
- An analytical writing sample (in addition to the personal essay on the Common Application form and “Why Reed?” essay). This does not have to be a graded assignment, or one used for coursework, but should be of an academic nature.
- The School Report form. Parents are often instrumental in the home-schooling process; they should complete the School Report form, if appropriate.
- At least one letter of recommendation from a tutor, evaluator, or teacher who is not a family member. A second letter of reference may come from an employer, supervisor, or any non-family member who can address important personal qualities such as responsibility, creativity, discipline, and initiative.
In order to strengthen the application, we suggest:
- An interview, either on campus or with an alumni admission representative in the student’s area. For details on Reed admission interviews, please visit www.reed.edu/apply/contact/alumni_interviews.html.
- We do not require the SAT Subject Tests, but we strongly recommend that home-schooled students submit three Subject Tests, preferably in mathematics and two subjects of the student’s choosing.
NOTE: Applicants who are home schooled at the secondary level are eligible to apply for financial aid. Home-schooled students who will not have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate but will have completed secondary school through home schooling (as defined by state law) should self-certify their high school completion status as “Homeschooled” on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Reapplying to Reed
First-Year Applicant
Students who were admitted to Reed under a previous application may reapply under the Early Decision or Regular Decision application type provided they have not fulfilled any one of the criteria listed below:
- Completed one or more terms (such as a quarter or semester) as a full-time student working toward a degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, or
- Received financial aid at an accredited institution of higher learning, or
- Earned six Reed units (24 semester or 36 quarter credit hours) of allowable transfer credit from an institution of higher learning.
If you have fulfilled any of the above, or you were not admitted under a previous first-year application, and want to reapply to Reed, you must do so as a Transfer. See section below.
First-year applicants who are reapplying to Reed should submit the Common Application and application fee following the deadlines for your application type.
The following items are required to complete the reapplication for first-year admission:
- The Common Application First-Year Application Form (online or in paper form) with personal essay
- Application fee ($50)
- School Report form with counselor recommendation - If submitted for your previous application, you do not need to resubmit this item.
- Final high school transcript - Have your high school send an official copy of your final high school transcript showing your graduation date. If you were home schooled, refer to the Home School section.
- One new teacher evaluation - Ask one teacher to write a recommendation and provide the teacher with the evaluation form. This evaluation must be from a different teacher than any recommendations you sent for your previous application. If you have questions about fulfilling this requirement, email appcoordinator@reed.edu.
- Reed application supplement form with essays - In addition to the personal essay on the Common Application form, prepare and send the following required essays with your full name written on each essay:
- “Why Reed?” essay (You answered this question the first time you applied; however, we are interested in hearing your current perspective.)
- Writing sample - If you submitted a graded writing sample with your previous application, you do not need to resubmit this item.
- Reapply statement - Submit a brief statement addressing what you have been doing since you last applied to Reed.
Admission decisions will be mailed following the timeline for the specific application type.
Transfer Applicant
Transfer applicants should submit the Common Application and application fee no later than March 1. The following items are required to complete the reapplication for transfer admission:
- The Common Application Transfer Application Form (online or in paper form) with personal essay
- Application fee ($50)
- College Official’s Report See the instructions in the Transfer section of this page.
- SAT or ACT test scores (If submitted for your previous application, there is no need to resubmit these unless you have taken the test again in the interim between applications.)
- Final high school transcript - Have your high school send an official copy of your final high school transcript showing your graduation date. If you were home schooled, refer to the Home Schooled section of this page. If you submitted your final high school transcript with your previous application, you do not need to submit it again.
- One new college instructor evaluation - This recommendation must come from an instructor of a college-level course. This evaluation must be from a different teacher than any recommendations you sent for your previous application. If you have questions about fulfilling this requirement, email appcoordinator@reed.edu.
- Reed application supplement form with essays - In addition to the personal essay on the Transfer Application form, prepare and send the three essays listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
This information complements the instructions that preceded this section of the page. Please read all relevant instructions fully. Submitted materials become part of your application file and will not be returned.
Application deadline: Does the deadline refer to postmark or to receipt date?
Your application should be submitted online or postmarked by the deadline. Submitting or postmarking before the deadline will expedite the processing of your application.
What if I’m having trouble getting part of my application in by the deadline?
It is essential that we have the form “First-Year Application” or “Transfer Application” and your application fee or official fee waiver request by the deadline. Supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, recommendations) can be submitted separately. All required items must be received in the admission office before the admission committee will begin reviewing the application.
How will I know that my application has been received?
We will acknowledge receipt of your application by email and postcard within 24 hours of recording it to our database. If you do not get a notice of receipt within two weeks of submitting your application, send an email to appcoordinator@reed.edu.
We will be communicating with you by email and want to be sure you receive our messages. Set your email spam filter to accept communication from Reed—in particular, from appcoordinator@reed.edu and admission@reed.edu.
Will I be told if my application is incomplete?
When your application has been recorded, we will send you an email and a postcard with the information needed to check the status of your application online. The status page will list the items required to complete your application, noting which items have been received. The admission committee may require additional information, so be sure to check your status regularly throughout the application process. NOTE: it is the applicant’s responsibility to check the status page to ensure the application is complete by the published deadline.
Does the presentation of my application matter?
Keep a few things in mind:
- Be sure to put your FULL LEGAL NAME on your application and on every piece of material that you submit.
- Be sure that your application is legible.
- Do not put your application or credentials in any type of a report cover or binder.
- If you are applying Early Decision, be sure to note “ED” on each document you send.
- Send as much information as possible in a single envelope to expedite processing.
Can I send other materials before I send my application?
Materials can be sent at any time before the deadline. Be sure to put your full legal name on every page.
You must submit the Common Application electronically if you intend to submit any other required items via Common Application Online. Items submitted through the Common Application Online will not be released to the college until after you have hit the final “submit” on your online application.
If I have questions about my application, whom/how do I ask?
You can email appcoordinator@reed.edu. Emails are always answered by the end of the next business day. It is more efficient for us to receive inquiries by email rather than by telephone.
I’m applying for financial aid. How do I get information about my financial aid application?
Your admission and financial aid applications are separate. For information about the status of your financial aid application, or if you have financial aid questions, contact the financial aid office at 800/547-4750 (option 1), 503/777-7223, or financial.aid@reed.edu.
May I send creative supplements?
Yes, though creative supplements do not affect the admission decision. Submitted materials become part of your application file and will not be returned. If you choose to submit a creative supplement, follow these directions:
- Do not send oversized items. Items should be no larger than 9 x 11 inches.
- Do not put items in any type of report cover or binder.
- Slides and/or photos may be placed in slide pockets that meet the size requirement (above).
- CDs/DVDs should be submitted in protective sleeves, not jewel cases.
Should I/can I submit certificates to show my participation in activities?
Please do not; we prefer not to receive activity certificates. The listing of your extracurricular activities on the application form is sufficient.