Outreach Programs
How do I apply?
Admission to the program is highly competitive. The admission process requires completion of the application forms by the stated deadlines. Applicants should forward the following required components directly to the Reed special programs office:
Download Forms:
Applicants, counselors and teachers may download and fill out the forms electronically. (Please use Adobe Reader to complete the forms.) Either complete, print and mail the completed forms to the Office of Special Programs, or send as an email attachment:
Important: Notification about receipt of applications and interview scheduling will be sent via email from the director.
- Application for participation and personal statements.
- A graded paper or exam from the field, or related area, that the student wishes to pursue at Reed.
- One high-school counselor recommendation.
- Two teacher recommendations. (Students should obtain recommendations from teachers who have taught them in a subject related to the course they wish to take at Reed.)
- Current high-school transcript. (Students should request their high schools to send an official sealed or electronic copy directed to Reed's special programs office.)
- Transcripts for any college work completed, if relevant.
- Scores of SAT, ACT, or PSAT tests, if available. (If the test scores are not recorded on the high-school transcript, the college counselor may note the scores on the recommendation form.)
After all forms have been received, the director of special programs will contact the applicant via email to arrange a required interview. Please be sure to note clearly and accurately your email address in the requested space on the application form.
Testimonials
I came into this program expecting it to take a lot of effort, but I think that the biggest difference from my high school classes was the fact that I had to find new ways to work harder. It wasn't enough to simply spend more hours looking at a proof. I had to analyze a concept from several different perspectives before I really understood and could use it.
-Mzuri Handlin '08
YS in mathematics
Biology at Reed was much more interesting because of what we had access to. For one lab, we trekked through the Reed canyon to catch fish while wearing hip-boots! I liked how the data we collected in lab was real. By workig on the labs, I actually understood how my data had an effect in the real world.
—Jessica Tran '12 Reed B.A.
YS in biology
The opportunity to participate in classroom discussions around a conference table made the educational experience very personal. I felt that my ideas and opinions were heard and regarded much more than I experienced in my high school classes.
-Phung Phan '07
YS in Latin
2013-2014 Deadlines
Preference is given to applications received and completed by April 1, 2013, for admission to fall, 2013 semester courses. Notification of acceptance will be mailed in early June. No applications for fall semester will be accepted after June 30, 2013. Occasionally there are openings for spring semester enrollment; interested students should complete an application by December 1, 2013 for entrance in mid-January, 2014.
An application will not be evaluated until the special programs office has received all required information.
Scheduling an Interview
All applicants to the Young Scholars program are required to interview with the director of special programs. This informal interview is an opportunity for you to address any outstanding questions from your application, and to learn more about course selection and the college in general.
The director of special programs will notify you via email when your application is complete. At that time, you will receive a password and instructions on accessing the interview appointment schedule.
The office of special programs is in Eliot Hall, room 422. Eliot Hall is the large, Tudor Gothic building that faces Woodstock Blvd. with the flag pole out front.