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Reed College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

See Reed College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Reed College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Reed College reviews, or contribute your own Reed College review if you're a current student there.

  • 11 out of 11 people found this review useful.

    Maya from Charlotte, VT

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    This school will teach you how to think independently and seek out your weak points in order to improve them.
    Will enjoy being here

    Tightly-knit student body with endless campus activities. The school is right in Portland, OR so off-campus events are easy to find as well.
    Bang for the buck

    One of the more expensive schools out there- but for a good reason. Their need-based aid program, however, ensures that people who deserve to be there can make it happen.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit! Reed has a great prospective student program that includes visiting multiple classes, staying the night in the dorms, eating lunch students, and opportunities to use the gym and other facilities. Find someone cool and tag along for a day or two beyond your visit- most staff don't mind and it will give you a chance to enjoy the weekend.
    Great for these types of students

    Perfect for students who like to squish their toes around in the mud in order a) see what it feels like, and b) forget why you did it in the first place. Reedies study hard all week long- don't expect many parties on a Tuesday or Wednesday. But, come the weekend, are ready for a release.

  • 10 out of 10 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Since most of the classes I’m taking are introductory classes—this is the case for most freshmen—I don’t get to delve as deep as I’d like to into certain subject matters until succeeding years. The other downside is that academics here focus more on theory than on practicality. For example, in math classes the professors emphasize proofs for why the equation is the way it is rather than applying that equation to real life situations. In spite of this, however, the courses cover enough topics that there’s bound to be something that catches my interest. The humanities class, for example, which all freshmen are required to take, covers everything from art to history to philosophy. My humanities professor really challenges us to think outside of the box by trying to get us to find evidence for both sides of an argument and not take a text at face-value. The lectures and conferences make me appreciate what I’m reading a lot more than if I had just buried my nose in the texts for a few hours. The small class sizes (about 15-20 students) also make it easier to participate in class, so you get to be more actively involved in what you are learning. What makes Reed unique is that it promotes learning for learning’s sake partly by deemphasizing the value of grades. Instead of a letter grade scrawled at the top of my papers I get extensive comments from my professors, which is really helpful because they tell me exactly what I did well on and what needs more work.
    Am enjoying being here

    What I enjoy most about Reed has to be the people. With less than 1500 students, Reed’s small size makes it easy to get to know people. Most of the people there are quirky in one way or another, which often makes for interesting interactions. Even the professors like to joke around with the students. I’ve heard philosophical discussions go into the middle of the night that quickly transition to a discussion on how to make the best popcorn or a debate over the best Beatles’ song. But Reed isn’t all about play. Jokes with your peers are offset by the heavy workload, but that naturally comes with being a Reedie. Classes can get monotonous and stressful, especially when a 1500-word paper is due on the same day as a lab report or when you have to read over a hundred pages of a text preaching values you don’t necessarily agree with.
    Bang for the buck

    As one of the pricier colleges in the nation, the financial aid Reed doles out may not be satisfactory for many students. Therefore, you should be on the lookout for outside scholarships. But does a Reed experience match up to its hefty tuition? The answer really depends on what you make of your time there. Hum 110, the Honor Principle, and the thesis parade are just some of the many things that make Reed distinct. Classes there will also likely make you grow as both a learner and a thinker. The neighborhood around the school isn’t exactly the best college town (although it does conduce studying), and some residence halls are shabbier than others. But overall if you prefer a quaint and offbeat school, then Reed is worth considering.
    Tips for prospective students

    > Maintain a strong work ethic. The heavy workload means that you’re going to be studying hard.
    > Learn to criticize others (constructively) and be criticized yourself. You will have to analyze a variety of arguments presented by readings, professors, and your peers, and along the way, you’ll learn how to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your own arguments.
    > Visit the campus. That is one of the best ways to find out whether or not you like the atmosphere of the school. Reed gives you opportunities to sit in on classes, stay overnight in a dorm, and eat lunch with other students.

    Great for these types of students

    Reed is great for students who are motivated by a love of learning rather than by letter grades, since professors don’t give out grades; you have to go out of your way to find out your GPA. Typical Reed students are also quirky, not afraid to speak their minds, and can strike a good balance between work and play. It also helps if your political views lean towards the liberal side.