Reed College
Portland, OR · Private · 1,320 undergrads
- Admit rate: 24.6% (10,045 applicants)
- SAT middle 50%: 1290–1520 (ACT 30–34)
- Undergraduates: 1,320 (8.4% international)
- Average net price: $33,013 (per year after aid)
- Graduation rate: 71% (within 6 years)
Deadlines
- Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
- Early Decision II: Jan. 15, 2027
- Early Action: Nov. 1, 2026
- Regular Decision: Jan. 15, 2027
Essays
Reed writing supplement (500 words)
For one week at the end of January, Reed students upend the traditional classroom hierarchy and teach classes about any topic they love, academic or otherwise. This week is known as Paideia, after the Greek term signifying “education”—the complete education of mind, body, and spirit. What would you teach that would contribute to the Reed community?
Editor's notes
- Your writing does the heavy lifting at Reed. Tests aren't used at all, and the CDS rates the application essay Very important, alongside rigor and GPA. That means two essays carry real weight: your personal statement and the Paideia supplement. Make them do different jobs.
- Reed is unusually direct about Early Decision: it says ED applicants are twice as likely to be admitted, and about 30% of each class comes through ED. With ED II on Jan. 15, you can wait for fall grades and still commit. The Aid Review lets you see an estimated package before you're locked in.
- Book the interview early if you want one. It's optional, but the CDS rates it Important, demand spikes near deadlines, and you only get one. The suggested dates are mid-November for ED I and early December for EA, and the Interview FAQ gives slightly different dates, so aim for the earlier one.
