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Mastering Reed College's 2024 Supplemental Essays

Reed College is renowned for its rigorous academics and its vibrant student community. As part of your application for 2024, Reed College asks for a writing supplement of between 200 and 500 words on a unique and engaging topic:

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?

Crafting strong responses to Reed’s supplemental essays is an essential part of standing out as an applicant. Below, we offer a comprehensive guide on how to approach this intriguing essay prompt.

Understanding the Prompt

The essence of the Paideia week is to foster a community of learning driven by passion and curiosity, rather than formal academic structures. This prompt asks you to delve into your interests and think about how you can share them with others. It’s not just about showing what you know but demonstrating your enthusiasm and ability to engage peers in a meaningful way.

Brainstorming Your Essay

Start by reflecting on subjects that genuinely excite you, whether they’re academic, a hobby, a quirky talent, or a unique perspective you hold. For example:

Is there a scientific concept or historical event you’re passionate about?

Are you skilled in a particular art form, like painting or playing an instrument?

Do you have a hobby or interest that could introduce others to a new culture or perspective?

Have you developed a skill in coding, cooking, or creative writing?

Sups AI can be an excellent tool during this brainstorming phase. Sups offers one-on-one chats with current students who can help you refine your ideas and ensure that your unique voice shines through.

Structuring Your Essay

Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s important to structure your essay effectively within the 200 to 500-word limit.

Introduction

Begin with an engaging hook that introduces your topic. Explain briefly why you are passionate about it and how it has influenced your life.

In the primary section of your essay, describe the class you would teach. Consider including the following elements:

Your teaching methods (lectures, hands-on activities, discussions, etc.)

What students will gain from your class

Any unique materials or demonstrations you would use

Wrap up with a reflection on why teaching this topic would be meaningful to you and beneficial to the Reed community. Highlight how your contribution aligns with Reed’s values of community, curiosity, and comprehensive education.

Additional Tips

Using Sups AI for feedback on your drafts can make a big difference. Sups AI has already helped over 10,000 students gain admission to top 50 schools in the US. Their platform provides valuable insights from those who’ve successfully navigated the application process.

Lastly, be authentic and let your personality shine through. Reed College values genuine passion and intellectual curiosity, so make sure your essay reflects who you truly are.

Good luck with your application! With thoughtful reflection and careful crafting, you can write a compelling essay that showcases your unique strengths and aspirations.

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Love Reed: Writing the Reed College “Paideia” Essay Supplement

Written by Ian Brook Fisher on November 2nd, 2018

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How to Respond to the 2023-2024 Reed College Supplemental Essay Prompts

Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

If you want to know how to best respond to the Reed College supplemental essay prompts, look no further–you’re in the right place! While there is only one essay prompt, you’ll need to share your interests as you connect to Reed’s mission and vision. So, before we jump in, let’s take a look at what defines Reed College and you!

An introduction to Reed College 

Reed College is a small liberal arts and sciences college located in Southeast Portland, Oregon. Since opening in 1908, Reed has become known as one of the top intellectual universities in the United States. They focus on offering their students small conference style meetings where students engage with each other and their professors. 

One thing Reed offers prospective students is the opportunity to hear from its alumni. On Reed’s website, they have several testimonies from graduates. These stories are a great way to see if you might fit in as a “Reedie.” Take a look at their website to read about their academic standards, personal testimonies and their commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Also see: How to write about yourself

Essay prompt

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? (500 Words)

First off, what a fun essay prompt and a really cool thing to hear that their college does? There is so much room in this question to share who you are, what you love and how you will add to the Reed Community. 

Let’s start with the first question. What would you teach? While this question is giving you a lot of creative freedom, you’ll still want to keep a few parameters in mind when you answer this. They want to hear about a topic that will contribute to their community. So, while learning about the extremely detailed world of Harry Potter might be really interesting to you and others, there needs to be a way in which that can be learned from that contributes to the community around you. Can we learn about xenophobia and racism through specific lessons from Harry Potter?

The above example is just one idea to show you the connection that they want you to make between your topic and the bigger picture of improving the world around you. There are some questions below to read through that might help get the ideas flowing in your head.

Questions to consider

• What topics do you love, academic or otherwise?
• How have you grown through your interests?
• What topic do you think more people should know about? Why?

Hopefully, if you take a few minutes to think through those questions, you’ll come up with some ideas. Maybe you love sports and want to teach a class about how sports can build our mental tenacity. Perhaps you volunteer a lot at home, and you want people to know more about how easy it is to find organizations to donate your time to. Or perhaps you’ve always loved cooking and you know a lot of college students haven’t ever had a chance to learn about cooking. 

There are no wrong answers to this question! Once you’ve come up with your topic and how it will improve the community, start to think about how your class would actually be structured. You do not have to come up with a whole syllabus and schedule, but there should be more to your essay than just that you think this topic is cool and it’ll teach people stuff. 

Come up with one required reading and a few lecture topic examples. Think about if there would be homework and what that would look like. When you begin to type your response, make sure you write it as an essay. You should mention your lecture ideas, homework assignments, and readings, but do so in an essay format.

Your paragraphs should be organized with a clear introduction of what you’re talking about, a good body and a clear conclusion as to why this class would improve the campus community. 

Additional resources

Reed College only has one essay question, meaning there is only one chance for you to show through writing what you will add to their college. While this article should give you a good idea about how to write your essay, your journey doesn’t end there. Once you’ve finished your Reed College supplemental essay, check out some of the articles below!

• 10 Tips for successful college applications
• How to end a scholarship essay in five steps
• How to answer the Common App essay prompts

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Crafting an Impressive Reed Supplemental Essay

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Introduction

The Reed supplemental essay is an essential component of your college application to Reed College. This essay gives you the opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and demonstrate why you are a good fit for Reed's academic community. In this blog post, we will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to write an impressive Reed supplemental essay that will captivate the admissions committee.

Writing a compelling supplemental essay requires careful thought and planning. It is not just about answering a set of questions; rather, it is an opportunity for you to share your personal story and highlight what makes you stand out from other applicants. The admissions committee wants to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores, so it is important to use this essay as a platform to express who you are as an individual.

To craft a powerful personal narrative , start by reflecting on your experiences, values, and passions. Consider significant moments in your life that have shaped your character or influenced your goals. Think about challenges you have overcome or achievements that have made you proud. By sharing these personal anecdotes, you can paint a vivid picture of who you are and what motivates you.

Moreover, it is crucial to showcase how well-aligned you are with Reed College's values and community. Research the college thoroughly and familiarize yourself with its mission statement, core values, and academic programs. Showcasing your knowledge of Reed's unique approach to education will demonstrate your genuine interest in becoming part of their community.

In addition to content, the structure and editing of your essay play a vital role in making it impactful. A well-structured essay should have a clear introduction that grabs the reader's attention, body paragraphs that support your main ideas with evidence or examples, and a concise conclusion that summarizes your key points. Remember to revise and edit your essay multiple times for clarity, coherence, grammar, and spelling errors.

By following these guidelines and putting in the effort to craft an impressive Reed supplemental essay, you will increase your chances of standing out among other applicants and securing a spot at Reed College. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each aspect of the essay-writing process to provide you with valuable insights and tips. So let's get started on creating an essay that will leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee!

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Understanding the Reed Supplemental Essay

The Reed supplemental essay holds great significance in the college application process, as it provides applicants with an opportunity to showcase their unique qualities and demonstrate their fit with the institution. The purpose of this essay is to give Reed College admissions officers a deeper understanding of who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It allows you to share your personal story, passions, and aspirations in a way that cannot be captured by other parts of your application.

Reed College is known for its commitment to intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning. Through the supplemental essay, the college aims to assess whether you align with these values and if you would thrive in their rigorous academic environment. This essay also helps the admissions committee evaluate your potential contributions to the Reed community and how you can benefit from what the college has to offer.

When writing your Reed supplemental essay, it is essential to approach it with thoughtfulness and authenticity. Admissions officers are looking for genuine reflections of your character and experiences. They want to see how you have grown intellectually and personally, as well as how you can contribute positively to the campus community. By understanding the purpose behind this essay, you can tailor your content effectively and make a compelling case for why Reed College is the right fit for you.

In the next sections of this blog post, we will delve into specific strategies for crafting a personal narrative that resonates with readers, showcasing your fit with Reed College's values and community, as well as structuring and editing your essay effectively. These tips will help you create an impressive Reed supplemental essay that stands out amidst a sea of applications. So let's dive in!

Crafting a Personal Narrative

A compelling personal narrative is crucial when crafting your Reed supplemental essay. This is your opportunity to share your unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations with the admissions committee. To create a captivating personal narrative, start by reflecting on significant moments or challenges that have shaped you as an individual.

Consider discussing a transformative experience that has had a profound impact on your life. This could be an event, a relationship, or even a personal realization. By sharing this story, you can provide insight into your character and demonstrate how you have grown and developed over time.

Moreover, it is important to convey your passion and enthusiasm in your writing. Showcasing genuine excitement about your interests and goals will make your essay more engaging and memorable. Whether it's through vivid descriptions or heartfelt anecdotes, let your personality shine through.

In addition, don't shy away from vulnerability in your writing. Admissions officers appreciate authenticity and honesty. Sharing personal struggles or setbacks can demonstrate resilience and determination. However, it's essential to strike a balance between vulnerability and positivity – focus on how these experiences have shaped you positively rather than dwelling solely on the negative aspects.

Remember to connect your personal narrative back to why Reed College is the ideal fit for you. Highlight specific aspects of the college's academic programs or campus culture that resonate with your own values and goals. This will show the admissions committee that you have thoroughly researched Reed College and are genuinely interested in becoming part of its community.

Showcasing Fit with Reed College

Reed College is known for its unique values and tight-knit community, making it essential to showcase how you align with these aspects in your supplemental essay. One of the core values at Reed is intellectual curiosity and academic rigor . As an applicant, it is important to emphasize your passion for learning and your willingness to explore diverse subjects.

When showcasing fit with Reed College's values, it is crucial to highlight your commitment to intellectual inquiry. Discuss specific instances where you have demonstrated a love for knowledge and a desire to delve deeper into topics that intrigue you. Whether it was through independent research projects or participating in thought-provoking discussions, provide examples that demonstrate your intellectual curiosity.

Additionally, Reed College places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and encourages students to make connections across various disciplines. Showcase your ability to think critically and creatively by highlighting experiences where you have integrated different areas of study or tackled complex problems from multiple angles.

Another aspect of Reed's community is its collaborative nature. The college fosters an environment where students actively engage in discussions, debates, and group projects. Highlight instances where you have worked effectively as part of a team or contributed meaningfully to group endeavors. Emphasize your communication skills, adaptability, and willingness to listen and learn from others.

Lastly, Reed College values diversity and seeks students who will contribute positively to their inclusive community. Share experiences that demonstrate your respect for different perspectives and cultures. Discuss how you have actively sought out opportunities to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and how this has shaped your worldview.

By showcasing fit with Reed College's values and community through examples that highlight intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration, and appreciation for diversity, you will strengthen your supplemental essay and increase your chances of being admitted to this prestigious institution.

Structuring and Editing the Essay

Crafting an impressive Reed supplemental essay goes beyond just having great content; it also requires a well-structured and polished piece of writing. To ensure your essay stands out, you need to pay attention to both the structure and the editing process.

Structuring the Essay Effectively

When structuring your Reed supplemental essay, it's important to have a clear and logical flow that engages the reader from start to finish. Begin with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader's attention and introduces the main theme or idea of your essay. This could be an anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling statement.

Next, develop your ideas in a coherent manner by organizing them into paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one main point or aspect related to your personal narrative or fit with Reed College. Use topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph to clearly indicate what each section will discuss.

To maintain clarity and coherence throughout your essay, make sure there is a smooth transition between paragraphs. Use transitional words and phrases such as "furthermore," "however," or "in addition" to connect ideas and create a seamless flow.

Finally, end your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This can be done by restating your thesis statement or main argument and providing some final thoughts or reflections.

Editing the Essay Effectively

Editing is an essential step in creating an impressive Reed supplemental essay. Start by reviewing your essay for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure errors. Use proofreading tools or ask someone else to read through your essay for feedback.

In addition to checking for technical errors, pay attention to the overall clarity and coherence of your writing. Ensure that each sentence contributes meaningfully to the overall message of your essay. Remove any unnecessary repetition or tangents that might distract from the main ideas.

Consider revising your essay for conciseness and clarity. Trim any wordy or convoluted sentences to make your writing more concise and impactful. Use precise language and avoid excessive jargon or complex vocabulary that may hinder understanding.

Finally, read your essay aloud to check its flow and rhythm. This can help identify any awkward phrasing or inconsistencies in tone. Make sure the essay sounds natural and authentic, reflecting your unique voice as a writer.

By structuring and editing your Reed supplemental essay effectively, you can ensure that it is well-organized, coherent, and engaging. This attention to detail will demonstrate your commitment to excellence and enhance the overall impact of your essay on the admissions committee at Reed College.

In conclusion, crafting an impressive Reed supplemental essay requires careful thought and attention to detail. By understanding the purpose of the essay, you can effectively convey your personal narrative and showcase your fit with Reed College's values and community. Remember to structure and edit your essay in a way that is clear, concise, and engaging. The Reed supplemental essay provides an opportunity for prospective applicants to demonstrate their passion, intellect, and potential contributions to the college community. It is a chance to stand out among other applicants and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. With these tips in mind, you are well-equipped to write an exceptional Reed supplemental essay that will help you secure a spot at this esteemed institution. Good luck with your application process, and we hope to see you on campus soon!

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Reed College’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Diversity essay.

How might aspects of your identity positively influence the living and learning community at Reed?

Create a Class Short Response

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?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

The Ultimate Guide to the Reed College Essay

In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know to write the Reed College essay.

Don’t let the school’s unconventional culture and laid-back environment fool you. Reed is a rather selective school. If you want to get accepted into Reed, you will need a strong high school profile. You’ll also need to know how to write the Reed College essay well, so as to stand out amongst the other students.

Reed boasts an average acceptance rate of 39%. For the class of 2024, the average high school GPA was 4.0. 68% of Reed students were in the top fifth of their high school class rank, and 43% were in the top tenth. 6% of students at Reed were Valedictorians at their high school.

You can find more info on their freshman profile here .

With that said, let’s cover a bit of the Reed College Essay Prompt and how to write it.

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Note: both the Reed College transfer application and regular admissions application have the same essay prompt.

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? (200 words minimum, 500 words maximum) * Reed College Application Essay Question –Common Application

Tips on How to Write the Reed College Essay

Find a unique topic, reed takes on a stance against tradition, so act like it., make sure your topic says something about you or your values, reference how your class would contribute to the community.

In a university as competitive as Reed College, this is critical. If you do not have a unique topic in your Reed essay, it’ll be hard to stand out from the rest. For a school with so many competitive students, standing out is vital to getting accepted.

So, what about a topic like Environmental Justice?

Normally, this sounds like a good topic. Besides, Reed leans rather liberally on the political spectrum. This makes Environmental Justice a good topic, right. Well, sadly no. There will be more than enough applicants covering this topic, so standing out will be next to impossible.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: If it’s trending on social media, then it’s probably not a good topic.

Let’s say you really, really want to cover Environmental Justice. Perhaps you’ve done a lot of projects and non-profit charity work around the field, or you have a great passion for it. You can still cover the topic if you get hyper-specific.

Here’s an example of a topic that works: Startups in Environmental Justice.

This topic, despite the fact that it covers something already covered by others, is still good. That’s because we focused in on the business and startup aspect of Environmental Justice. By doing this, you’re effectively zeroing in on a subcategory instead of a large cliché.

Traditional classes: you get a syllabus, participation points, homework assignments, one lab, one midterm, and a final.

Reed prides itself on its defiance of tradition. Say goodbye to all the dead old white people stuff –unless you’re an English major. If you want the class you’re teaching in Paideia to be interesting and fresh, and more importantly attractive to the admissions officers, you’d want something that parallels Reed’s unconventional culture.

Let’s take the “Startups in Environmental Science” course. Instead of having courses that assign True or False assignments, you may take away the assignments completely! Instead, you’ll have students work in groups of 4-5 throughout the whole time and have them simulate what it’s like to create their own startup. Guiding individual groups of students through the business creation process would be much more fun and exciting than just learning about them on paper.

Okay. This one is going to be important. When writing the Reed College essay, it’s critical that your topic demonstrates something about your character.

If you’re going to talk about gender studies as a whole, one may determine that you have a fairly strong sense of justice in the world of gender identity. However, this is going to be rather common and it makes it difficult to stand out at all.

Let’s look back to “Startups in Environmental Science”. A person with an interest in Environmental science and startup culture may be seen as both empathetic and practical. They use the productivity of startups to build something that will solve a solution –environmental catastrophe. They also have the empathy and compassion to focus their efforts into something that will save the planet.

We feel that this is a part of the essay that can get easily looked over and forgotten. However, it is part of the prompt and therefore important.

In the Reed College essay, you need to show how the class you teach will benefit the Reed community. This first implies that you need to understand the Reed community to begin with. Think about the times you may have visited the campus. What was the culture like? What were the people like? More importantly, what did they need that they were lacking?

So, let’s take our favorite example again. If you were writing about Startups in Environmental Science, you may be tapping into an itch that the Reed Community needs. They not only needs passionate students who have the right moral compass about the environment. They also need people who can take actionable steps to achieving the goals of Environmental Justice.

Startup work fits perfectly with this. The class would help people learn how to start their own companies and innovate new ways to better the community –a nice break from protesting and ‘raising awareness’. This class would help Reed’s thirst for actionable steps to achieving climate justice.

Think about your own topic. What would you write about? How would the topic you’re teaching provide value to Reed? How does it scratch an itch that the school and community cant quite scratch themselves?

Have any more questions about how to write the Reed College essay? Still wondering what your chances are of getting accepted into Reed College? Our admissions experts and advisors can help! We’ve helped students get accepted into some of the most prestigious universities in the nation.

Contact us for a free consultation. We will provide you with free advice on how to write your Reed College essay and get accepted.

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How to Write the Most Common Supplemental College Essays: A Complete Guide

Note: This post focuses on supplemental essays. If you want advice on the Common App prompts, check out our guide to the Common App essays .

Your grades are in, your test scores have been sent, and recommendation letters have been uploaded…but there’s one last component of your college applications left: the essays. For many students, essays are the final and most daunting hurdle to clear before hitting submit.

Your essays, however, are your opportunity to tell admissions officers how you want them to remember you. Maybe you didn’t do so well on the SAT, or maybe you got a lower grade than you hoped for in Honors Chemistry, but you can’t change your grades or scores.

The essays, however, are entirely in your control. There is so much freedom to tell your story and what makes you unique. Our mission at CollegeVine is to make the essay-writing as stress-free as possible. Read on for our tips and tricks on writing a college essay that will give you the best chance at getting that thick envelope!

Content overview:

• Why this college?
• Why this major?
• Elaborate on an extracurricular activity or work experience.
• Discuss a community you belong to that has impacted who you are today.
• Crafting the essay
• Avoiding pitfalls

Want to learn more about Supplemental Essays? Check out one of our popular recorded live streams on this topic.

Common Types of College Essays

Colleges will find a hundred different ways to ask a question, but most of the time, the prompt boils down to one of the following common essay themes.

Common Essay #1: Why this college?

Students’ most common mistake on a “Why this college?” essay is lack of specificity; in particular, some students will list attributes that can apply to multiple schools, which is what you want to avoid at all costs.

When it comes to a “Why this college?” essay, you need to discuss qualities and programs specific to that school. It is not enough to merely list or name-drop, however. Instead, talk about why this item is important to you. Here’s how this plays out:

What not to do:

I want to go to the University of Southern California because it is a highly ranked school in Los Angeles. In addition, I like its Cosmic Writers Club, as well as the Incubate USC program. I am especially excited about the abundant film resources.

Why the previous response doesn’t work:

There are many reasons you want to avoid a response like this. Let’s start with the first sentence: replace the school’s name with UCLA and the accuracy doesn’t suffer. What this means is that the sentence is not specific enough to USC. In addition, you never want to state, or even imply, that you’re applying to a school due to prestige or ranking.

The exception for the previous rule is if a school is ranked highly for a specific program of interest. For example, if you want to pursue creative writing and a school has the number one creative writing program in the country, you can mention this because it is a quality specific to that school. A school’s overall prestige, however, should not be mentioned in your essay.

Why else doesn’t this response work? Let’s look at the second sentence. The writer does well to mention specific programs within USC. However, the response fails to discuss why they liked these programs or how they would benefit from having access to them.

What to write instead:

As someone with a lasting love for writing and a blossoming passion for entrepreneurship, I was so excited to find a large urban school like the University of Southern California that would give me the resources to pursue both. From classes with award-winning authors—amongst them Professor T. Boyle, whose environmental fiction works are similar to those I hope to someday publish—to clubs like the Cosmic Writers Club, which unites author hopefuls, USC offers more resources than I could ever exhaust in my journey to publish my first book.

On the business side, USC is known for fostering the type of creativity and innovation needed in pursuing start-ups. In particular, I was so excited to learn of the Incubate USC program, a unique mothership of ideas that nurtures the creativity of students. With the help of this program, I would be able to pursue my growing interest in the world of start-up ventures.

Why the previous response works:

This response not only mentions programs and resources specific to USC, but it shows how the student would take advantage of these opportunities. In addition, this response portrays passion and ambition, infusing elements of the student’s personality while still staying focused on answering the prompt.

Other things to keep in mind:

• The first time you say the school’s name, you should write it out. After that, you can abbreviate.
• Avoid writing what every other applicant is going to write. For example, every NYU applicant is going to mention NYU’s location in New York City. Unless you have a unique twist on this, you should skip it.
• Don’t mention frivolous things like dorms or dining halls. Your reasons for liking a school should be more substantial.
• Do your research. For example, don’t say you’ve always wanted to go to a city if you’re writing an essay for a rural school.
• Do not copy and paste your “Why this college?” essay and simply change the school name. Many non-Harvard admissions officers have received essays from students about why they want to go to Harvard. If your “Why this college?” essay is so general that you can copy and paste it, your reasoning will not impress admissions officers.

For more tips on writing this essay, see our complete guide to the “Why this college?” essay , including a real sample essay.

Common Essay #2: Why this major? 

One of the most important things to remember is that admissions officers are not looking for a résumé. This is not to say you can’t discuss your activities and how they culminated a passion for a specific major. The challenge, however, is to use these activities to tell a story rather than a mere list of achievements.

How do you do this? Share your thought processes. Many times it is the thoughts surrounding an activity more than the activity itself that will show the reader your journey to choosing a major.

Other tips:

• Don’t ever say that your reason for choosing a major is money-making potential. If you want to mention life beyond college, then talk about how this major will help you achieve your dreams. If your dream is to produce a feature-length film and a film major will help you get there, say that. But don’t say your dream is to be a rich film producer.
• Undeclared? That’s totally okay. Just be sure to list a couple potential majors, and explain your interest in those. Under no circumstances should you say you have absolutely no idea, as that will make you look like you don’t care. For more tips, see our post on how to write the “Why this major?” essay if you’re undecided .

For more tips on writing this essay, see our complete guide to the “Why this major?” essay , including a real sample essay.

Common Essay 3: Elaborate on an extracurricular activity or work experience.

Is there an activity or work experience in your application that you have more to say about? Maybe there’s a story behind it that you want to tell. Some questions to consider are:

• How did you become interested in this extracurricular?
• What is your role in the activity or work experience?
• Why do you do it?
• Have you experienced growth within the activity over time?

There are endless angles you can pursue here, but your essay should, in short, show your motivation behind participating in a certain activity or job.

What you don’t want to do, however, is simply restate something that’s been said elsewhere. If you have already spotlighted an activity in another essay for a given college, don’t write about the same activity. Your goal here is to share new information and your breadth of experiences.

As with the “Why Major?” prompt, it is more powerful to share a story with the reader rather than to detail the activity itself.

For more tips on writing this essay, see our complete guide to the Extracurricular Activity essay , including a real sample essay.

Common Essay 4: Discuss a community you belong to that has impacted who you are today.

“Community” can mean many things, so there are many possible approaches to this prompt. Some applicants respond with a community they’re linked to through culture, and others through sports or a club.

One thing you can emphasize is personal growth—or other aspects of who you are as a person—that has come from belonging to this community. The majority of the essay should, in fact, center around how being part of this group has changed or impacted who you are as a person.

What to avoid:

• Do not discriminate against other communities in your response.
• Try not to talk about your community in broad terms, but instead focus on your place within this community.
• Avoid using the essay as a chance to complain. If you choose to talk about challenges in a certain community, find a way to give your essay a sense of resolution. This can consist even of talking about how you’ve grown as a person or learned how to confront these obstacles in a productive way.

Writing the Essay

Phase 1: ideation.

Highlights of this section:

• Thinking of an idea
• Portraying individuality
• Staying true to yourself
• General tips and tricks

Now that you’re familiar with some of the most common types of essay prompts, let’s dive into the ideation process. Here are some questions that it’s good to ask yourself when you’re just starting out, particularly when the prompt deviates from the more straightforward archetypes above:

• What makes you unique?
• What is your story?
• Is there something you weren’t able to say in your application that you think admissions officers should know?
• Did you mention something earlier in your application that you want to elaborate on?

Remember that your essays, and application in general, should read like a portfolio in which all components are complementary without being redundant. If the application is like a drawing, then the essays should contribute to creating one coherent image without sketching the same line more than once or leaving gaps in the drawing.

Don’t shy away from being quirky! The more you present yourself as your own unique person, the more likely the admissions officer is to remember you. Take the following cases, for instance:

• A football player who scores a winning touchdown in the last five seconds of the game.
• A football player who knits scarves for residents of a retirement home in his free time.

In the first case, telling this story doesn’t do anything to differentiate this football player from others. However, the second story portrays a unique student with two interests the reader might not otherwise have paired together. Individuality is the goal here.

Of course, don’t exaggerate , lie, or pretend to be someone you’re not. In particular, don’t write something just because you think the admissions officer wants to hear it. They have read enough applications to separate the genuine voices from the insincere. As such, your only job is to put your true self on the page!

Here are some other things to keep in mind while brainstorming college essay topics:

• Narratives will always be more successful because they engage the reader emotionally. They are also an easy way to demonstrate how you’ve changed and grown over time.
• If you have already emphasized something in your application, don’t dedicate an essay to it unless can share an entirely new perspective. When in doubt, choose a new topic.
• Your essay doesn’t have to be about something rare and incredible. You don’t have to have started a company or traveled the world to write a solid essay. In fact, some of the strongest essays have taken a simple, perhaps even everyday occurrence, and portrayed it in a beautiful way that shows a unique way of thinking.
• Be sure to answer all aspects of the prompt while still giving the reader insight into who you are. It’s very easy to speak about some topics in third-person or broad terms (example: “What is your idea of success?”). Don’t do this. Instead, find a way to link the prompt to your own life.

Overall, think of the essays as a way to let the admissions officer get to know you on a personal level. Humanize yourself.

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Phase 2: Crafting the Essay

• Show, don’t tell.
• Perfecting the first and last sentence
• What does the essay say about me?

You have likely heard this next tip a hundred times throughout high school, but it’s vital to writing a strong essay: show, don’t tell . The whole point of essays is to give insight into who you are and how you think. Can you effectively do that if you’re merely listing off things that happened? Nope. Let’s take a lot at two examples:

• An example of telling: The cat ran out the door, and I got scared.
• An example of showing: The doorbell rang, accompanied by the creak of the mailbox as the mailman slipped the day’s envelopes inside. I ran downstairs and threw the door open, knowing today was the day I was going to hear back. My excitement made me oblivious, though, and it wasn’t until I saw a blur of dark fur dash through the open door that I realized my mistake.

The second example takes the facts and turns it into a story. It gives the reader a sense of anticipation as well as a character to identify with and root for. That’s what “show, don’t tell” does for your essay.

Now let’s talk about the two most important parts of your essay: the first sentence and the last sentence.

Your first sentence’s job is to hook the reader. Aim for a first sentence that surprises, even slightly jars, the reader to wake them up and get their full focus on your essay. Here are some examples:

• It wasn’t supposed to be blue.
• Was the car meant to sound like that?

In both cases, the writer has intentionally withheld information, providing just enough to leave the reader wanting to know the rest of the story. What isn’t supposed to be blue? What happens next?

As for the last sentence, its job is to resolve the essay, leaving the reader with a sense of peace and finality. Give the reader one last great impression to remember you by. Here’s an example:

“I’ve learned to hold my failures close; not so close that they burden me, per say, but just

close enough that they can guide me as I journey onward.”

This sentence works because it gives the reader a sense that, though the story continues on in the form of the narrator’s ongoing journey, the story on the page has been resolved. It feels peaceful.

Now then, after you’ve completed your first draft, the next thing you want to do is ask yourself the following question : What three things about me can the reader get from reading this essay? If you’re having trouble answering this question, then the essay needs to share more about you. Otherwise, you’re ready for revision!

Phase 3: Revision

• Careless errors
• Staying under the word limit
• Getting a second opinion

You’ve done the hard work. You came up with a brilliant idea and poured your heart and soul into the writing. Now comes the tedious part: revision.

Most importantly, college essays need to be absolutely devoid of grammatical or spelling mistakes . You don’t want to give your admissions officer the impression that you didn’t care enough to proofread, especially after all of your hard work.

Another aspect that tends to frustrate students is the word limit. If you’ve made it under the word limit, great! If not, here are some methods of cutting down.

• Example: In visiting your campus, it occurred to me that the method with which you schedule your classes is ideal because…
• This can be cut down to: The way you schedule your classes is ideal because…
• Most times phrases such as “I think,” “I believe,” “it seems,” and other similar wording is not necessary and simply takes up extra space. Use your judgement, but generally, these phrases get the boot.
• Keep an eye out for the word “that.” This can almost always be cut.
• If you use a long hyphen (—), no space is needed between words. This will bring your word count down. Don’t get too hyphen happy, though!

If the above tips are not enough to get you below the word limit,  you may need to remove entire paragraphs. If a paragraph does not drive the story forward, or is unnecessary in understanding the progression of the story, you may want to remove it.

Once your essay is mistake-free and below the word limit, your next task is to send it to at least three trusted individuals. Ask them the following questions to guide their suggestions:

• Does it make sense?
• Does it sound like me?
• What does it say about me? (Check that this aligns with what you want it to say about you).

Take note of their responses and decide what changes you want to implement. Be receptive, but remember to stay true to yourself and your vision.

Avoiding Pitfalls:

• Avoid discussion of taboo subjects or things that can be perceived as controversial. Everyone is entitled to their own views, but you don’t want to chance saying something controversial that your reader might disagree with.
• Never appear discriminatory in any way. Colleges tend to be vastly left-wing and progressive.
• Don’t turn in work that isn’t your own. When does accepting another person’s edits become plagiarism? If they are rewriting entire sentences in their own words, it is no longer your own work.
• Avoid clichés! It is okay to write about a common experience (like a sports injury or service trip), but only if you have a unique take on them. Don’t write on a popular topic if you will simply describe the same lesson that everyone else learned.
• Don’t write your essay directly into the application text box or it may not save your work. Write it in a separate document and copy and paste it later. Then, double check that the format is correct.

At the end of the day, your essays should just leave the reader thinking: I want to have a conversation with this student. You want to show that you’re an multifaceted, mature person with an interesting story to tell. At CollegeVine, we’re rooting for you all the way—go get writing!

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Reed's supplemental essay for this year

Hey everyone,

Just out of curiosity I was wondering what everyone who’s applying to Reed this year wrote about in Reed’s supplemental essay about what you would teach during the week of Paideia.

I took the unconventional rout and wrote about how I would make an entertaining presentation on my visual impairment with blind jokes and everything. It was really fun to write. What did you guys write about?

Look forward to reading your comments.

Don’t Sweat the Supp Stuff: Advice for Crafting Your Supplemental Essay

It can feel daunting to choose what to write about in your college application essays. How do you sum up the complex, dynamic individual you are with such limited space? 

The short answer: You can’t. But that’s OK. 

The goal of your application is not to share every detail of your multifaceted life. Rather, the process allows you to share your story with the admissions committee about what makes you a strong match for the institution. Each piece of the application reveals something about your academic experiences and personal journey that shows us how you might contribute to the Hopkins community. 

In some ways, the essays help tie together the rest of the application. They offer space for you to tell stories that represent the most important parts of your identity, which provide context for other components of the application. 

Let’s zero in on the supplemental essay . 

The supplemental essay portion of the application is specific to each school. Each institution has intentionally crafted a question (or multiple) to help determine whether a student might be a good match. We look for individuals who share Hopkins’ institutional values but will also bring unique experiences and perspectives to the community.  

Below is the supplemental essay prompt for students applying for entry to Hopkins in the fall of 2025:  

How has your life experience contributed to your personal story—your character, values, perspectives, or skills—and what you want to pursue at Hopkins? (350-word limit)

Picture your life in college. What does your community look like? Which aspects of your identity are most important for you to develop and nurture?  

Now jot down some thoughts about experiences or parts of your identity that have had a significant effect on your life. Maybe it’s a hobby you love, a cultural tradition, or an instance when you discovered something new about yourself. 

Once you have a list, think about how each of these will continue to play a role in your college life. Choose one to focus on and spend some time building it out. 

Keep in mind this essay is not an exercise in “tell us everything you know about Hopkins.” While it’s important for the admissions committee to see you’ve done your research and understand what Hopkins has to offer, simply listing what you hope to pursue on campus is only half of the puzzle. Be sure to connect the dots by explaining why you wish to pursue those things, and how they’ll help you remain connected to and grow in your identity. 

If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas or crafting your essay, reach out to your school counselor or an English teacher. They can help you brainstorm and ensure your piece is answering the prompt in a meaningful way. 

Happy writing! 

Posts you may also be interested in

• Admissions Blog

Navigating the College Search: Starting a Financial Aid Conversation

• College Planning Guide
• Essays That Worked

A Growing World

To Stand Out or Fit In

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Crafting an Impressive Reed Supplemental Essay

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Introduction

The Reed supplemental essay is an essential component of your college application to Reed College. This essay gives you the opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and demonstrate why you are a good fit for Reed's academic community. In this blog post, we will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to write an impressive Reed supplemental essay that will captivate the admissions committee.

Writing a compelling supplemental essay requires careful thought and planning. It is not just about answering a set of questions; rather, it is an opportunity for you to share your personal story and highlight what makes you stand out from other applicants. The admissions committee wants to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores, so it is important to use this essay as a platform to express who you are as an individual.

To craft a powerful personal narrative , start by reflecting on your experiences, values, and passions. Consider significant moments in your life that have shaped your character or influenced your goals. Think about challenges you have overcome or achievements that have made you proud. By sharing these personal anecdotes, you can paint a vivid picture of who you are and what motivates you.

Moreover, it is crucial to showcase how well-aligned you are with Reed College's values and community. Research the college thoroughly and familiarize yourself with its mission statement, core values, and academic programs. Showcasing your knowledge of Reed's unique approach to education will demonstrate your genuine interest in becoming part of their community.

In addition to content, the structure and editing of your essay play a vital role in making it impactful. A well-structured essay should have a clear introduction that grabs the reader's attention, body paragraphs that support your main ideas with evidence or examples, and a concise conclusion that summarizes your key points. Remember to revise and edit your essay multiple times for clarity, coherence, grammar, and spelling errors.

By following these guidelines and putting in the effort to craft an impressive Reed supplemental essay, you will increase your chances of standing out among other applicants and securing a spot at Reed College. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each aspect of the essay-writing process to provide you with valuable insights and tips. So let's get started on creating an essay that will leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee!

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Understanding the Reed Supplemental Essay

The Reed supplemental essay holds great significance in the college application process, as it provides applicants with an opportunity to showcase their unique qualities and demonstrate their fit with the institution. The purpose of this essay is to give Reed College admissions officers a deeper understanding of who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It allows you to share your personal story, passions, and aspirations in a way that cannot be captured by other parts of your application.

Reed College is known for its commitment to intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning. Through the supplemental essay, the college aims to assess whether you align with these values and if you would thrive in their rigorous academic environment. This essay also helps the admissions committee evaluate your potential contributions to the Reed community and how you can benefit from what the college has to offer.

When writing your Reed supplemental essay, it is essential to approach it with thoughtfulness and authenticity. Admissions officers are looking for genuine reflections of your character and experiences. They want to see how you have grown intellectually and personally, as well as how you can contribute positively to the campus community. By understanding the purpose behind this essay, you can tailor your content effectively and make a compelling case for why Reed College is the right fit for you.

In the next sections of this blog post, we will delve into specific strategies for crafting a personal narrative that resonates with readers, showcasing your fit with Reed College's values and community, as well as structuring and editing your essay effectively. These tips will help you create an impressive Reed supplemental essay that stands out amidst a sea of applications. So let's dive in!

Crafting a Personal Narrative

A compelling personal narrative is crucial when crafting your Reed supplemental essay. This is your opportunity to share your unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations with the admissions committee. To create a captivating personal narrative, start by reflecting on significant moments or challenges that have shaped you as an individual.

Consider discussing a transformative experience that has had a profound impact on your life. This could be an event, a relationship, or even a personal realization. By sharing this story, you can provide insight into your character and demonstrate how you have grown and developed over time.

Moreover, it is important to convey your passion and enthusiasm in your writing. Showcasing genuine excitement about your interests and goals will make your essay more engaging and memorable. Whether it's through vivid descriptions or heartfelt anecdotes, let your personality shine through.

In addition, don't shy away from vulnerability in your writing. Admissions officers appreciate authenticity and honesty. Sharing personal struggles or setbacks can demonstrate resilience and determination. However, it's essential to strike a balance between vulnerability and positivity – focus on how these experiences have shaped you positively rather than dwelling solely on the negative aspects.

Remember to connect your personal narrative back to why Reed College is the ideal fit for you. Highlight specific aspects of the college's academic programs or campus culture that resonate with your own values and goals. This will show the admissions committee that you have thoroughly researched Reed College and are genuinely interested in becoming part of its community.

Showcasing Fit with Reed College

Reed College is known for its unique values and tight-knit community, making it essential to showcase how you align with these aspects in your supplemental essay. One of the core values at Reed is intellectual curiosity and academic rigor . As an applicant, it is important to emphasize your passion for learning and your willingness to explore diverse subjects.

When showcasing fit with Reed College's values, it is crucial to highlight your commitment to intellectual inquiry. Discuss specific instances where you have demonstrated a love for knowledge and a desire to delve deeper into topics that intrigue you. Whether it was through independent research projects or participating in thought-provoking discussions, provide examples that demonstrate your intellectual curiosity.

Additionally, Reed College places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and encourages students to make connections across various disciplines. Showcase your ability to think critically and creatively by highlighting experiences where you have integrated different areas of study or tackled complex problems from multiple angles.

Another aspect of Reed's community is its collaborative nature. The college fosters an environment where students actively engage in discussions, debates, and group projects. Highlight instances where you have worked effectively as part of a team or contributed meaningfully to group endeavors. Emphasize your communication skills, adaptability, and willingness to listen and learn from others.

Lastly, Reed College values diversity and seeks students who will contribute positively to their inclusive community. Share experiences that demonstrate your respect for different perspectives and cultures. Discuss how you have actively sought out opportunities to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and how this has shaped your worldview.

By showcasing fit with Reed College's values and community through examples that highlight intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration, and appreciation for diversity, you will strengthen your supplemental essay and increase your chances of being admitted to this prestigious institution.

Structuring and Editing the Essay

Crafting an impressive Reed supplemental essay goes beyond just having great content; it also requires a well-structured and polished piece of writing. To ensure your essay stands out, you need to pay attention to both the structure and the editing process.

Structuring the Essay Effectively

When structuring your Reed supplemental essay, it's important to have a clear and logical flow that engages the reader from start to finish. Begin with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader's attention and introduces the main theme or idea of your essay. This could be an anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling statement.

Next, develop your ideas in a coherent manner by organizing them into paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one main point or aspect related to your personal narrative or fit with Reed College. Use topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph to clearly indicate what each section will discuss.

To maintain clarity and coherence throughout your essay, make sure there is a smooth transition between paragraphs. Use transitional words and phrases such as "furthermore," "however," or "in addition" to connect ideas and create a seamless flow.

Finally, end your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This can be done by restating your thesis statement or main argument and providing some final thoughts or reflections.

Editing the Essay Effectively

Editing is an essential step in creating an impressive Reed supplemental essay. Start by reviewing your essay for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure errors. Use proofreading tools or ask someone else to read through your essay for feedback.

In addition to checking for technical errors, pay attention to the overall clarity and coherence of your writing. Ensure that each sentence contributes meaningfully to the overall message of your essay. Remove any unnecessary repetition or tangents that might distract from the main ideas.

Consider revising your essay for conciseness and clarity. Trim any wordy or convoluted sentences to make your writing more concise and impactful. Use precise language and avoid excessive jargon or complex vocabulary that may hinder understanding.

Finally, read your essay aloud to check its flow and rhythm. This can help identify any awkward phrasing or inconsistencies in tone. Make sure the essay sounds natural and authentic, reflecting your unique voice as a writer.

By structuring and editing your Reed supplemental essay effectively, you can ensure that it is well-organized, coherent, and engaging. This attention to detail will demonstrate your commitment to excellence and enhance the overall impact of your essay on the admissions committee at Reed College.

In conclusion, crafting an impressive Reed supplemental essay requires careful thought and attention to detail. By understanding the purpose of the essay, you can effectively convey your personal narrative and showcase your fit with Reed College's values and community. Remember to structure and edit your essay in a way that is clear, concise, and engaging. The Reed supplemental essay provides an opportunity for prospective applicants to demonstrate their passion, intellect, and potential contributions to the college community. It is a chance to stand out among other applicants and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. With these tips in mind, you are well-equipped to write an exceptional Reed supplemental essay that will help you secure a spot at this esteemed institution. Good luck with your application process, and we hope to see you on campus soon!

Tips and Examples for Crafting an Outstanding Dartmouth Supplemental Essay

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Crafting an Exceptional Supplemental Essay for Indiana University

Tips for Crafting an Outstanding Mount Holyoke Supplemental Essay

Crafting an Exceptional Supplemental Essay for GWU

Special Circumstances

Early admission.

Students who wish to enter Reed College before completing high school may apply for Early Admission. Early Admission applicants follow the same application procedures as first-year applicants, with the following additional requirements:

• Outstanding high school record (which makes clear the applicant has exhausted the educational opportunities available at their high school)
• Application to Reed under the Regular Decision plan (Early Admission applicants are not eligible to apply Early Decision)
• Letter from a high school counselor or principal supporting the plan to leave high school early to enter college
• Interview with a Reed representative

Early Admission applicants who intend to apply for financial aid should note the federal regulations require that students receive a high school diploma, a GED, or a state certification in order to be eligible to receive federal financial aid funds.

Home-Schooled Applicants

Applicants enrolled in home-school programs follow the same application procedures as first-year or transfer applicants, with the following additional requirements:

• School Report Form completed by the applicant’s parents or the home-school facilitator and submitted with the application
• Comprehensive list of the books and texts read over the four years of high school, including novels, textbooks, and other resources
• At least one letter of recommendation from a tutor, evaluator, or teacher who is not a family member

In addition, Reed recommends the following:

• Two—rather than one—academic recommendations (the second letter may come from an employer, supervisor, or nonfamily member who can address important personal qualities such as responsibility, creativity, discipline, and initiative)

Home-schooled applicants who intend to apply for financial aid should note that federal regulations require that students receive a high school diploma, a GED, or a state certification in order to be eligible to receive federal financial aid funds.

Waitlisted Applicants

If you have been offered a spot on Reed ’ s waitlist, you will receive an email with a link to a Waitlist Reply Form where you can indicate your interest in remaining on the waitlist. You can also access the form from the Reed Application Portal . We ask that you submit the form within three weeks of receiving the waitlist notification email.

See below for frequently asked questions about Reed ’ s waitlist process.

Waitlist FAQ

When is my waitlist reply form due.

We ask that you submit a Waitlist Reply Form within three weeks of receiving the waitlist notification email. When submitting the form, you will be asked to provide a brief statement of intent that gives some context for your decision to remain on the waitlist. This statement is required and will be read by your admission counselor and considered as part of your larger application.

May I send supplementary materials?

Yes! You may send us more information to increase your chances for consideration. Additional materials should be sent as soon as possible for highest consideration.

In addition to a statement of intent indicating your continued interest in attending Reed, you may also submit supplementary materials to strengthen your application:

• A copy of your most recent grades (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
• An additional essay that highlights your fit and interest in Reed (500 words maximum)
• Any awards or distinctions you’ve earned since submitting your application
• Note: This recommendation must be sent by the recommender to [email protected] . Peer recommendations are not allowed.
• An analytical or creative essay that you wrote for a class and that you feel highlights your academic writing skill

Waitlist materials (pdf, jpeg, docx) should be submitted via the self-service upload tool located at the bottom of the Reed Application Portal . If you have questions, please contact your admission counselor by email or by phone (800-547-4750).

Would it be helpful to visit campus and have an interview?

Is the waitlist ranked, when will i know more, should i pay a deposit at another college, what if i need financial aid, i have more questions..

Contact your admission counselor by email or by phone (800-547-4750).

Deferred Admission

Information for students who would like to request deferred admission:

• Admitted first-year students may request to defer entrance for one year once they have made their first $400 non-refundable enrollment deposit.
• Students who wish to request deferred admission must send a written plan outlining how they will spend their deferral year to the Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid via email to [email protected] by May 15. 
• Students are required to submit the second enrollment deposit by June 1.
• Once the deferral request is approved, the submitted enrollment deposits will reserve a place in the following year's entering class and will be applied toward the student's first-semester tuition at Reed.
• Students granted a deferral year may not enroll at another college or university as full-time or part-time students and may not apply to other colleges or universities.
• Students granted a deferral year will be asked to confirm their intent to enroll by submitting a $400 confirmation deposit to the Office of Admission by January 10 of the deferral year. Like the two enrollment deposits, the confirmation deposit will be applied towards the student's first-semester tuition at Reed.
• Transfer students are not eligible for deferred entrance except in the case of military or religious service or medical necessity (documentation may be required).

Reapplying to Reed

Students who applied to Reed and did not enroll may reapply by following the same application procedures and deadlines for the type of admission they have been approved to apply for ( First-Year or Transfer ) , with some additional requirements:

• A new Application with a new personal essay.
• Reapply Statement: Check the box identifying that you previously applied to Reed to College. This will cause the required Reapply Statement prompt to appear for you to answer
• Official high school transcript, showing all final grades and date of graduation
• College Transcripts for all completed college coursework
• One new teacher evaluation, from a teacher who did not submit previously (College Instructor for applicants reapplying as transfers).

Reapplying students are responsible for submitting any application requirements that weren't included in their original application to Reed in order to complete the reapplication process.

Please note that a reapplying student who was originally placed on the waitlist or denied will be allowed to reapply to Reed as a transfer applicant only after completing at least one semester of college coursework (or the equivalent of four Reed units). More than one semester of college coursework will significantly increase the likelihood of admission.

A student will not be allowed to reapply more than two times.

Older Students

Auditing students, visiting students, non-degree students.

Students who wish to take one or more courses at Reed for credit but who do not wish to work toward a Reed degree may apply for admission as special, non-degree students. Special students are not eligible for financial aid and pay tuition on a per-unit basis. The application deadline is June 1 for the fall semester and November 15 for the Spring Semester. Application requirements include the following:

• Special Student Application, available through Reed’s admission office
• Essay—limit 500 words—describing why you want to attend Reed as a non-degree student and how the courses will help you meet your educational objectives
• Either official high school transcript, sent directly from your school, GED scores, or state high school certification
• Official college transcript from every college or university attended