Reed College Top Questions

Reed students are amazing individuals with a passion for learning and changing the world in ways no one else thinks are possible.

Socially awkward, pompous half-hipsters with an inferiority complex that they overcompensate for with academics.

The illest of the ill, the dopest of the dope, the dankest of the dank, the smartest, brightest, most inventive motherfuckers in this whole country who are going to rule the world; we are the bluest smurfs out there.

I've mentioned already that diversity is a bit of a problem. Mostly that's racial diversity, though. The queer community at Reed is fantastic, I think. Further, I'm pretty happy with the mixture of classes and backgrounds Reed has achieved. Though there are certainly plenty of rich kids, more than 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student body is on some form of financial aid and I personally know a few who have a full ride. So we are okay in that respect. Religious issues are tricky. It's no secret that the majority of Reed students don't fall into easily defined religious categories. However, beyond the input of a few fanatic atheists, acceptance rules. That is, just because you are a Christian and I'm not doesn't mean we can't be BFF and absolutely respectful. That being said, I do not think that a staunchly conservative person will find any easy time at Reed. If we think you're wrong, it's likely that we'll question your beliefs. If you can't handle that, you might have a problem. Of course, it's just as unhelpful to be a close-minded liberal, but since the majority of the Reed population will agree with your beliefs, you likely won't experience the same degree of confrontation.

The most socially incompetent, amazing people I have ever met.

You got your yippies, your pool sharks, your Rugby boys (like me) and your Dungeons and Dragons players, but they're all reedies - extra-intellegent, extra-intellectual, and sharp as knives.

They are quirky misfits and enthusiastic, unapologetic nerds.

Liberal, open-minded, and quirky.

When I went to Reed it was very white, but the stats that are coming out nowadays show more diversification of the student body. Many Reedies are well-heeled and worldly (lots of diplomats kids), but they tend to hide their wealth by refusing to bathe. Nurturing environment for LGBT. Reedies are not known for their social skills. Somehow, miraculously, the Reed alums I have met post-graduation have figured out how to hold a conversation about something other than a book. Actual Reedies tend to spend too much time at their assigned library desks to know how to introduce themselves without the assistance of a few beers.

Reedies are the most intelligent, most awkward, and consistently atypical people I've ever met. There is no "Reedie prototype." We're different, and motivated by one thing: learning. Learning about the world, learning about each other, learning about ourselves. There's really not much more I can say.