Reed College, founded in 1911 in Portland, Oregon, is renowned for its intellectual intensity and unconventional 'Reedies,' who thrive in its student-governed academic environment. The college's curriculum centers on a year-long humanities course and mandatory senior thesis?85% of students complete original research, often published in journals. Reed excels in physics (housing one of only two nuclear reactors operated by undergraduates) and creative writing (alumni include Gary Snyder and Barry Lopez). Its 116-acre campus features canyon trails and the Paradox Lost sculpture, embodying Reed's quirky ethos.
With no fraternities or Division sports, Reed's culture revolves around intellectual pursuits, visible in its 24-hour thesis-writing 'Paradox Cafe.' The college's honor principle allows self-proctored exams and fosters deep faculty-student collaboration (10:1 ratio). Despite its small size, Reed produces the 2nd highest number of PhDs per capita in the U.S. Recent initiatives like the $200 million 'Reed Forward' campaign expanded financial aid, with 40% of students now receiving Pell Grants. Reed's alumni network includes 32 Rhodes Scholars and MacArthur 'geniuses,' testament to its transformative liberal arts model.
Reed College Acceptance Rate
Reed College is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Reed College (Reed) is 30.8%. This means that 31 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Reed College Admissions?
- Moderately Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Since the acceptance rate is low, you need to perform exceptionally well in academics and other activities. However, since it is not below 20%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn\'t excellent. You can compensate for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Reed College Admission Requirements
Reed GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Reed is 4. It means that Reed is very selective in terms of the GPA. (Most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 4, Reed requires you to be near the top of your class. You need to score mostly A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, AP or IB courses related to your chosen field (e.g., math, calculus, physics for engineering) will strengthen your application.
If your GPA is between 3.7 and 4, then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.6 GPA to secure admission at Reed. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.
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Can I Get Into Reed Without SAT Or ACT?: Reed College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Reed College (Reed) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Reed College Average SAT Score: 1421
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Reed College is 1421 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Reed College SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1421 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1500 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Reed College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1320, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Reed. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Reed College SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 690 | 630 | 750 |
| SAT Reading | 720 | 690 | 750 |
| SAT Composite | 1421 | 1320 | 1500 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1320 then you are below most of the admitted students at Reed and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1500 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Reed College (Reed) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Reed College (Reed) are good but the admission staff at Reed tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Reed College (Reed) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Reed is 32.
Reed College ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Reed College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.
Reed College ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 27 | 30 |
| ACT English | 34 | 31 | 36 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 30 | 33 |
Can I get into Reed College with a 33 ACT?
With a 33 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Reed College are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 32.Reed Profile
Name: Reed College (Reed)
City: Portland
State: Oregon
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 97202-8199
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
How much does a degree from Reed Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Reed College is USD: 80970. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Reed College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
11.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 39.34 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Reed and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Reed College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Reed as your choice in the form.
How much a Reed Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Reed graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 62927. An average Reed graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Reed College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Reed College, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1399 | 30 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1402 | 31 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 32 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1401 | 31 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1387 | 31 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1386 | 31 |
| University of Florida | University of Florida, FL | 1397 | 31 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Reed College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Reed College, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1427 | 32 |
| Wesleyan University | Wesleyan University, CT | 1426 | 33 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1420 | 33 |
| Macalester College | Macalester College, MN | 1430 | 32 |
| Fordham University | Fordham University, NY | 1411 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Reed College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1467 | 33 |
| Emory University | Emory University, GA | 1493 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA | 1480 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1480 | 33 |
| Bates College | Bates College, ME | 1480 | 33 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Dance
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Reed College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $62927 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Reed College?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $80970 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Reed College?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Reed College?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Reed College is 30.8 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Reed College?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 4. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Reed College?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.7, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Reed College with a 3.7 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.7 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Reed College if my GPA is below 3.6
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 4, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Reed College?
Answer: Admission to Reed College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1421 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1320-1500
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Reed College from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Reed College each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Reed College?
Answer: The campus culture at Reed College is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Reed College?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Reed College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.