Reed College

Portland, Oregon

Private Liberal Arts College

Reed College is a small liberal arts college in a lovely old Portland neighborhood. The academics are rigorous, but in a collaborative and growth mindset way. Grades are assigned, but are not the focus….learning, growing and understanding is. After a paper has been turned in, a professor meets with the student for a 30 minute writing conference to discuss the strengths and areas for growth. Taking intellectual risks is encouraged, even if it might mean writing a paper that needs structural improvement. The goal is to strengthen critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate. Evaluation is on the process, not just the product. A computer science professor shared that an LAC education trains people to make advances, ask the questions that result in advancements. Coding is the easy part that is done at the end. The creativity and development of new ideas stems from the interdisciplinary education combined with the Computer Science skills.

All courses at Reed are taught by professors. Reed has been designated a Research College, under the new Carnegie classification, spending well more than the  $2.5 million/year in research. Academics are rigorous at Reed, and students are often found clustered in a professor’s office working together to understand the material. The material, however, isn't simply presented to be learned. Collaborative conversations create the direction of learning in the classrooms.

Reed students are intellectually curious and are genuinely excited when the new course schedule drops. Students actively discuss which courses they want to register for. The classes are conference style…very socratic seminar style. Discussion is a big part of the learning, and students often guide the dialogue with their thoughts and interests. Reed students strive to understand the why. 30% of graduates go on to earn PhDs, while others go to law school, med school or into the workforce. 

Community is big at Reed, and students love to participate in events, but don’t often plan them. The balls are well attended and students dress up to match the theme. 

The Director of Counseling shared that there are 7 counselors on campus who reach out to students in creative ways. They bring a SOLO stove to the quad and invite students to write down something that is bothering them and then toss it into the flames. Students are offered 1 hour of tutoring per week per class. Pets are allowed in the dorms, PE is required and kindness is intentionally fostered.

UC Berkeley is the biggest crossover school, along with UCs Santa Barbara, San Diego, UCLA, University of Washington. Carleton, Swarthmore, Bates are some of the LAC cross over universities.  If you are curious about learning and understanding, want to explore ideas and have an opportunity to think critically, take a closer look at Reed.