Reed College Essay, Research Paper

How did you first become interested in Reed and why do you think Reed might be an appropriate place, both socially and academically, to continue your education?

I could tell you a heartfelt, sentimental, poignant story about first seeing a ReedCollege refrigerator magnet (my uncle got it at a reunion, I think) and feeling first deepemotions stirring somewhere inside my spleen.

Or I could meticulously paraphrase the numerous brochures and articles aboutReed that I have perused.

Yet another option would be to rent a small airplane and skywrite, “I want togo to Reed,” in colorful pollutants.

And I probably would resort to one of these strategies, had I not some real incentives to attend Reed College. They are based on what I have learned from ThePrinceton Review, general knowledge, conversations I have overheard, and othermiscellaneous tidbits of information sent to me by friends and relatives.

First of all, I must express my admiration to the people who have decided thateducation is, after all, the purpose and responsibility of a college and established theprecedence of academics over sports at Reed college. I’d like to attend a schoolwhere I, a debater, will not be viewed as a second-class citizen by football players.

Secondly, the notoriety of great educational standards has reached me all theway in Vancouver (OK, so it is only across the river) and enticed, attracted, andurged me to apply to Reed. Rumors of the “side effects” of avalanches of homeworkand sleepless nights have crept here, too, but I’m up to the challenge. After two yearsof juggling high school, college, and extracurricular activities, receiving assignmentsonly at one place just might be paradise.

Lastly, Reed’s geographical location is just like pretty wrapping paper and a bigred bow on a present that’s already great ( forgive the allusions to the Haagen-Daszcommercials). Living in Portland, I would be simultaneously away from my family inVancouver–and as close as I might need to be! Not only would I have theopportunity to become better acquainted with Portland, but also to judge at debatetournaments for my old high school! The possibilities are mouthwatering.

Jokes aside, I believe that attending Reed will be one of the most sensiblethings I might do in my whole life. Learning is what I do best, and at Reed I will havethe perfect opportunity to excel at it.