Reed College Logo Reed College

Address: 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97202, USA
Phone: +1 503-771-1112
Email: admission@reed.edu
Website: www.reed.edu


Reed College has specific language requirements for non-native English speakers who are applying for undergraduate admission. Here’s an overview:

  1. English Proficiency: International students whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. This is typically done through standardized tests. Acceptable tests and minimum score requirements include:

    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test.
    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall band score of 7.0.
    • Duolingo English Test: Reed accepts this test with a minimum score of 120.

  2. Exemptions: Students may be exempt from English proficiency testing if they have completed a significant portion of their education (usually at least three years) in an English-speaking country or in an English-language institution.

  3. Application Materials: In addition to test scores, international applicants are required to submit an application that demonstrates their academic qualifications, including transcripts and recommendations.

It's always a good idea for prospective students to check Reed College’s official admissions website or contact the admissions office directly for the most current requirements and any updates regarding language proficiency standards.

Reed College, located in Portland, Oregon, is known for its rigorous academic programs and a strong emphasis on the liberal arts. Here are some key course specialties and areas of study at Reed College:

  1. Humanities: Reed offers a robust curriculum in the humanities, including literature, philosophy, history, and languages. The college emphasizes critical thinking and textual analysis.

  2. Social Sciences: Programs in sociology, political science, and anthropology focus on understanding societal structures, cultural dynamics, and political systems.

  3. Natural Sciences: Reed has strong programs in biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. The college emphasizes hands-on laboratory work and independent research.

  4. Mathematics: Reed's mathematics department offers a comprehensive program that includes pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and mathematical theory.

  5. Art and Studio Art: Reed provides courses in visual arts, including painting, sculpture, photography, and art history, encouraging students to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills.

  6. Music: The music program offers courses in music theory, history, composition, and performance, catering to both musicians and those interested in the cultural aspects of music.

  7. Interdisciplinary Studies: Reed encourages interdisciplinary study, allowing students to combine interests across different fields, such as environmental studies, gender studies, or neuroscience.

  8. Senior Thesis: One of the hallmarks of a Reed education is the senior thesis, a year-long independent research project that allows students to deeply explore a topic of their choice within their major.

No Nobel Prize Yet.

Founded in 1908, the Reed College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher  education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Portland (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Oregon. Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Reed College (Reed) is a very small-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 1,000-1,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Reed College (Reed) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 116-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. Reed also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Reed College is famous for several key reasons:

  1. Academic Rigor: Reed is renowned for its challenging curriculum and intellectual rigor. The college emphasizes critical thinking, independent research, and a strong foundation in the liberal arts, attracting academically motivated students.

  2. Unique Curriculum: Reed’s unique approach to education includes a mandatory Humanities program for first-year students, where they engage deeply with classic texts and ideas, fostering a strong basis in critical analysis and discussion.

  3. Senior Thesis Requirement: One of the defining features of a Reed education is the senior thesis, a substantial independent research project that culminates the undergraduate experience. This requirement emphasizes originality, critical thinking, and in-depth scholarship.

  4. Student-Faculty Ratio: Reed maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for close relationships between students and professors. This personalized attention enhances the educational experience and promotes mentorship.

  5. Emphasis on Research: The college encourages undergraduate research across disciplines, providing students with opportunities to conduct original research, present their findings, and contribute to their fields even before graduation.

  6. Graduate Success: Reed graduates have a strong track record of success in graduate programs and professional fields. The college is known for producing graduates who excel in various areas, including academia, medicine, law, and the arts.

  7. Political and Social Activism: Reed has a history of student activism and social justice advocacy. The campus culture encourages engagement with important social issues, promoting a commitment to civic responsibility and change.

  8. Beautiful Campus: Located in Portland, Oregon, Reed’s picturesque campus features beautiful landscapes and architecture, contributing to a vibrant academic and social atmosphere.

  9. Notable Alumni: Reed College has produced several influential alumni, including writers like David Foster Wallace and William Stafford, political figures, scientists, and leaders in various fields, which enhances its reputation.

These attributes contribute to Reed College's distinctive identity as an institution that values intellectual exploration, creativity, and social responsibility, making it a respected choice for students seeking a rigorous liberal arts education.