Ready to start your journey toward becoming a Reedie? Learn about application requirements, deadlines, and other important details for first-year applicants.
How to Apply
Reed College accepts applications from two platforms: and . Applicants may only submit one application per year and may select from either of these platforms. Neither of these application platforms is favored in the admission decision process.
Application Requirements
Submit the or
Personal essay (only required for the Common Application)
If applying Early Decision: ED I and ED II applicants must submit the Early Decision Agreement, signed by the applicant, parent/guardian, and high school counselor.
If applying for financial aid: Indicate this on your application and submit financial aid materials, including the FAFSA, CSS application, and documentation (as applicable).
If interested in interviewing: Admission interviews are optional, one-on-one conversations for high school seniors, second-semester juniors, and transfer students. Explore our Interview FAQ to learn more.
Application Deadlines
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Early Action
Regular Decision
Applications Due
November 1
January 15
November 1
January 15
Decisions Mailed
December
March
February
April 1
Reply Date
Within 2 weeks of admission
Within 2 weeks of admission
May 1
May 1
Suggested Interview Deadline
November 15
January 31
December 1
February 1
Students can apply to Reed with an Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), or Regular Decision (RD) application.
Early Decision: Binding. Best for students who are ready to commit to Reed as their first choice. Choose between ED I and ED II, which differ only by application deadline and notification date.
Early Action: Non-binding. Apply early and keep your options open.
Regular Decision: More time to apply and compare offers before deciding.
International students may apply through any application plan. Students denied under EA, ED I, or ED II may not reapply through Regular Decision in the same admission cycle.
Why Early Decision?
Early Decision (ED) is binding and best for students who know Reed is their first choice—plus, applying ED can increase your likelihood of admission.
Making your college choice should be exciting, not uncertain. With Reed’s new Early Decision Aid Review, you and your family can receive an estimated need-based financial aid package by November 1—giving you clarity and confidence as you take this important step. If our offer doesn’t meet your need, we’ll move your application to Regular Decision with no penalty. We want every Reed applicant to make their decision with full knowledge of the resources available to them. Learn more about the benefits of applying Early Decision below.
If you have taken Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or college courses during secondary school, we view this as significant evidence of your academic preparation. In some cases, incoming students may receive credit toward graduation for work completed before enrollment at Reed.
Students graduating from dual enrollment high school programs are considered first-year applicants to Reed, not transfer applicants.
First-Year Student College Credit Guide
Incoming students may receive credit toward graduation for work completed before enrollment at Reed.
Most transfer credit is granted through
successful completion of course work at accredited colleges and universities;
performance on the College Board's Advanced Placement exams;
internationally recognized academic programs, such as the International Baccalaureate, Abitur, or GCE A-levels.
Credit at Reed is based on a unit system. One Reed unit is the equivalent of four semester hours or six quarter hours from another institution.
Students may receive no more than 8 total units of pre-matriculation credit. Those 8 units may be from regular college courses, exam credit, or a combination of both. The successful transfer of pre-matriculation credit does not affect class standing at Reed. Students who successfully transfer pre-matriculation credit are still classified as first-year students and held to the Humanities 110 requirement.
Students who have attended college full time should consult the admission office's transfer guide for a more detailed description of transferring to Reed.
Dual Enrollment: Courses Completed at Other Institutions
Pre-matriculation credit is credit earned for academic work prior to enrolling at an institution of higher education. It includes:
College courses completed while in high school or as a non-degree-seeking student after high school graduation but prior to matriculating at Reed. These courses must appear on an official transcript from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution and meet Reed’s standards for transfer, and with a grade of C- or better. The Registrar shall be empowered to apply the credit for these courses toward Reed’s group and division requirements. Department or program committee approval is required to apply these courses toward major and minor requirements.
Advanced Placement Credit: College Board AP Exams
Approval of AP credit varies from department to department; however, all those granting credit require scores of 4 or 5.
Credit for AP tests will apply toward the 30 units of academic credit needed for graduation, but cannot be used to meet any other Reed College requirement.
Students are generally awarded one unit of credit for each AP exam.
No student may receive more than a total credit of eight units by means of AP or other exams.
Departmental Policies: AP Exams
African American Studies
For scores of 4 and 5, one unit of credit is granted. Students are considered individually for admission to advanced classes.
Art, History
For scores of 4 and 5, one unit of credit is granted. Students are considered individually for admission to advanced classes.
Art, Studio/Portfolio
For scores of 4 and 5, one unit of credit is granted. Students are considered individually for admission to advanced classes.
Chemistry
Chemistry 101 and 102 are required for the chemistry major at Reed, regardless of any AP or IB experience in high school. While AP preparation is a valuable previous exposure to chemistry, our Chemistry 101 and 102 sequence is quite distinct and subsequent courses build on this foundation.
Students who have earned a score of 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam will receive one unit of college credit. As outlined above, students planning to continue their education in chemistry at Reed will complete both chemistry 101 and 102. At this point, the AP credit will be rescinded.
Chinese, Language and Culture
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5. Course placement is based on the exam administered by the department before registration in the fall.
Computer Science
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5 on the computer science A exam. No credit is granted for the computer science principles exam. A student may not receive credit for both the AP test and Computer Science 121.
Economics, Micro/Macro
One-half unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 and 5 for either or both of the economics exams. Advanced placement, however, is not granted on the basis of the AP exam, but is determined instead by a placement exam administered by the department before registration in the fall semester.
English, Language/Literature
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5 on the literature exam. No credit is granted for the language exam. 300-level courses are closed to first-year students, regardless of AP credit.
French, Language/Literature
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5 on either or both French exams. Course placement is based on an exam administered by the department before registration in the fall.
German, Language
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5. Placement is determined in consultation with faculty members and through an exam administered by the department before registration in the fall.
Government & Politics, United States/Comparative
For each exam on which a student earns a score of 4 or 5, one unit of credit will be granted. This credit may not be used for group, divisional, or departmental requirements but may serve to satisfy prerequisites. Petitions must be received by the department by the end of the student's sophomore year. Read more information on prerequisites.
History, United States/European/World
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5 on any of the history exams. Advanced placement is not relevant, as the history program is not sequentially arranged and the department does not offer courses on the AP model. First-year students may enroll in upper-division (300-level) history courses only by the consent of the instructor. A student may not receive more than two units of AP history credit.
Human Geography
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5 on the human geography exam.
Italian, Language and Culture
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5.
Japanese, Language and Culture
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5.
Latin
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5. Placement is determined by an exam administered by the department before registration in the fall semester.
Mathematics, Calculus AB/BC
One unit of credit is granted for the score of 5 on the AB exam, or scores of 4 or 5 on the BC exam. Credit will not be granted for both of the calculus exams. A student may not receive credit for both the AP test and Math 111. Placement is determined in consultation with faculty members. Reed does not grant credit for the Calculus AB Subgrade.
Music, Theory
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5. Placement in Theory I or II is determined by an exam administered by the department before registration in the fall.
Physics, B, 1, 2 (non-calculus)/C (calculus)
Credit is not granted for the physics 1, 2, or B exams. For scores of 4 or 5 on the physics C exam (mechanics or electricity and magnetism), one unit of credit is granted for either or both. Students who wish to pursue physics at Reed are expected to enroll in Physics 101/102 or seek advanced placement by speaking with their academic advisers and physics faculty during orientation.
Precalculus
No credit is granted for the precalculus exam.
Psychology
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5. There is no advanced placement, however, as previous work in psychology may not be substituted for the introductory or core courses at Reed.
Research
No credit is granted for the research exam.
Seminar
No credit is granted for the seminar exam.
Spanish, Language/Literature
One unit of credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5 on either or both Spanish tests. Placement is determined by an exam administered by the department before registration in the fall; results of the AP and achievement tests, when available, are also considered.
Statistics
No credit is granted for the statistics exam.
International Baccalaureate
Credit for IB tests will be granted for Higher Level (HL) exams. With very few exceptions, no credit is granted for Standard Level (SL) work.
Approval of IB credit varies from department to department; however most of those granting credit require a grade of 5 or higher.
Credit for IB exams will apply toward the 30 units of academic credit needed for graduation, but cannot be used to meet any other Reed College requirement.
Departmental Policies: IB Exams
Anthropology
World Cultures: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, two units of credit will be granted. No advanced placement is offered.
Social and Cultural Anthropology: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, two units of credit will be granted. No advanced placement is offered.
Arts
Design Technology: There is no credit or advanced placement granted because this is a design course, not an art course.
Visual Arts: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, two units of credit will be granted. No advanced placement is offered.
Biology
Biology: For grades of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are granted. There is no advanced placement because the department believes that all biology students should be exposed to the instructors, concepts, and methods in Reed's first-year, team-taught course.
Chemistry
Chemistry: For grades of 6 or 7 on the HL exam, 1 unit of credit is granted. Students in this category may obtain placement out of the Chemistry 102 lecture if they receive an A or A- in Chem 101. For grades of 6 or 7 on the SL exam, 1 unit of credit is granted. However no advanced placement opportunity exists for students in this category. Students can only receive two units of credit for some combination of Chem 101, 102, and AP/IB credit.
Dance
Dance: For grades of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are granted. Placement into studio dance classes will be assessed based on prior experience.
Economics
Business Management: No credit is awarded for this exam.
Economics: For grades of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are granted. If a student receiving these credits takes Econ 201, 1 of these credits is rescinded. Advanced placement is not granted on the basis of the IB exam, but is determined instead by a placement exam administered by the department before registration in the fall semester.
Information Technology in a Global Society: No credit is awarded for this exam.
Environmental Studies
Environmental Systems and Societies: No credit is awarded for this exam.
Geography
Geography: No credit is awarded for this exam.
Government and Politics
Global Politics: For grades of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are granted.
Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Classical Languages: For grades of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are granted. Students who took the IB Latin program will need to take the corresponding placement exam before registration in the fall semester.
History
History: For grades of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are granted. Advanced placement is not relevant, as the history program is not sequentially arranged. First-year students may enroll in upper-division (300-level) history courses only by the consent of the instructor.
Literature and Languages
Language and Literature: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, two units of credit will be granted.
Lang B Acquisition: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, two units of credit will be granted. Students are expected to take placement exams to determine appropriate course level at Reed.
Lang A Literature: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, two units of credit will be granted.
Film: For grades of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are granted.
Literature and Performance
Literature and Performance: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are awarded. No advanced placement is offered.
Mathematics
Mathematical Studies (SL): No credit is awarded.
Application and Interpretation (HL): For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are awarded. A student may not receive credit for both the IB exam and Math 111. Placement is determined in consultation with faculty members.
Analysis & Approaches (HL): For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are awarded. A student may not receive credit for both the IB exam and Math 111. Placement is determined in consultation with faculty members.
Music
Music: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are awarded. However, if a student takes Music 111, one credit will be rescinded. Students can consult faculty for appropriate placement.
Philosophy
Philosophy: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are awarded. No advanced placement is offered.
Physics
Physics: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are awarded. The physics department does not allow students to use AP or IB courses to place out of the introductory physics sequence. Students seeking advanced placement should speak with physics faculty during orientation.
Psychology
Psychology: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are awarded. No advanced placement is offered.
Religion
Islamic History: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are awarded. Students may fulfill the 100-level Islam course prerequisites and may take 300-level Islam courses with instructor consent.
World Religions: No credit is awarded.
Theatre
Theatre: For scores of 5 or higher on the HL exam, 2 units of credit are awarded. No advanced placement is offered. These units may not be used towards departmental requirements or production work.
Abitur and GCE A-levels
Students who have successfully completed internationally recognized programs that typically surpass the standard American high school curriculum (such as the Abitur and the GCE A-levels) may be eligible for Reed College credit.
Given the variety of curricula and quality of work completed within these programs, a student's academic standing will be determined individually.
The student applies to Reed as a regular first-year student. Upon matriculation, the student provides full curriculum information to the registrar's office for reference in academic advising. A final credit evaluation is made by the end of the student's first semester at Reed. Depending upon the student's progress at Reed and the extent of work completed beyond the high school curriculum, the college may grant up to one full year's credit.
College Level Examination Program
Reed does not grant credit on the basis of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or other programs of credit by exam where the exam does not reflect completion of specific course work.
The college does not grant academic credit for experiential learning programs.
Reed College Placement Examinations
At the beginning of each academic year, some departments (including music, economics, and languages) administer placement exams. These exams assist the departments in placing students at the most appropriate level based on proficiency in the subject.
Students do not receive academic units for placing out of a course.
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION: Reed College prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or familial status, military status, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, status as a parent, family relationship, or any other category protected by law. The college’s Title IX policy and procedures may be found on our Title IX web page. Inquiries may be directed to the college's Title IX Coordinator by email at title-ix@reed.edu, by phone at 503-517-4842, or on campus in Eliot 108A. Inquiries may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office for Civil Rights, US Department of Education.
