Chances of Getting Into Reed College
Portland, Oregon • Private University • #64 National • Founded 1908
Reed Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Reed SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Reed College
Reed College is a fiercely intellectual liberal arts college in Portland, Oregon, known for its rigorous academics, conference-style classes, and a mandatory senior thesis that every student must complete. Reed has the highest percentage of graduates who go on to earn PhDs of any liberal arts college in the nation, and its no-grades-reported policy fosters a love of learning over competition.
Top Programs
What Makes Reed Unique
- Highest percentage of graduates who go on to earn PhDs among liberal arts colleges
- Mandatory senior thesis for every student — a year-long capstone research project
- Grades exist but are not reported to students — emphasis on learning, not GPA chasing
- Only undergraduate institution in the U.S. with a nuclear research reactor on campus
- Located in Portland — one of the most creative, progressive cities in the country
Reed Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Reed Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Reed: Admission Tips
Reed values intellectual curiosity above all — show genuine love of learning in your essays
Apply ED (November 15) if Reed is your top choice for a meaningful admissions boost
Reed is test-optional — if you submit, aim for 1360+ SAT or 31+ ACT
The application essay is critical — Reed wants to see your thinking process
Demonstrated interest matters — engage with Reed's admissions events and visit if possible
The Brutal Truth About Reed Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 43% acceptance rate, Reed rejected over 3,990 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Reed, having a 3.85 GPA and 1440 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Reed doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Reed genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 43%-acceptance-rate basket.
Reed Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Reed College?
Reed College has an acceptance rate of 43% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 7,000+ applicants, approximately 370 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Reed?
The average GPA of admitted students at Reed College is 3.85. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.70, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Reed?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Reed students is 1360-1520. The average SAT score is 1440. For ACT, the range is 31-34 with an average of 32.
Is Reed hard to get into?
Yes, Reed College is selective with an acceptance rate of just 43%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Reed cost?
Tuition at Reed College is $66,250 per year, with total cost of attendance at $82,000. However, 54% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $45,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Reed?
Your chances of getting into Reed College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 43% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
What Are Your Chances at Reed?
Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. Get a personalized, brutally honest assessment of your odds — plus scholarship estimates.
Trusted by 65+ students. AI-powered. Takes 2 minutes.
Popular Majors at Reed
Explore Your Chances by GPA
See which schools match your academic profile based on GPA alone.