Reed College
Portland, Oregon · Private
Reed College admitted 29% of 9,606 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1320–1490 in the middle half. Test scores aren’t considered (test blind). 76% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Reed College
Enter a score to see whether Reed College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It doesn’t look at test scores, so this uses the admit rate (29%) alone.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Reed College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application is free. Reed College asks for the Common App personal essay, two teacher recommendations, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Reed College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Reed College offers early decision but didn’t report how many early applicants it admitted.
Reed College offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
5,305 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 2,597 took it, and 110 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Reed College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
Important
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Character
Considered
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Test scores
- State residency
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 4.00 GPA. 51% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $86,540 a year. After grants, students paid $36,993 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Reed College’s acceptance rate?
Reed College admitted 29% of applicants: 2,804 of 9,606 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Reed College’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Reed College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1320 to 1490, with a median around 1410. A score at or above 1410 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Reed College’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Reed College require?
Besides the application and transcript, Reed College asks for the Common App personal essay, two teacher recommendations, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does Reed College have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Reed College asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (one writing supplement, 200–500 words). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
Does Reed College require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Reed College uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
Not sure which colleges fit?
A Clarity Prep mentor builds a balanced list with your student and checks in every week until it’s done.
Writing your essays? See Reed College’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.