Supplemental essays · 2026–27 application
Reed College supplemental essays.
The essay question Reed College asks this year, word for word, with the word limit and how to approach it.
Checked against reed.edu and the Common App application on October 17, 2026
What you write: One writing supplement, 200–500 words.
In the Common App you choose to submit the supplement now or later in the process.
What you would teach at Paideia
For one week at the end of January, Reed students upend the traditional classroom hierarchy and teach classes about any topic they love, academic or otherwise. This week is known as Paideia after the Greek term signifying “education” – the complete education of mind, body and spirit. What would you teach that would contribute to the Reed community?
How to approach it
- Take the question seriously enough to play with it.
- Let your answer show how you think.
- Keep it honest under the fun.
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