As a high school junior receiving information from about ten new colleges per week, I was beginning to find the process of sorting out who to reply to and who to turn down to be tedious. Many colleges would boast about their student-to-teacher ratio or their eight-million volume library, but statistics aren't what make you choose a college. Then I saw the Reed letter and the unconventional characteristics of Reed. The lack of varsity sports teams, the emphasis on learning, and the laid back yet still serious attitude. It asked me to reply and I thought, "You had me from 'Dear Matthew'." I replied and later got the veiwbook, which only reinforced my initial, positive impressions.
Since I've been itching to get out of the house for a while now, the prospect of taking on responsibility appeals to me and Reed seems like it will give me the freedom to do that. I'm a quiet person, but if the professors are as amiable as they're made out to be, the small classes will work out fine. Learning for the sake of learning is one of my hobbies. When I discover something I enjoy, I try to absorb as much of it as I can handle. For example: my CD collection has quadrupled since I got my own stereo system two years ago. Another idea I like is the senior thesis year, which appears to be an excellent opportunity to become totally immersed in doing what you enjoy. These are just a few reasons Reed interests me academically.
Socially, I'm not a big partier. The only dances I've been to are a homecoming and a prom. I also like to get to know a few people well rather than have a hundred "friends" who don't even know my last name. I do enjoy soccer and skiing, but only for fun. I'm fairly sure I won't be in the MLS in ten years. The Reed club activities are right for me. The community service aspect will be kind of new to me because I haven't done any since I was a Boy Scout four years ago, but it will be good to give back to the community again.
To summarize, I think Reed is appropriate for a personality like mine and I think if I work hard I will prosper there.
