How did you first become interested in Reed and why do you think Reed might be an appropriate place, both socially and academically, to continue your education?

I could tell you a heartfelt, sentimental, poignant story about first seeing a Reed College refrigerator magnet (my uncle got it at a reunion, I think) and feeling first deep emotions stirring somewhere inside my spleen.

Or I could meticulously paraphrase the numerous brochures and articles about Reed that I have perused.

Yet another option would be to rent a small airplane and skywrite, "I want to go to Reed," in colorful pollutants.

And I probably would resort to one of these strategies, had I not some real incentives to attend Reed College. They are based on what I have learned from The Princeton Review, general knowledge, conversations I have overheard, and other miscellaneous tidbits of information sent to me by friends and relatives.

First of all, I must express my admiration to the people who have decided that education is, after all, the purpose and responsibility of a college and established the precedence of academics over sports at Reed college. I'd like to attend a school where I, a debater, will not be viewed as a second-class citizen by football players.

Secondly, the notoriety of great educational standards has reached me all the way in Vancouver (OK, so it is only across the river) and enticed, attracted, and urged me to apply to Reed. Rumors of the "side effects" of avalanches of homework and sleepless nights have crept here, too, but I'm up to the challenge. After two years of juggling high school, college, and extracurricular activities, receiving assignments only at one place just might be paradise.

Lastly, Reed's geographical location is just like pretty wrapping paper and a big red bow on a present that's already great ( forgive the allusions to the Haagen-Dasz commercials). Living in Portland, I would be simultaneously away from my family in Vancouver--and as close as I might need to be! Not only would I have the opportunity to become better acquainted with Portland, but also to judge at debate tournaments for my old high school! The possibilities are mouthwatering.

Jokes aside, I believe that attending Reed will be one of the most sensible things I might do in my whole life. Learning is what I do best, and at Reed I will have the perfect opportunity to excel at it.