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.

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