Reed College
Reed College

International Applicants

As an international applicant, you bring a global perspective and meaningful lived experiences that enrich the Reed community.

Applying to Reed

You are considered an international applicant if you are neither a US citizen nor a permanent resident of the United States.

Permanent residents must submit a photocopy of their Permanent Resident Card (I-551), but should otherwise follow the instructions for domestic students.

To apply for admission to Reed, you will need to complete either the Coalition Application (hosted by Scoir) or the Common Application.

Required Documents

English Proficiency

  • Either TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, or documentation that you attended an English medium school.
  • If you attended an English medium school or English medium program, we do not require testing.
  • International applicants whose native language is not English are encouraged but not required to submit results of English proficiency. While there is no minimum score that we are looking for, these are the average scores we see:
    • SAT: 600+ for the evidence-based reading/writing score
    • ACT: Reading and English scores of 28+
    • TOEFL: 110+
    • IELTS: 7+
    • Duolingo: 145+
  • Reed College’s test codes are 4654 (TOEFL) and 4654 (Reed College PROFILE).

Interviews

We highly value the opportunity to better get to know our international applicants. Consider taking advantage of the optional interview component in the Reed application process. Reach out directly to InitialView or Vericant to schedule an interview, which can significantly enhance your application. Please keep in mind that there is a fee associated with these services. However, this investment allows you to share your interview with multiple colleges and universities. Should you require a fee waiver, please don't hesitate to contact InitialView or Vericant.

School Report

Your school completes the school report. This document provides context about your school and aids in the holistic review process.

Counselor Recommendation

The counselor recommendation is completed by your guidance counselor, college/career counselor, homeroom teacher, or principal. This document helps us to evaluate your application within the context of your academic background.

Teacher Recommendations

  • Reed requires two teacher recommendations from two different academic disciplines.
  • If the recommendations are not written in English, an accurate translation should be included.

Official Secondary School Transcripts

  • Secondary school transcripts can be emailed to admission@reed.edu.
  • Transcripts must come from the school to be considered official. The admission committee requires full secondary school transcripts (and college or university records, if any). These transcripts must be translated into English.
  • Students studying under a system that requires examination (for example, the International Baccalaureate or the British system) are asked to submit exam results at the time of application or whenever they are available.

College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile

  • CSS Profile (required for international applicants who wish to apply for financial aid). International applicants admitted without financial aid are not eligible to receive financial aid during their time at Reed. Learn more about financial aid at Reed on our costs & financial aid page.

Permanent Resident Card

  • If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must submit a photocopy of your Permanent Resident Card (I-551).

Financial Aid

  • All financial aid at Reed is granted on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Reed offers no academic or athletic scholarships. Need is determined through an assessment of your family’s financial resources and ability to contribute toward the cost of your education.
  • Reed meets the full demonstrated need of all admitted students. Reed will not admit a student who demonstrates need without offering a financial aid package. All offers of financial assistance include grants, work opportunities, and loans.
Detailed financial aid application instructions are available here.

Visa Process

Once you have been issued and received your I-20 or DS-2019, you are ready to begin applying for your visa. In order for Reed to provide you with the documents you need to obtain a student visa, you must complete an International Student Certification of Finances form and include supporting documentation.

A visa permits entry into the United States and is granted by an official of the US Department of State, located in an embassy or consulate in your home country. Degree-seeking students attending Reed College for four years will enter the United States on an F-1 student visa, and exchange students (one semester or one year) will enter on a J-1 student visa. Learn more about the visa process on our international student services website.

Rankings

Reed chooses not to provide data to the U.S. News & World Report rankings each year because we believe that the one-size-fits-all methodology behind most college ranking systems does not capture the unique experience of a classroom, a community, or an institution. However, there are some other rankings that may help you explore Reed’s distinctive teaching philosophy and the ethos of the Reed community.

  • #2 Professors Get High Marks (Princeton Review 2025)
  • #3 Best Classroom Experience (Princeton Review 2025)
  • #4 in the Percentage of Graduates Who Go On to Earn Doctorates across All Disciplines (National Science Foundation and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data)
  • #8 Great Financial Aid (Princeton Review 2025)
  • #11 Best Colleges with No Application Fee in America (Niche 2024)

Life After Reed

The breadth, depth, and rigor of Reed’s curriculum provide excellent preparation for nearly any career.

Reed is ranked #2 in the nation in the percentage of graduates who earn PhDs in the life sciences and #4 across all disciplines. The graduate schools most frequently attended by Reed alumni include Harvard, Stanford, and Yale. In addition, Amazon, Apple, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Nike, and the U.S. Department of State are all top employers of Reed graduates. 

Notable students who have attended Reed include:

  • Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple
  • Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia
  • Emilio Pucci, fashion designer 
  • Arlene Blum, chemist and mountaineer

Portland

Reed is located in a residential section of Portland, a midsize city of about 600,000 residents. Portland is home to many successful companies such as Nike and Intel, both of which are top employers of Reed graduates. In fact, the west side of the Portland metropolitan area is often referred to as the Silicon Forest (a play on California's Silicon Valley), due to the large number of high-tech companies in the area.

Portland’s downtown is just 10 minutes from campus and home to the world’s largest independent bookstore as well as great vintage stores, movie theatres, and art galleries. In addition to being one of the greenest cities in the United States, Portland is known for its progressive urban planning, innovative music scene, weekend brunches, and delicious coffee.

Reed is also just 30 minutes away from the Portland International Airport, which is accessible by public transportation.

To learn more about the local area, visit our Portland and the Northwest page.

Orientation

International Student Orientation (ISO) is an essential part of the international student experience and is carefully designed to create community and help launch you into a successful semester at Reed College. International Student Orientation happens before first-year Orientation and is required for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders. 

The program orients international students to the United States and Reed and also connects each student with an InterConnect peer mentor who will guide students through their first semester. There is no registration fee for International Student Orientation; all activities and meals are free for participants. Learn more about ISO on the international student services website.

Residence Life

From the discovery of new interests to the formation of lifelong friendships, a lot happens in Reed housing. Our on-campus residential community provides a safe and welcoming environment to support students in their academic pursuits, personal growth, and participation in an interdependent community. All first-year and sophomore Reed students live on campus. Learn more about what it’s like to live on campus on our housing & dining page.

Contact Us

If you have additional questions about applying as an international student, contact us at admission-international@reed.edu.