Student Spotlight: Basia Reed

As a senior at Glenbard East High School, Basia Reed heard about the Presidential Scholars program at College of DuPage through Glenbard's financial aid counselor.

She knew her outstanding academic record gave her a strong chance at being selected for the full-ride scholarship. More importantly, Reed realized the value of attending College of DuPage and how it could fit into her career goals.

"I want to be a veterinarian, and I know it will take eight years of college," said the Lombard resident. "By coming to COD, I can complete all my gen ed requirements and then transfer to my next school debt-free."

Reed was one of 56 students who were selected to become Presidential Scholars for the 2011-2012 academic year. Touting an average ACT score of 30 and an average GPA of 5.6 out of 5, the scholars represent the very "best of the best" in terms of area high school graduates, receiving full-tuition scholarships for up to 64 credit hours as well as admission into the Honors Program and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

For Reed, she was first aware of College of DuPage as a girl, when she was enrolled in dance classes and the recitals were held at the McAninch Arts Center.

She developed a love of animals while growing up with her family's pets – which included cats, one dog and two ferrets – and she wants to dedicate herself to improving the lives of people's pets. Being ranked in the top 1 percent of her high school class gave Reed multiple options for college, and she's happy with her selection.

"College of DuPage provides a high quality education, and people are here because they want to be," she said. "I'm saving money in the long run, and I'm really impressed with COD."

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