Macalester College
Location: St. Paul, MN (urban, large city)
Size: 2,244 students
Avg percent need-met: 100%
Acceptance rate: 31%
Middle 50% ACT: 29-33 **Test Optional**
Middle 50% SAT: 1360-1490 **Test Optional**
Macalester is, without doubt, an academic powerhouse. The college emphasizes international, multiculturalism, and extracurricular involvement. Since it is located in the Twin Cities there is access to a wide variety of opportunities, including internships and volunteering. Students also explore the city in their free time! Despite being in the cities, campus is small and tight-knit. Professors are accessible and act as exceptional mentors. The students are excited to learn, and the academic environment is challenging, but not competitive. All first years participate in a first year course capped at 16 students.
Popular majors / known for: Political Science, International Studies, Biology. Mathematics, Computer Science
Academic approach: Liberal arts with a focus on internationalism and multiculturalism. General education requirements are generally flexible and can be fulfilled through classes take for a students major.
Fun fact: One of the most popular classes on campus is Geology 101 - Dinosaurs. The class is often the largest on campus and draws students from every year!
Check out campus photos here!
Why Coaches Love It:
Macalester's academic strength, dedication to social issues, focus on internationalism and multiculturalism, non-competitive atmosphere, and urban location make it a fantastic option for a wide range of students. Professors are super approachable and students are always willing to help each other out. It's a type of place where you leave a classroom and can spend hours talking to your friends about what you learned. Students tend to be activists, but definitely pretty nerdy as well. - Jesse
Students have access to the twin cities, meaning they can study off campus, explore new neighborhoods, and walk through many parks
Macalester meets 100% of demonstrated need and generally does a good job accurately awarding aid
Application Details
Test Optional
RD deadline: January 15th
Early Action deadline: November 1st
Supplemental essays: Yes
Application fee: $0
On Common App: Yes
CSS profile: Required, due January 22nd
Interviews: Considered
School also featured in: Coaches Choice, Global Feel, Similar to Highly Selective - Brown, International Students, Urban LAC, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, Midwest schools