Macalester College
Location: St. Paul, MN (urban, large city)
Size: 2,098 students
Avg percent need-met: 100%
Acceptance rate: 32%
Middle 50% ACT: 29-33 **Test Optional**
Middle 50% SAT: 1330-1460 **Test Optional**
Macalester is, without doubt, an academic powerhouse. Mac emphasizes internationalism, multiculturalism, and extracurricular involvement – and since it’s located in the Twin Cities, students have easy access to a wide variety of opportunities, including internships and volunteering. Despite being in a big city, the campus is small and tight-knit; accessible professors act as exceptional mentors; and students are excited to learn. All first-years participate in a seminar capped at 16 students, so Scots really get to know each other and their professors. The academic environment is challenging without feeling competitive.
Popular majors / known for: International Studies, Geography, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science
Academic approach: Liberal arts. Macalester has four pillars: academic excellence, multiculturalism, internationalism, and service
Campus tradition: Every year students celebrate Founders Day with a friendly game of Pushball on Macalester's Old Main Lawn
Check out campus photos here!
Global Feel
Internationalism is one of the core tenants of Macalester College. The school has a proud history of welcoming international students and pushing students to think about global impact.
International Studies is one of the most popular majors. Unique to the college is that international studies requires students to double major, and international studies majors can declare an interdisciplinary concentration as well.
The Annan Institute for Global Citizenship connects students, faculty, staff, and community members with events and opportunities to engage, such as the annual International Roundtable.
Mac offers 90 study abroad programs, mainly through partner institutions. Most students choose to do a semester program, though shorter and longer programs are available. 61% of all students spend at least a semester abroad.
Macalester’s international student population sits at around 24% on campus, and the student body represents 97 different countries.
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, Similar to Highly Selective - Brown, International Students, Urban LAC, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, Midwest schools