Macalester College
Location: St Paul, MN (urban)
Size: 2,244 students
Avg percent need-met: 97%
Acceptance rate: 31%
Middle 50% ACT: 29-33**Test Optional**
Middle 50% SAT: 1360-1490 **Test Optional**
Macalester is, without a doubt, an academic powerhouse. They emphasize internationalism, multiculturalism, and extracurricular involvement. Located in the Twin Cities, there’s easy access to a wide variety of opportunities, including internships and volunteering. Despite being in a big city, campus is small and tight-knit. Students are excited to learn and accessible professors act as exceptional mentors. All freshmen participate in a seminar capped at 16 students, so you really get to know each other and your professor. The academic environment is challenging without feeling competitive.
Popular majors / known for: Political Science, International Studies, Math, Biology
Academic approach: Liberal arts, with pillars of academic excellence, multiculturalism, internationalism, and service
Campus tradition: Every year, students celebrate Founders Day by playing Pushball on Old Main Lawn
Check out campus photos here!
Similarity to Brown
While Macalester does have general education requirements, they're designed to be flexible and interdisciplinary, allowing students to shape their education to best fit them and their needs and interests.
Like Brown, Mac students tend to be liberal and embrace social activism. Both schools are in their state capitals, which allows for constant political internships, volunteering, and social action.
Brown is the quirkiest of the Ivies and Macalester definitely gives off a similarly quirky vibe.
Application Details
RD deadline: January 15th
Early Action deadline: November 1st
Supplemental essays: Yes
Application fee: $0
On Common App: Yes
CSS profile: Required, due January 24th
Interviews: Considered
School also featured in: Coaches Choice, Global Feel, International Students, Urban LAC, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, Midwest schools