Macalester College
Location: St. Paul, MN (urban, large city)
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 doubt, an academic powerhouse. They emphasize internationalism, multiculturalism, and extracurricular involvement – and since it’s located in the Twin Cities, you 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 professor. The academic environment is challenging without feeling competitive.
Popular majors / known for: International studies, math, economics, computer science
Academic approach: Liberal arts. Macalester has four pillars: academic excellence, multiculturalism, internationalism, and service
Campus tradition: As part of Founders Day celebrations every year, students play a game of Pushball on Old Main Lawn
Check out campus photos here!
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 22
Interviews: Considered
School also featured in: Coaches Choice, Global Feel, Similar to Highly Selective - Brown, International Students, Urban LAC, LGBTQIA+ Affirming