Macalester College

Macalester College | An Overview

Macalester College is one of very few selective liberal arts colleges located in the heart of a major metropolitan area. Students are curious, highly motivated, serious about their academic pursuits, and supportive of each other. Macalester students are more likely to work together for collective academic success than to compete. 

Macalester students come from more than 90 countries and all 50 states. More than 60% of students study abroad for 15 weeks or more, providing time for substantial experience and learning in another culture. The United Nations flag has flown over campus since 1950, a symbol of Macalester's commitment to world peace and understanding. 

Macalester’s demanding academic program and commitments to internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society are all amplified by its location in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Being in the heart of a metropolitan area allows for over 60 courses to readily partner with organizations in the Twin Cities. Examples classes include: 

Legislative Politics, where students intern as legislative aides in the nearby Minnesota State Capitol;

Community Psychology and Public Health, in which students engage in off-campus shadowing opportunities;

Drama: Theater and Politics, which incorporates theatrical performances in multiple Twin Cities theaters including the world-class Guthrie Theater.

A New York student recently wrote this about off-campus opportunities: “I've been to a Grammy-winning classical performance by the Saint Paul Chamber orchestra and a big pop concert with Pentatonix. I've been to the Super Bowl and seen a show at the Guthrie Theater. I can take a walk by the Mississippi River or Minnehaha Falls, stroll through an art museum like the Walker or the Minneapolis Institute of Art and it's all within a short bus ride or even walking distance from campus. Our location is also amazing for internships and research.” 

Financial Aid

Macalester's robust financial aid program supports the enrollment of bright, talented students from around the world, regardless of their family's financial background. Macalester provides a financial aid package equal to 100% of demonstrated financial need for every admitted student. Two out of three Macalester students receive need-based financial aid. 

Macalester also provides a significant merit-based scholarship program. Around half of Macalester students received a merit-based scholarship in 2019-2020.

Athletics & Student Organizations

Contributing to long-lasting friendships and a sense of community, there are over 100 student organizations available. They reflect the diverse interests of our students and range in focus from academic, adventure, art, athletics, chess, comedy, consulting, culture, dance, entrepreneurship, gaming, Habitat for Humanity, investing, Mac radio station, Model United Nations, music, philosophy, politics, Quiz Bowl, recreation, religion, rocketry, Scrabble, slam poetry, software development, sports, ultimate frisbee, water polo and more.

Macalester has 19 varsity athletic teams as well as club and intramural sports. Most varsity teams compete in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The football program competes in the Midwest Conference.

Admissions at Macalester College

The best preparation for applying to Macalester College is a balanced and rigorous high school curriculum. It is important to take classes in all five academic core subjects: English, mathematics, history or social science, laboratory science, and foreign language. Honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses should be taken if available.

Macalester evaluates each applicant's record in their high school context, paying particular attention to an applicant's curricular opportunities and performance. There is no minimum GPA because school systems vary a great deal. Factors such as academic performance, teacher recommendations, essays, leadership experience, and extracurricular involvement are thoroughly reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, SAT II, AP, IB) are not required for admission to Macalester, but the Admissions Committee will review any test scores that are submitted as part of the application.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Kofi Annan ’61 who became Secretary-General of the United Nations and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Fred Swaniker ‘99 who founded the African Leadership Academy and was named one of 2019’s 100 most influential people by Time Magazine, Tim O’Brien ’68, acclaimed author of The Things They Carried, actress and playwright Danai Gurira ’01, whose recent roles include Okoye in Black Panther Avengers: Endgame and Michonne in The Walking Dead, and Walter Mondale ’50 who served as Vice President of the United States.