Overview
Macalester College is a selective private four-year institution in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The school accepts 28.4% of applicants and enrolls 2,131 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 28.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,420
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,340–1,500
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 32
- Total Enrollment
- 2,131
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Macalester wants to see how you connect your personal experiences to global citizenship and social justice. The admissions committee reads for evidence that you understand how local actions create international impact, which reflects the college's core mission of academic excellence in service to society.
Your essays should reference specific aspects of Macalester's culture, like the Kofi Annan Institute for Global Citizenship or the college's commitment to internationalism through programs like study abroad in over 60 countries. Mention how you'd contribute to campus traditions like Spring Fest or engage with the college's sustainability initiatives, including its carbon-neutral campus goal.
Don't write generic essays about wanting to change the world. Instead, connect your specific interests to Macalester's interdisciplinary approach. If you're interested in economics, explain how you'd use the Applied Economics concentration to address real policy challenges. Computer science applicants should discuss how they'd apply technology to social problems through the college's emphasis on ethical computing.
The college reads applications completeally and cares deeply about fit with their progressive, internationally minded community. Your supplemental essays must show you understand Macalester's specific approach to liberal arts education, not just that you want a small college experience.
Apply Early Decision if Macalester is your clear first choice, as the college admits a significant portion of its class this way. The application includes two required supplemental essays that carry substantial weight in admissions decisions. Use these to demonstrate your familiarity with specific professors, research opportunities, or programs rather than making broad statements about campus diversity.
Don't assume Macalester is just a backup to more famous liberal arts colleges. The admissions office can tell when you're treating them as a safety school, and they reject overqualified applicants who show no genuine interest in their specific mission and values. Visit campus or attend virtual information sessions to show demonstrated interest, which matters in their evaluation process.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $29,980/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $64,908
- Students Receiving Aid
- 17%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 90.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $63,878/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 94.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Macalester College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Macalester College is test-optional for most applicants. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What are the application deadlines for Macalester College?
Macalester offers Early Decision I (November 15), Early Decision II (January 15), and Regular Decision (January 15). Early Decision is binding, while Regular Decision is not.
Can transfer students apply to Macalester College?
Yes, Macalester accepts transfer applications for fall and spring semesters. Transfer students must submit college transcripts and meet specific credit requirements for their intended class level.
What makes Macalester College's application process different from other schools?
Macalester places strong emphasis on international perspective and civic engagement in its application review. The school looks for students who show interest in global citizenship and social responsibility.