Admissions

Definitely visit! Macalester has a very definite atmosphere, and it's difficult to imagine yourself as a student there without having physically been there.

Visit the school, and stay overnight as a prospective student (or pf). I never did and I went into the school not knowing anything what the student or dorm life was like. I've hosted pf's and shown them around and can tell you that spending a night and meeting students gives you a very good impression of what the social life at Mac here is like.

Make sure to look at schools in the area! If Macalester isn't for you, there are dozens of great, small schools in the Twin cities area that might just work.

Visit and stay overnight with a current student! Talk to us and ask us why we chose this school. We have students from all around the world, so you can here a variety of opinions.

Take advantage of the Twin Cities! They are full of amazing opportunities to apply your learning. Find work that excites you and use your education to compliment that work.

make sure that your essays are top notch.

Interview! I didn't, and I believe it hurt my admission chances (I was originally wait listed). It'll also force you to go to campus and visit which I highly recommend. Campus is pretty all year round, and the tour guides really help you understand Mac life.

I never spent a night or saw a dorm, so I guess I'm not the best judge of that. However, don't judge a school based solely on their facilities. While important, (and very nice) nicer buildings don't equal nicer people or a better education, or even better opportunities. Keep that in mind! You should feel a connection to the school you choose, and don't let anyone influence your better judgment! It is your education, not your parents'.

Visit, visit, visit! Get to know the Twin Cities area so that you can use it to your advantage once you are on campus. Stay overnight if you can and take time to feel the vibe of this neat school.

Macalester is very challenging, something that not everyone is expecting coming in. I thought that I would be very well prepared, and while I have done well, I have worked harder than I ever would thought I would. But it has definitely been worth it! And even so, with such a small student body, you'll find time for fun and deep friendships.