Colleges Macalester College

Macalester College www.macalester.edu

Macalester College is a private institution that was founded in 1874. The Macalester campus is set on 53 acres and is a 10-minute drive from both downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis, two hubs of theatres, museums and outdoor activities known as the Twin Cities. Freshmen and sophomores must live on campus. 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 art, chess, comedy, consulting, culture, dance, gaming, investing, Mac radio station, and Model United Nations, to music, politics, rocketry, software development, and ultimate frisbee. Annual student events include Springfest and Founder’s Day, campus celebrations that include bagpipe music and food. Macalester College regularly enrolls students from more than 90 countries, and about 60 percent of the student body studies abroad. Today, the College is singularly positioned to educate students for success in a global economy.

Academics

Macalester is exclusively an undergraduate four-year institution. Its rich and diverse curriculum features courses taught by faculty who are recognized nationally for their scholarship and discoveries. The college offers 39 majors, 40 minors, and 11 concentrations. Students also have the option to design their own major. Macalester has Scottish roots and emphasizes internationalism and multiculturalism. Macalester was named one of the “Hidden Ivies” based on academics, admissions process, financial aid, and student experience. The student-faculty ratio at Macalester is 10:1, and the school has 71% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. Popular majors include Environmental Science, Information Science, and Political Science & Government.

Special Highlights

Academic Consortia. Macalester is a member of the Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities (ACTC), a consortium of five liberal arts colleges in Saint Paul and Minneapolis formed to develop cooperative programs and offer cross-registration to their students. The other members are the University of St. Thomas, Augsburg University, Hamline University, and St. Catherine University. In addition to over 800 courses available on campus, Macalester students have access to all courses offered through the consortium without paying additional tuition. ACTC provides free busing among the campuses. Macalester also has an agreement with the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) whereby students may take one course per term there.

Leadership Opportunities. Serve as an Orientation Leader or Orientation Counselor: Orientation Leaders (OLs) support new students as they enter the diverse academic, intellectual, and social culture of Macalester throughout a five-day Orientation program. These role models provide reassurance, help students shape their own Mac experience, encourage involvement in campus life, build Mac’s community of respect, and provide information about campus resources and services. OLs are also invited to facilitate supplemental Life at Mac Workshops & Wellness Breaks. Orientation Leaders participate in a four-day training program focused on collaboration, trauma-informed facilitation, inclusive leadership, active listening, and navigating group dynamics.

School Mission & Unique Qualities

Macalester College is one of very few selective liberal arts colleges located in the heart of a major metropolitan area. Students live out the college mission of academic excellence, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society by embracing interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving. They are curious, highly motivated, serious about their academic pursuits, and supportive. Being in the heart of a metropolitan area allows for over 50 courses to readily partner with organizations in the Twin Cities. Example 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; and Drama: Theater and Politics, which incorporates theatrical performances in multiple Twin Cities theaters including the world-class Guthrie Theater.

Student Reviews…

“Students that go to this school are kind and from countless backgrounds and experiences. There are always numerous events to attend on campus so you have opportunities to learn new skills, have new experiences, and meet new people. The academics are exceptional and I have had so many lovely interactions with professors.”