Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private · 2,131 undergrads

Admit rate: 28.5% (8,099 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 1350–1510 (ACT 30–34)
Undergraduates: 2,131 (14.7% international)
Average net price: $32,149 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 87% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
Early Action: Nov. 1, 2026
Early Decision II: Jan. 1, 2027
Regular Decision: Jan. 15, 2027

Essays

Twin Cities (optional)

Macalester is one of the few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the heart of a metropolitan area. Identify one way Macalester’s location in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul would enhance your academic, social, or community experience.

Mission and community (optional)

Four values guide Macalester’s mission: academic distinction, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. Guided by these values, Macalester is a learning environment that affirms different identities and experiences and prepares graduates to work toward a more just and peaceful world. In what ways do your lived experiences, perspectives, or hopes for your college education connect with Macalester’s mission and community?

Editor's notes

Macalester runs four rounds, and its own two-year numbers show ED admitting 41% against 27% for EA and RD together. ED I and II are binding, but you can get a full aid estimate first through the Early Financial Aid Assessment. If Mac is first and the numbers work, that's the route. If you only want an early answer, EA on Nov. 1 costs you nothing.
Both supplements are optional. Write at least the mission prompt. The CDS rates the essay Important and character Important, and these are the only Mac-specific writing in your file.
If you're a domestic applicant, book the online interview early. Slots are first come, first served, each round has a cutoff (Nov. 13 for ED I), and the interviewer's notes go into your file. It's 30 minutes of conversation, not a test.