See Macalester College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Macalester College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Macalester College reviews, or contribute your own Macalester College review if you're a current student there.
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3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
Joseph from Spring Park, MN
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I've learned a ton in areas inside and outside my major. When trying to figure out my major I was astounded by the quality of the science department. My high school lacked a strong science program, but I learned so much so quickly through my classes at Mac that I'm now a declared biology major and working on summer research with a professor.
Am enjoying being here Going to Macalester is probably the best decision I've ever made. I've met friends here from all different fields of study (my roommates and best friends' majors are english, computer science and economics). Most everyone gets along and you get to meet a lot of strong minded individuals. I went into the school knowing nobody and within the week, my entire freshman floor became a community where everyone was able to mingle and be friendly.
Bang for the buck Macalester is one of the more expensive schools in the state, but they are very good at helping students pay for their school. The money I've paid is far and away worth it. Mac has given me opportunities that I don't know I'd get elsewhere. I figured out my major and career plan due to excellent professors in the biology department, I'm conducting summer research with a professor and getting paid for it, and I'll be studying abroad conducting independent research in Costa Rica next spring. Had I gone to a different school all this might not have happened, so yes, Mac has much bang for the buck.
Tips for prospective students 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.
Great for these types of students Mac is great for strong minded individuals, independent thinkers, people who like to talk with others about intellectual topics as well as have a good time.
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Inga from Bemidji, MN
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will learn a lot Having basis in the liberal arts is a major draw for Macalester. Getting to test the waters and form out a career path as I move along is a definite plus at Mac.
Will enjoy being here Growing up in a small town going to small schools, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to go someplace where I will be in a bigger city, yet still have the community that comes with going to a smaller school that I have grown to love so much.
Bang for the buck While Mac is not a cheap school, my financial aid package was very beneficial and largely comprised of grant money.
Tips for prospective students 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.
Great for these types of students Motivated students looking for new opportunities and ways to get involved in the community will thrive here!
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Savannah from Tucson, AZ
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will learn a lot Macalester offers a unique and highly intensified education - you'll definitely learn a lot here.
Will enjoy being here You must be motivated to go here - I would reccommend visiting the campus and eating lunch with a current student before deciding whether to go here or not.
Bang for the buck Macalester degrees are known worldwide - but that doesn't mean that you're going to get a job right out of college. If you're planning on going to graduate school, this is a good choice for you. If you just want a four-year degree to increase your potential salary and benefits...go someplace else.
Tips for prospective students 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.
Great for these types of students Highly motivated, focused, driven, overachievers - who need to attend a school with need-based aid.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
McKinley from Sandstone, MN
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences macalester has a beautiful campus. macalester has friendly welcoming people. macalester includes a diverse student body.
Tips for prospective students make sure that your essays are top notch.
Academic Rigor seems like it has great undergrad studies!
Dorm Life friendly dorm living.
Food and Dining awesome dining hall with many healthy choices!
What to do for fun it's right in the city, what can't you do?!
Bang for the buck it's considered a hidden ivy.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus they have the rock that they share with carlton.
Great for these types of students hipsters, hippies, unique, boho type people. also, liberals.
Clubs and Activities basically anything you'd want.
Greek Life doesn't have any.
Campus Safety gated and close. feels very safe.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Kaspar from Iowa City, IA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences macalester college is an excellent liberal arts college. the professors are top-notch, there is plenty to do, and it is a great place to be.
Tips for prospective students test scores and gpa are not the most important things on your application by far.
make sure to ask about specific programs you are interested, and don't hesitate to reach out to current students and ask whatever questions you have at any point in the college search process.Academic Rigor academic rigor depends largely on the classes chosen by the student.
Dorm Life dorms are relatively new, have ample space, and are well managed and clean.
Food and Dining you will be hard-pressed to find a cafeteria with more variety and better food quality. macalester makes it incredibly easy to eat healthy and to eat a wide variety of foods. it is also extremely easy to be a vegan or vegetarian as everything is clearly labeled.
What to do for fun explore the twin cities, check out campus events, play intramural sports, join over 100 student organizations or create your own.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Anne T.
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I have only spent a semester here, but already I've learned quite a bit. Learning doesn't just take place in the classroom; everyone at Mac has unique experiences to share. Classes are really intense, and they will challenge you in very unexpected ways. I had to learn a bit of HTML code for an English class of all things. I've grown a lot since being here.
Am enjoying being here I enjoy being at Mac. My professors are awesome, and the students are too. Mac students don't really know how to party though.
Bang for the buck Financial aid is a huge reason that I am here. It covers up to 100% of a student's need. The only loans you should have to take out would be from the government. Financial aid office is really nice and helpful.
Tips for prospective students 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.
Great for these types of students hard-working hipsters who love to volunteer
students who want to explore diversity and global citizenship
...everyone!Login to rate or flag the reviews
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
A
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Although I may not be in the ideal classes (my own fault), there is no denying that a lot of information and practical skills are being pumped into my head. Both in and outside the classroom, the campus culture here fosters a hunger for knowledge that is pretty widespread across all four grade levels.
Am enjoying being here There is a ton going on on-campus for students - the only problem is juggling my schedule to fit in as many events as possible and still finding to time to get homework done!
Bang for the buck Its very expensive compared to schools in my home country, Canada. That said, it really is an experience you can't have at a bigger school. Also, financial aid helps!
Tips for prospective students Be very open in your essays - Macalester is not looking so much for a certain type as for you to be yourself. I recommend visiting campus and interviewing if you can. The interview process is a pretty informal conversation, and helps the school get to know you better than an Admissions Portfolio can.
Great for these types of students Smart, driven, creative, interested in a variety of topics, engaged in extracurriculars
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Marijo from Mahtomedi, MN
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will learn a lot I have no doubt that I will learn a ton. Macalester is a great school and I've heard from many current students and alumni that their experiences in the classroom and abroad are irreplaceable. I have a feeling that no matter who you are, though, you will only get out of college as much as you put in. I plan to put most of my energy into my studies (but I definitely plan to spend lots of time having a very fun four years of independence.)
Will enjoy being here Macalester is great, however, I think the St. Paul/Twin Cities area is probably the more attractive draw of the two. There are plenty of campuses that would be fun, just like Macalester, but few have the benefits and fun of a big city. Great education and enormous possibilities when you get sick of studying with other student; where else can you get that?
Bang for the buck Macalester is one of THE MOST expensive schools in the country, but I received a very, very, very generous financial aid package and it ended up costing less than any of the other 17 schools I applied to, and all of them had lower tuition-room-board-other expenses. It depends on your specific financial situation, but I found the people/faculty at Macalester to be really helpful and CARING! I am so excited! I will graduate with under $10,000 in debt. I hardly have to pay a thing! (College is still expensive.)
Tips for prospective students 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'.
Great for these types of students Smarty-pants, people looking for a diverse community, liberals (or moderates, I haven't heard of many uber-conservatives on campus, though I don't really know I guess,) travelers, rich kids, poor kids, people that have special interests/talents, people who love the city and people who like small campuses with access to a big city :)
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2 out of 21 people found this review useful.
Mahali from Finland
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will learn a lot yeah
Will enjoy being here yeah
Bang for the buck yeah
Tips for prospective students yeah
Great for these types of students yeah
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Autumn from Cleveland, OH
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences Macalester is a fun and unique place where you are bound to encounter someone with the same interests. It's a challenging school and schedule, but worth the effort. There's really a place for everyone at this school, it's liberal and open-minded.
Tips for prospective students Be yourself. Visit before deciding. Try to stay the night at one during one of the samplers.
Academic Rigor Mac is an academically challenging school. If you're willing to put in the work, you'll get what you put in back. It's really important to care about academics at this school. It's hard, but in the end very very rewarding.
Dorm Life It really depends on which dorm you live in. There are some dorms that are aesthetically more pleasing, but others that have a better sense of community. In reality your floormates first-year tend to be your main friends throughout the rest of your time at Mac.
Food and Dining Cafe Mac is a great place to eat when compared to other colleges. Since you have to be on the meal-plan first and second year, there are times when you get sick of Cafe Mac. It's the only dining hall on campus, so it is nice to eat with everyone.
What to do for fun There are so many student organizations on campus that there is always something to do. From being in an org to just hanging around the twin cities, there's always something to do. Mac has a sort of Urban setting and a very easy public transit system to get on and off campus. There really is always something fun.
Clubs and Activities There are over 200 student orgs on campus. There are Acapella groups and Club sports, and political groups. There's realy a group for everyone.
Greek Life None.
Campus Safety On campus is very safe. Wandering into the twin cities, though, can be dangerous.
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