About Macalester College
Location: St. Paul, MN
Undergraduate Population: 2,142
Most Popular Majors: Political science, biology, mathematics, computer science, international studies.
Motto: Natura et Revelatio cœli gemini (“Nature and Revelation are twin sisters of heaven”)
Demographics:
White 51.5%
Latinx 11.3%
Multiracial 8.4%
Asian/Asian American 8.5%
Black/African American 5.8%
Native American less than 1%
History:
Macalester College was founded by Rev. Dr. Edward Duffield Neill in 1874 with help from the Presbyterian Church in Minnesota. Initially, the college was named Baldwin College due to its affiliation with the Baldwin School, a Presbyterian secondary school. After a large donation from Charles Macalester, a prominent Scottish businessman and philanthropist, it was renamed Macalester College. The institution is located in a family-oriented neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota, one mile from the Mississippi River, which divides St. Paul from Minneapolis.
Faculty member-turned president James Wallace helped stabilize the college’s finances in the late 1800s. During his tenure, Macalester created a focus on a liberal arts curriculum. In the early 21st century, the college continued to expand and build facilities. In 2009, construction was completed on Markim Hall, home to the Institute for Global Citizenship. In 2012, Macalester opened its renovated and expanded Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center.
Today, Macalester College offers 39 majors, 40 minors, and 11 concentrations which include niche programs in “Critical Theory”, “Food, Agriculture, and Society,” and “Legal Studies.”
Notable Macalester College alumni include actress and playwright Danai Gurira, diplomat Kofi Annan, director Peter Berg, businessman Ari Emmanuel, and musician Bob Mould.
Traditions:
- Traditionally featuring a variety of snacks and beverages, games and live music, the annual Winter Ball offers an abundance of activities, from mini golf to photo booths to arcade games.
- Annual Founding Day highlights tradition, talent, and community, offering a variety of events to commemorate the college’s past and showcase students.
- Springfest is a yearly tradition that features musical performances, along with games and food trucks.
Noteworthy Features:
- Macalester’s general education requirements span the liberal arts and sciences and include at least two courses that address cultural diversity.
- Each student must complete a seminar-style First-Year Course and, in their senior year, a capstone experience, such as an independent research project, performance, artistic work, or other original work.
- 60% of students choose to study abroad, choosing from 95 exchange and partner programs on six continents.
Admissions Profile
Average GPA: Not Reported
Test Scores (mid-50% range): SAT 1350-1480 / ACT 30-33
Admit Rate: 28.2%
Test-optional? Yes
Offers Early Admissions? Yes—Early Decision I and II
Supplemental Essays
Macalester is one of a few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the middle of a metropolitan area. Students benefit from the strong sense of community on campus and opportunities to engage in academic, social, and civic engagement options in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. In what ways might Macalester’s urban location enhance your academic, social, and/or community experiences? (300 words max.)
This is a “why this college” essay with a focus on Macalester’s location. Your essay shouldn’t generalize attending college in any big city. Keep the focus on Minneapolis and St. Paul. Therefore, don’t just dive into researching Macalester, but the cities as well. Once you’ve conducted in-depth research, connect the city and school’s resources to your own academic and career interests and make your essay personal. Remember that you’re presenting a picture of yourself, and that should help admissions officers picture you on campus.
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