Macalester Acceptance Rate 2023 | Admissions, Requirements, & How to Apply

If you want to get into Macalester, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This shows how competitive the school is and how serious its requirements are. Macalester College’s acceptance rate is 41.2%. For every 100 applicants, 41 are accepted.

This means that the school is moderately selective. The school expects you to meet its GPA and SAT/ACT requirements, but they are more flexible than other schools.

If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don’t, you could be one of the unlucky few to receive a rejection letter.

Why Choose Macalester College?

Macalester College is one of a select few liberal arts and science colleges located in the heart of a major metropolitan area.

Macalester’s demanding academic program and commitment to internationalism, multiculturalism, and community service are enhanced by its location in the twin cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Students come from more than 95 countries and all 50 states. More than 60% of students study abroad for 15 weeks or more, visiting more than 50 countries, providing time for significant experience and learning in another culture.

The United Nations flag has flown over campus since 1950, a symbol of Macalester’s commitment to peace and understanding around the world.

Campus life is vibrant, with nearly a hundred campus organizations giving Macalester students opportunities to pursue their passions. Macalester’s Program Council, an arm of student government, fills the calendar with a variety of events and gatherings, including beloved traditions such as Spring Festival and Winter Ball.

Opportunities continue beyond campus. From internships at Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits, professional sports at five nearby venues, to world-class theaters and museums, Macalester’s best-of-both-worlds location is reflected in the academic and social lives of students.

Students will also venture to try new restaurants with a wide variety of culinary and ethnic styles represented in the Twin Cities.

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Is It Hard To Get Into Macalester College?

Getting into Macalester College is a little tricky. Macalester College carefully evaluates applicants based on many criteria to decide who to accept and who to reject or waitlist. In 2021, Macalester College accepted 39% of all applicants, approximately 2,466 of the 6,373 students who applied.

Schools that are very hard to get into, like Macalester College, accept less than 60% of all applicants. At least 50% of all admitted students have a grade point average in the top 10% of their high school class and scored above 1230 on the SAT and above 26 on the ACT.

In 2021, Macalester College has a waitlist of 760 students. Of these, 336 were eventually admitted. Colleges consider a number of factors when choosing who to admit to their next class. Each college decides what factors it considers most important in the admissions process.

When making a list of schools you want to apply to, you can consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application and apply to colleges that prioritize admissions factors where you are strong.

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What Is Macalester Acceptance Rate 2023?

Macalester College’s acceptance rate is 39%. It ranks 2nd in Minnesota and 148th in the nation for lowest acceptance rate.

Macalester College is a highly competitive institution for admission with a lower chance of acceptance for qualified applicants. Last year, 2,466 out of 6,373 applicants were accepted.

The school has extremely high admissions requirements for SAT and ACT scores, usually accepting students in the top 12% (SAT 1280/1450 ACT 29/33).

Macalester College typically admits and attracts high school seniors with an average GPA of around 3.81. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their average class. 22% of those accepted decided to enter the school.

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What Is Macalester Transfer Acceptance Rate 2023?

In 2019, Macalester College accepted 106 transfer applicants. The school accepted 14 students. Thus, the translation acceptance rate for Macalester College is 13.21%. This shows how difficult it is to transfer to Macalester College.

Macalester College Admission Requirements

Because this school is moderately selective, high academic performance almost guarantees you admission.

A score of 1500 SAT or 33 ACT or higher almost guarantees you admission. Since the school accepts 41.2% of all applicants, if you are significantly above average, your acceptance rate increases to almost 100%.

If you can get a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application doesn’t matter. You must still meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA must not be too far from a high school GPA of 3.94.

But you don’t need great extracurriculars and awesome letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on results alone.

But if you have a 1310 SAT or 29 ACT score and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be denied.

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Macalester College Transfer requirements

• Minimum average score: Transfer applicants generally must have a cumulative grade point average of “B+” (or a GPA of 3.33) or higher.
• Official transcripts: You must have an official transcript of all college-level coursework submitted by Macalester. Ask your high school to send Macalester an official transcript of your classes and grades starting in 9th grade.
• SAT Scores: You must request that your Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) or American College Test (ACT) scores be sent to Macalester College if the test scores are not included on your high school transcript.
• Letters of recommendation: Complete the top of both teacher recommendation forms and have two teachers complete them. Complete the top of this form and submit it to the Dean of Students at your current or most recent college.
• Application fee: The application fee for transfer students is $40.
• Interview: Macalester admissions interviews are optional but recommended if you are visiting the campus.

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What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Macalester College?

The average GPA at Macalester College is 3.94. With a GPA of 3.94, Macalester College requires you to be at the top of your class.

You’ll need near A’s in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Plus, you have to take tough classes — AP or IB courses — to show that college-level academics are a breeze.

If you’re a current junior or senior, it’s difficult to change your GPA in time for college. If your GPA is at or below the high school GPA of 3.94, you will need a higher SAT or ACT score to make up for it. This will help you compete effectively with other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

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What are The Deadlines?

Macalester College offers early decision and also offers early action. Early Decision is mandatory, meaning you must attend if you are admitted, while Early Action allows you to apply early without committing. Early Decision 2 applications are due 1/1.

The early bird deadline is November 1st, which is fast approaching! Macalester College will release EA admissions decisions no later than December 20.

Macalester College’s early decision rate is 60%, compared to an overall acceptance rate of 39%. Last year, Macalester College accepted 179 of the 296 students who applied for early decision.

Some students apply to college early because they believe it will improve their chances. Early deadlines can increase your chances of being accepted because applying early shows that you are very interested in the school and your application is considered before all standard decision applicants apply.

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What are The Decision Dates?

Regular Admission Deadline

• January 15, 2023

Regular Admission Notification

• March 31

Accept Offer of Admission

• May 1

Early Decision Deadline

• November 1, January 1

Early Decision Notification

• December 6, January 31

EarlyAction Deadline

• November 1

Early Action Notification

• December 20

How to apply to Macalester College

The application process and admission to Macalester College is quite simple and includes 4 steps, namely:

Step 1 that a potential candidate must complete: Applying The first step that a candidate must take to gain admission to Macalester College is to apply to the university. Interested candidates may apply online or by calling the college at (651) 696-6000.

Those interested in applying may also visit the university office directly at: 1600 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105-1899. Otherwise, they may contact the Macalester College Admissions Office by phone to participate.

Step 2: MC Admission Once a candidate has submitted their form and paid the registration fee, they must submit certain documents to successfully receive an admission decision. For Macalester College, applicants must submit the following documents:

Transcripts: As an important part of the evaluation process, applicants must submit required high school and college transcripts through Parchment (or similar platforms).

Essay: Also called a personal statement, it offers applicants a unique way to showcase their accomplishments and personality. Candidates should add personal experiences and anecdotes to it.

Official Test Scores: Applicants may apply for a place at Macalester College by submitting their official SAT or ACT scores. This is not a mandatory requirement and not all students submit their scores. However, additional documents or information may be requested after applications are reviewed.

In step 3, the candidate must confirm his presence. The third step includes confirmation by candidates of their participation in the MC. In addition, they will need to go through the financial registration procedure and choose housing.

These processes include reviewing and verifying your billing and financial aid resumes (scholarships, fees, and tuition), choosing your housing option, choosing your payment plan, and making your first payment.

Applicants will be required to pass math and English language assessments before proceeding with class registration. In step 4, candidates must register for classes. Candidates should register for the courses after completing all the processes mentioned above.

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Conclusion

Macalester College has a competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average SAT/ACT scores. However, Macalester has a holistic admissions process that includes factors other than your grades and test scores.

A strong essay, supplemental essay, and strong letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule.

Finally, you can participate in a follow-up interview to further strengthen your application. Students with particularly compelling stories or accomplishments may still receive serious consideration even if their test scores fall outside Macalester’s average range.

Macalester Acceptance Rate 2023 FAQs

References

• princetonreview.com – Macalester College
• thecollegemonk.com – Macalester College Admissions

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