Left to Right
Emily Rice (Upper Arlington, Ohio),
Sherali Tareen (Quetta, Pakistan),
Jon Beland
(St. Paul, Minn.) and
Suman Ambwani (Bombay, India)
1. Students
2. Professors
3. Class Size
4. Diversity
5. Curriculum
6. Location
7. Financial Aid
8. Community
9. Campus
10. Food
1. STUDENT BODY
There is a balance at Macalester that is a fundamental part of the student experience. Life here is more than just going to classes. Students engage in a number of different activities outside the classroom, constantly seeking out internships, community service opportunities, and taking part in the many organizations on campus. The best thing about this balance is that it is sought out and created by the students. The students here know that college can provide us with a number of opportunities and that our experience largely depends on what we are willing to make of it. We work hard academically, but we also maintain enthusiasm about many things and approach life with a sense of humor.
2. WONDERFUL PROFESSORS
The faculty at Mac includes a distinguished assortment of very talented professors. They come from tremendously different backgrounds, but seem to all value the same goals: to assist students in our various academic ventures, to push us and encourage us to succeed. Because of their genuine interest in working with students, professors tend to be very friendly and accessible. They are also frequently open to take on academic challenges with students outside the classroom. Many professors make a special effort to recognize the particular interests of students and encourage us to participate in independent, extra curricular projects, often with published results.
3. CLASS SIZE
The small classes at Macalester have to be one of its greatest assets. A smaller class invariably makes for a more interesting, more intimate experience. There are greater opportunities for in-depth discussions, and the smaller class allows for even more time with professors.
4. DIVERSITY
A big part of what makes Macalester a challenging, stimulating academic environment is its diversity. Multiculturalism and diversity are realities of life on campus. That doesn't mean things are perfect--the department of multicultural life at Macalester provides programs to help us all learn from and respect one another in the best ways possible. But the geographic, racial/ethnic, religious, political and sexual diversity on campus is a cornerstone of our liberal arts education. We students and faculty are constantly challenged to think differently and reflect more closely on what we are learning.
5. LIBERAL ARTS CURRICULUM
As a liberal arts college, Macalester encourages students to expand horizons and make connections between seemingly disparate aspects of our lives. One experience that is consistently encouraged at Macalester is the study abroad opportunity. Most students take a semester - some even a year - to study abroad, usually during the junior year.
6. METROPOLITAN LOCATION
Mac's metropolitan location contrasts well with the small-school atmosphere on campus, offering students the best of both worlds. We get to enjoy small classes and lots of time with professors while having access to internships, community service and job opportunities and, of course, entertainment.
7. GOOD FINANCIAL AID
Macalester's financial aid tends to be generous and focused on minimizing the burden on students. For example, the financial aid program looks for ways to reduce student loans, encouraging student employment instead. The college continues to practice a need-blind admissions system and also guarantees financial aid to those who need it. While it may not be the first concern for a lot of students, it is helpful to know that a private-school education can be affordable.
8. COMMUNITY
Macalester College emphasizes the campus community. The two-year residency requirement and provision of housing to upperclassmen beyond that create a social environment that brings students together as a community. In addition, the many student organizations and activities on campus encourage students to maintain their connections to campus so that even students who live off campus can still participate fully as members of the Macalester community.
9. NICE CAMPUS
Macalester has a small, cozy campus, which contrasts well with the busy metropolitan environment all around us. It's nice to have all the opportunities that come with living in the Twin Cities, while still being able to feel as if you are on a residential college campus. Furthermore, the involvement of students in taking care of the campus helps to keep our campus looking the way we want - attractive and well-kept.
10. GOOD FOOD
It may seem small to many, but when you are eating in the same place every day all year long, the quality and flexibility of the meal plan becomes very important. The food on campus tends to be varied and appetizing, and the meal plan provides numerous options to students with different needs. |
