Start your Application
The Common Application is now open for the 2024-2025 academic year. If you’re considering Macalester, start with our Preliminary Application to help track progress and access your applicant portal.
Admissions & Aid
At Macalester, our mission is to prepare students for lives of meaning and purpose. Students here receive unparalleled support and mentorship as they discover their place in the world and learn how to become agents of change.
Already enrolled?
If you are headed to Macalester in the fall, here’s a helpful overview of what you can all expect in preparation of your arrival.
APPLYING TO MACALESTER
Request Information
Ready to hear more about our college in the city, our leading academics program, or Mac’s commitment to internationalism and multiculturalism? Start here and let’s keep in touch.
Visit and Connect
Take a look at the many ways to learn about Macalester and engage with the Mac community. On-campus and virtual options are all available for high school students and families. We can’t wait to meet you!
Virtual Program
FREE WORKSHOPS TO GUIDE YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH
High school students are invited to register for our Workshop Wednesdays. The same admissions counselors who read thousands of applications simplify topics like writing a college essay and filling out the Common App. Sign up for one or the whole series.
Visit Macalester
Learn more about our College in the City
Explore our neighborhood campus, and step inside the buildings that will support your learning. Take a virtual tour any time, or join our staff and students for online information sessions, tours, and workshops.
Financial Aid
Many students and families are surprised at the different ways to make college more affordable. We meet 100% of the full demonstrated need of every student we admit, and all first-year applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships.
Students at Macalester
If you’re motivated and ambitious, Macalester might be the right fit for you. Create the next innovation. Sharpen your perspective. Transform your worldview. Macalester students come from across the U.S. and around the world.
2,000+
Student body
98
Countries represented
61%
Students who study away
A Day in the Life
Bianca Gonzalez
See campus life from Bianca’s perspective.
A Day in the Life
Bianca Gonzalez
See campus life from Bianca’s perspective.