Your Path to Mac – Quickview List
WHAT TO EXPECT & NEXT STEPS
The list below is an overview and gives students and their families a sense of the markers and milestones designed to prepare you for your start at Macalester. Your New Student Portal and macalester.edu email will be the best sources for deadlines, links, and forms, so check them at least once a week.
MAY
Set up your Macalester Account (Directions are sent on May 20)
Set up Duo Mobile and Google 2-factor authentication for your new macalester.edu account
Review the Macalester Student Technology Checklist
Check your new Macalester email inbox
Check your New Student Portal
Download MacNav app
Watch for Ametrica, Lives of Commitment, and MentorUp program applications (optional)
In Mid-May view classes in preparation for submitting your Course Selection Form
JUNE
Plan for Orientation, including signing up for virtual orientation sessions (August 25-29, with pre-orientation for International Students beginning August 19)
Prepare to submit Course Preference Form, with steps found here
View Course Selection Advice Panel Recording
Register for an advising session (available in New Student Portal)
June 16 Form Due Date (Forms found in New Student Portal)
Sign up for Virtual Orientation Sessions for families, select Wednesdays through summer
Watch for Payment & Tuition Aid Next Steps
June 16 Housing Preference Form Due
JULY
July 1 Final Transcript Due
July 1 Defer Requests Due (only for students considering a gap year/Fall 2026 start)
First-Year Course and Advisor Confirmation sent to students
July 21-Aug 1 Register for classes. Look for your assigned date and time in New Student Portal.
Summer Send-Offs in Multiple U.S. Cities
Prepare to Move to Mac – Check Packing List
AUGUST
August 1 Last day of fall registration
August 13 MacPass (Campus ID) photo due
August 13 Health Insurance Waiver form due (U.S. citizens only)
August 13 Form Due Date
Mac Books / Course Materials prepared for registered students (pick up physical materials after notification from Mac’s Bookstore)
Save These Dates
- Pre-Orientation for International Students on August 19-August 25.
- New Student Orientation on August 25-29. (Move-In Day August 25)
- Classes begin on September 2.
- Mac Fest is open to families for events, performances, and activities October 10-11.
Review Transfer Credit process if applicable
For students who are considering transferring college or university credit, it’s important to understand the process.
Macalester College will accept a maximum of thirty-two (32) semester credits earned prior to matriculation. College/university credits, summer session college credits, credits earned through a post-secondary education program, International Baccalaureate credits, and Advanced Placement Program credits are included in this 32-credit limitation.
Once enrolled, you must request that an official transcript be sent directly to the Registrar’s Office by the college or university through which you took courses. Student-issued transcripts will not be accepted for transfer of credit.
Once the official college/university transcript is received by the Registrar’s Office, the evaluation process will begin and credit will be transferred accordingly. Transcripts can be mailed to the address below, or sent via secure electronic transmission to Macalester College.
Electronic Transmission:
[email protected]
Mailing Address:
Registrar’s Office
Macalester College
1600 Grand Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105-1899
If you have questions about transfer credits before enrollment, contact your admissions counselor directly or send questions to [email protected].