Your Path to Mac
You are heading to Mac! This next phase is often filled with joy, anxiety, and anticipation. Through the process, Macalester has support and resources in place that are here to guide you.
Your Path to Mac: What to Expect
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. Links are available for some things on the list, but many next steps become available only after May 19 with your new Macalester account.
After May 19 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.
Transfer Students: Many of the steps and milestones below apply to all incoming students. For anything that’s different, details will be found in your New Student Portal. Transfer students will also have specific groups with other transfer students at Orientation.
MAY
SET UP YOUR MACALESTER ACCOUNT ON MAY 19
It all kicks off with your Macalester account. Information Technology Services (ITS) will send an email to your personal email address with your official Macalester username on May 19 with the subject line: “Initialize your Macalester Account and set up 2-factor authentication.” Follow the steps to set your password and enroll in 2-factor authentication.
It all kicks off with your Macalester account. Information Technology Services (ITS) will send an email to your personal email address with your official Macalester username on May 19 with the subject line: “Initialize your Macalester Account and set up 2-factor authentication.” Follow the steps to set your password and enroll in 2-factor authentication.
SET UP DUO MOBILE AND GOOGLE 2-STEP AUTHENTICATION
You’ll need two kinds of 2-factor authentication to maintain access to your acount: Google 2-Step for Google and Duo Mobile for the rest of Macalester’s online services. Right after you set the password for your Macalester account, a ‘Success!’ page will appear with instructions for setting up 2-factor authentication with DUO and Google. Students must enroll in 2-factor authentication within 90 days of receiving the Macalester account initialization email. Those who don’t enroll within this timeframe will eventually be locked out of their account. This information is also found in the Student Technology Checklist (listed next).
You’ll need two kinds of 2-factor authentication to maintain access to your acount: Google 2-Step for Google and Duo Mobile for the rest of Macalester’s online services. Right after you set the password for your Macalester account, a ‘Success!’ page will appear with instructions for setting up 2-factor authentication with DUO and Google. Students must enroll in 2-factor authentication within 90 days of receiving the Macalester account initialization email. Those who don’t enroll within this timeframe will eventually be locked out of their account. This information is also found in the Student Technology Checklist (listed next).
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY CHECKLIST
Information Technology Services (ITS) provides information and help with technology on campus. Follow the Student Technology Checklist to understand how to connect your devices to campus wifi, print, view tech items to bring to campus, see where to stream movies and music legally and for free, and know where to get tech help.
Information Technology Services (ITS) provides information and help with technology on campus. Follow the Student Technology Checklist to understand how to connect your devices to campus wifi, print, view tech items to bring to campus, see where to stream movies and music legally and for free, and know where to get tech help.
CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT
As soon as you have set up your macalester.edu account, you’ll begin to receive messages from various departments at Macalester helping with your transition to college. Look for messages in your Macalester email account about class selection, campus housing deadlines, Orientation, and updates from departments across campus.
As soon as you have set up your macalester.edu account, you’ll begin to receive messages from various departments at Macalester helping with your transition to college. Look for messages in your Macalester email account about class selection, campus housing deadlines, Orientation, and updates from departments across campus.
CHECK YOUR NEW STUDENT PORTAL
Similar to when you applied, your New Student Portal is your checklist for all the required forms and information needed before college. You’ll receive an email prompt to set up your New Student Portal in your new Macalester email account.
New Student Portal
Similar to when you applied, your New Student Portal is your checklist for all the required forms and information needed before college. You’ll receive an email prompt to set up your New Student Portal in your new Macalester email account.
New Student Portal
DOWNLOAD MACNAV APP
Download MacNav, Macalester’s official app for students, to track your progress on completing New Student Portal tasks and receive reminders about upcoming deadlines. Later this summer, MacNav will show you Orientation schedules and reminders as well. To get the most from MacNav, download and then log in with your new Macalester account after May 19.
Get MacNav
Download MacNav, Macalester’s official app for students, to track your progress on completing New Student Portal tasks and receive reminders about upcoming deadlines. Later this summer, MacNav will show you Orientation schedules and reminders as well. To get the most from MacNav, download and then log in with your new Macalester account after May 19.
Get MacNav
APPLICATIONS FOR AMETRICA, BONNER, LIVES OF COMMITMENT, AND MENTOR UP
These optional programs are designed to engage around identity, develop leadership skills, and build connections. You will find the applications in your New Student Portal. These are not required, but have been successful in helping students find their sense of belonging and give back to communities around them. The level of commitment varies, so be sure to review the details of each program.
These optional programs are designed to engage around identity, develop leadership skills, and build connections. You will find the applications in your New Student Portal. These are not required, but have been successful in helping students find their sense of belonging and give back to communities around them. The level of commitment varies, so be sure to review the details of each program.
REGISTER FOR FIRST SEMESTER ACADEMIC PLANNING WEBINAR
On June 2, staff and professors outline the steps for selecting courses as a new student. Panelists describe the registration process, suggest strategies for choosing a First-Year Course, and answer other questions about academics at Mac. This recorded event will also be available for viewing as you complete your First-Year Course Selection Form, due on June 16.
Sign up for First Semester Academic Planning Webinar (Also open to parents)
On June 2, staff and professors outline the steps for selecting courses as a new student. Panelists describe the registration process, suggest strategies for choosing a First-Year Course, and answer other questions about academics at Mac. This recorded event will also be available for viewing as you complete your First-Year Course Selection Form, due on June 16.
Sign up for First Semester Academic Planning Webinar (Also open to parents)
FALL COURSE PLANNING
Available in mid-May, you can view classes in preparation for submitting your First-Year Course Preference Form, which is found in your New Student Portal and due June 16. For advice about the First-Year Course Preference Form, you are welcome to join the optional First-Year Course Selection Advice panel which will offer tips about planning a balanced schedule and completing this form. Along with the form, you will get detailed instructions about registration steps. You will receive your First-Year Course confirmation and advisor information in early July. You can use the Course Planning Form in the New Student Portal to explore different options to discuss with your advisor. In late July, you’ll meet with your advisor over Zoom to discuss your fall schedule and get your registration PIN. Registration will take place from August 3-14. Your assigned registration date and time can be found in the New Student Portal. You can begin registering for classes at this time, and you can make additional changes to your non-First-Year Courses until registration closes. You cannot change your First-Year Course. You will meet with your advisor during Orientation and if needed, you will be able to make additional changes to your course schedule at that time. More about Course Selection and Registration
Available in mid-May, you can view classes in preparation for submitting your First-Year Course Preference Form, which is found in your New Student Portal and due June 16. For advice about the First-Year Course Preference Form, you are welcome to join the optional First-Year Course Selection Advice panel which will offer tips about planning a balanced schedule and completing this form. Along with the form, you will get detailed instructions about registration steps. You will receive your First-Year Course confirmation and advisor information in early July. You can use the Course Planning Form in the New Student Portal to explore different options to discuss with your advisor. In late July, you’ll meet with your advisor over Zoom to discuss your fall schedule and get your registration PIN. Registration will take place from August 3-14. Your assigned registration date and time can be found in the New Student Portal. You can begin registering for classes at this time, and you can make additional changes to your non-First-Year Courses until registration closes. You cannot change your First-Year Course. You will meet with your advisor during Orientation and if needed, you will be able to make additional changes to your course schedule at that time. More about Course Selection and Registration
COMMUNICATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International Student Programs is the dedicated team that helps prepare and welcome international students for their start at Mac. Specific communications and invites will be sent starting in May, including an invite to a June 9 webinar.
International Student Programs is the dedicated team that helps prepare and welcome international students for their start at Mac. Specific communications and invites will be sent starting in May, including an invite to a June 9 webinar.
CELEBRATING A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION?
Show your Macalester Pride at your home or at your graduation party. There are three designs to choose from. Order and pay directly with the suggested vendor or choose your own printer. See sign designs. Or if you want to see clothing and accessories, take a look at Macalester gear.
Show your Macalester Pride at your home or at your graduation party. There are three designs to choose from. Order and pay directly with the suggested vendor or choose your own printer. See sign designs. Or if you want to see clothing and accessories, take a look at Macalester gear.
JUNE
PLAN FOR ORIENTATION
Orientation happens at the end of August, with some virtual programs available for parents and families in mid-August. All students attend orientation August 31-September 4, with international students arriving earlier on August 25. Student athletes and special program participants will also have varied arrival dates. While orientation may seem far away, don’t wait to schedule travel and plan Move-In Day logistics.
View Orientation Info
Orientation happens at the end of August, with some virtual programs available for parents and families in mid-August. All students attend orientation August 31-September 4, with international students arriving earlier on August 25. Student athletes and special program participants will also have varied arrival dates. While orientation may seem far away, don’t wait to schedule travel and plan Move-In Day logistics.
View Orientation Info
FIRST SEMESTER ACADEMIC PLANNING WEBINAR ON JUNE 2
Join staff and professors to learn more about the course registration process. This is optional and a recording will be available after webinar.
Join staff and professors to learn more about the course registration process. This is optional and a recording will be available after webinar.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WEBINAR ON JUNE 9
International Student Programs is the dedicated will provide details about the special steps and key dates just for international students.
International Student Programs is the dedicated will provide details about the special steps and key dates just for international students.
FORMS DUE JUNE 16
Your New Student Portal will list a variety of required forms including the Fall 2026 Course Selection Form and program applications. Forms are available in your portal before the due date, so you can take a look at what is expected and needed. Watch for email reminders and be sure to view your checklist to know exactly what is due.
New Student Portal
Your New Student Portal will list a variety of required forms including the Fall 2026 Course Selection Form and program applications. Forms are available in your portal before the due date, so you can take a look at what is expected and needed. Watch for email reminders and be sure to view your checklist to know exactly what is due.
New Student Portal
For students with accommodation requests, please submit the Disability/Accessibility Request Form available in the New Student Portal.
HOUSING FORMS DUE JUNE 16
The Housing Contract and Preferences Form will be linked from your New Student Portal on June 2, 2026. First-year students must complete and submit it by Tuesday, June 16. To access the form, log in to your housing and dining portal at 1600grand.macalester.edu. Navigate to My Housing and Dining, then select Housing and Dining Self-Service. Under Select Apps & Forms, you’ll find the Housing Contract and Preferences Form. Residential Life will send notifications about your roommate(s), residence hall, and meal plan on July 17. More details, including deadlines, will be sent to your Macalester email.
The Housing Contract and Preferences Form will be linked from your New Student Portal on June 2, 2026. First-year students must complete and submit it by Tuesday, June 16. To access the form, log in to your housing and dining portal at 1600grand.macalester.edu. Navigate to My Housing and Dining, then select Housing and Dining Self-Service. Under Select Apps & Forms, you’ll find the Housing Contract and Preferences Form. Residential Life will send notifications about your roommate(s), residence hall, and meal plan on July 17. More details, including deadlines, will be sent to your Macalester email.
Learn more about Residential Life
MONEY MATTERS – PAYMENT & FINANCIAL AID
After June 1, but before billing statements are produced in mid-July, students should set up authorized users. There are no paper billing statements – students and authorized users can access statements and make payments through 1600grand (What is 1600grand?). Students with a financial aid package may also have a few additional steps to put financial aid in place.
See required steps
After June 1, but before billing statements are produced in mid-July, students should set up authorized users. There are no paper billing statements – students and authorized users can access statements and make payments through 1600grand (What is 1600grand?). Students with a financial aid package may also have a few additional steps to put financial aid in place.
See required steps
JULY
FINAL TRANSCRIPT DUE ON JULY 1
Macalester’s offer of admission is contingent upon your successful completion of all secondary school coursework at a level similar to your previous work. You will need to submit a final copy of your secondary school transcript for approval by July 1. If there are circumstances that have caused any limitations on your ability to complete your coursework or produce a final transcript email [email protected] and we will assist you.
Macalester’s offer of admission is contingent upon your successful completion of all secondary school coursework at a level similar to your previous work. You will need to submit a final copy of your secondary school transcript for approval by July 1. If there are circumstances that have caused any limitations on your ability to complete your coursework or produce a final transcript email [email protected] and we will assist you.
DEFER REQUESTS DUE ON JULY 1
Considering a gap year? Students who want to defer their enrollment to Fall 2027 have until July 1 to submit a Request to Defer form. The form is available in your Applicant Portal. For some students a gap year is the best way to transition from high school to college.
More about Requests to Defer
Considering a gap year? Students who want to defer their enrollment to Fall 2027 have until July 1 to submit a Request to Defer form. The form is available in your Applicant Portal. For some students a gap year is the best way to transition from high school to college.
More about Requests to Defer
SUMMER SEND-OFFS IN MULTIPLE U.S. CITIES
Beginning in July, Macalester hosts Summer Send-Off events across the U.S. These casual events are designed especially for new students and their families to foster a sense of community, connect with alumni, and ask questions before the college journey begins. Watch for your Summer-Send-Off email invitation in June.
Learn more about Summer Send-Offs.
Note: We know not all students and families can join us at a Summer Send-Off. These events are optional and if you are unable to attend, be assured there will be many opportunities to meet other students at Orientation, and to connect with alumni through college and beyond.
Beginning in July, Macalester hosts Summer Send-Off events across the U.S. These casual events are designed especially for new students and their families to foster a sense of community, connect with alumni, and ask questions before the college journey begins. Watch for your Summer-Send-Off email invitation in June.
Learn more about Summer Send-Offs.
Note: We know not all students and families can join us at a Summer Send-Off. These events are optional and if you are unable to attend, be assured there will be many opportunities to meet other students at Orientation, and to connect with alumni through college and beyond.
PREPARE TO MOVE TO MAC
As Move-In Day on August 31 gets closer, you’ll be thinking about what to pack. Current students and Residential Life have a list to help you prioritize what you want to bring, both the must-haves and the nice-to-haves.
See Move to Mac Packing List
As Move-In Day on August 31 gets closer, you’ll be thinking about what to pack. Current students and Residential Life have a list to help you prioritize what you want to bring, both the must-haves and the nice-to-haves.
See Move to Mac Packing List
AUGUST
REGISTER FOR CLASSES AUGUST 3-14
Check your registration group’s day and time, and log in to register for your fall courses. If you need a refresher on the registration system, find instructions and advice here.
Check your registration group’s day and time, and log in to register for your fall courses. If you need a refresher on the registration system, find instructions and advice here.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Macalester College requires all students to have comprehensive health insurance coverage that complies with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) health insurance plan costs $3,329 for the 2026-2027 academic year and is billed on the first tuition statement. Please note the UHCSR health insurance information will be provided by Gallagher. All international students are automatically enrolled in the United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) health insurance plan offered by Macalester. All other students must purchase the UHCSR health plan, or submit a waiver form. Students with U.S. citizenship who are covered by an alternative health insurance policy may have the fee waived, provided that their insurance meets the college’s specified requirements. This waiver form is open from June 3 to August 14, 2026. Student Accounts will remove the charge for Macalester’s student health insurance for students who waive it by the deadline.
Macalester College requires all students to have comprehensive health insurance coverage that complies with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) health insurance plan costs $3,329 for the 2026-2027 academic year and is billed on the first tuition statement. Please note the UHCSR health insurance information will be provided by Gallagher. All international students are automatically enrolled in the United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) health insurance plan offered by Macalester. All other students must purchase the UHCSR health plan, or submit a waiver form. Students with U.S. citizenship who are covered by an alternative health insurance policy may have the fee waived, provided that their insurance meets the college’s specified requirements. This waiver form is open from June 3 to August 14, 2026. Student Accounts will remove the charge for Macalester’s student health insurance for students who waive it by the deadline.
SEND MACPASS PHOTO
MacPass is your campus ID card used for accessing buildings, tracking your meal plan, loading/spending Mac Money, and using library services. Sending in your photo by the due date means your MacPass will be ready and waiting for you on move-in day.
See Photo Requirements
MacPass is your campus ID card used for accessing buildings, tracking your meal plan, loading/spending Mac Money, and using library services. Sending in your photo by the due date means your MacPass will be ready and waiting for you on move-in day.
See Photo Requirements
FORMS DUE AUGUST 17
Similar to the June 16 deadline, August brings a set of forms due on August 17 before coming to Macalester.
New Student Portal
Similar to the June 16 deadline, August brings a set of forms due on August 17 before coming to Macalester.
New Student Portal
MAC BOOKS – COURSE MATERIALS
Once you are registered, The Highlander (Macalester’s campus bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble College) will prepare course materials for students at the beginning of each semester. There is no separate charge for Mac Books; the cost of course materials is included in tuition. Students will be notified when physical materials are ready for pickup. Electronic materials will be delivered to students within Moodle.
More about Mac Books
Once you are registered, The Highlander (Macalester’s campus bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble College) will prepare course materials for students at the beginning of each semester. There is no separate charge for Mac Books; the cost of course materials is included in tuition. Students will be notified when physical materials are ready for pickup. Electronic materials will be delivered to students within Moodle.
More about Mac Books
Want a shorter list view? Find these same steps in our Path to Mac Quickview list.
Save These Dates
- Pre-Orientation for International Students on August 25-August 31.
- New Student Orientation on August 31-September 4. (Move-In Day August 31)
- Classes begin on September 8.
- Mac Fest is open to families for events, performances, and activities all weekend October 9-10.
Check out the college events calendar for other events.
Get Social
- Meet other admitted Mac2030 students and current Mac students in the class Brightcrowd group.
- Share your Instagram posts using #Mac2030. Use #heymac to get on Mac Social.
Check Out Our Virtual Tour or Connect with the Mac Community
- Explore our campus on a virtual tour or video tour to experience Macalester without leaving home.
- Email Admissions or Financial Aid with any questions.
- Connect with your counselor by email or schedule a virtual meeting.
Review Transfer Credit process if applicable
Macalester accepts a maximum of 32 semester credits earned prior to matriculation. This includes college and university credits, summer session credits, post-secondary education program (PSEO) credits, International Baccalaureate credits, and Advanced Placement credits.
Once enrolled, request that an official transcript be sent directly to the Registrar’s Office by the institution where you took courses. Student-issued transcripts are not accepted. Transcripts may be mailed to the address below or sent via secure electronic transmission to Macalester College.
Once the Registrar’s Office receives your official transcript or exam scores, the evaluation process will begin and credit will be transferred accordingly. AP scores must come directly from the College Board; IB scores must come directly from the IB organization. Student-issued documents are not accepted.
Depending on when the Registrar’s Office receives your exam scores and transcripts, the credit evaluation process may not be complete before class registration. Students will work with the Registrar’s Office and Academic Programs to understand how their credits apply toward graduation requirements and course placement.
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].
Our Mac community looks forward to your arrival on campus!
What is 1600Grand?
PHOTO NEEDS FOR MACPASS
-A passport-style photo: vertical AND in color
-Original digital copy—no scanned, photocopied, or pictures of images
-Good quality—not pixelated or blurry
-Plain, light-colored background
-Full-face view directly at the camera, and head centered in the photo
-Natural facial expression (neutral or smiling)
-Head, neck, and some part of upper garment visible
-Prescription glasses are allowed
Photo File Size Requirements:
-Maximum file size is 1MB
-Accepted file types are either .jpeg, .png, or .gif
-Optimal photo dimensions are 176 (W) x 127 (H)
-If you are taking your photo with an iPhone or Android device: the camera’s image will be larger than needed. Before submitting, use a photo editing app or an online tool to resize the photo to the optimal 176(W) x 127(H) pixels and ensure it’s under 1MB in file size.
Back to Path to Mac August.