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Applying Early Decision as a Student Athlete

We asked two varsity student-athletes, Julia and Alec, to share their experience applying Early Decision and what they love about Mac.

Julia Carpenter playing softball.JULIA CARPENTER ’20

Stevensville, Michigan
Majors: Psychology & Creative Writing

Why Early Decision?

I knew that I wanted to go to Mac after visiting and didn’t see a reason to wait. While everyone else was deciding which school to pick, I was able to look forward to going to Mac in the fall.

What do you love about Mac?

Mac has given me so many unique opportunities to explore academic interests, meet people from all different backgrounds, and continue to play softball competitively. The people I have met here are the hardest workers and most motivated people I know. They’ve taught me to be more concerned about the world outside Macalester, whether that means thinking about environmental sustainability or paying attention to the political climate in the U.S.

Academics are challenging and rigorous, but they are rewarding. I have learned so much in my classes here and discovered subjects I’ve grown to love. The professors care about you as an individual and take all of the extra steps to help you succeed – something I really valued when choosing a small liberal arts education. Athletics have never gotten in the way of academics for me – the professors are really understanding and accommodating if we miss a class for a game. More than that, I was drawn to the D3 level because it would allow me to prioritize academics over sports – my education wouldn’t have to be sacrificed because of my commitment to athletics.

What do you love about your team?

There’s nothing better than playing your favorite sport with your best friends. Being on the softball team has been one of the best parts of my experience at Mac. It was great to immediately connect with teammates and have that support system from older students during the first semester. We’re a team whether it comes to sports or helping each other study for tests. Beyond all of the hard work, we also have fun with each other!

Some stats

  • 2018 NFCA All-Midwest Region Third Team
  • 2018 All-MIAC Team
  • 2018 Academic All-Miac

Alec Beatty playing football.ALEC BEATTY ’19

Topeka, Kansas
Major: Political Science
Internships: UBS Financial services company (2016) and Skyhawks Sports Academy (2017)
After Macalester: Fulbright Scholar (Kosovo)

Why Early Decision?

I visited Macalester in early June of my high school junior year and knew right away that is where I wanted to be. Knowing Macalester was my #1 school, going ED1 was an easy decision. It not only helped me finish a long and tiresome process of college searching, but also showed the school and coaches I was just as invested and committed to them as they were to me.

What do you love about Mac?

I love Macalester because it will challenge you intellectually, socially, and as a football player, physically. The interactions with the variety of people you meet here will help you shape who you strive to become in life. At Macalester, the opportunities are endless to meet new people, join clubs/activities, or just try something new.

Coaches and professors alike put you in a position to succeed. Coaches understand stressful times in semesters, like Mid-terms and Finals, and check in individually with you to make sure you are staying on top of things. Professors are personable when you have scheduling conflicts due to sports or need extra time outside of class. If you are willing to learn, they will always be willing to help.

What do you love about your team

The coaches, training staff, and strength coaches genuinely care about your well-being, on and off the field. Coach Jennison goes the extra mile to know and care about who you are on the field, your home life, your academics, and your overall experience as a Macalester Fighting Scot.

The teammates you meet will become your lifelong friends. While they come from different places, states, and socioeconomic backgrounds, you will find how much you have in common and how much you get to learn from different walks of life. With that, you also get to enjoy playing for a successful and respected football program year in and year out.

Some Stats

  • 2017 All-Midwest Conference first team
  • Led Midwest Conference with 66 catches for 1,035 yards in 2017
  • 2017 Team MVP
  • 2017 Team Offensive MVP
  • Set single-season school records for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns (10) in 2017
  • Tied the school record for touchdown receptions with 17