{"id":127,"date":"2019-12-13T20:28:21","date_gmt":"2019-12-13T20:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/160-admissions\/?page_id=127"},"modified":"2026-01-21T21:12:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T21:12:44","slug":"pre-at-mac","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/us-admissions\/pre-at-mac\/","title":{"rendered":"PRE@Mac"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">PRE@MAC WILL RETURN IN SUMMER 2027<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your launchpad to college: we want to help you get there.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong>PRE@Mac is a free residential immersion into the college experience designed specifically for U.S. high school students from historically under-represented communities in higher education.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> We\u2019ll introduce you to the tools necessary to navigate a successful college search and application process that will set you up to thrive at your college home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sample of Past Sessions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>ACADEMIC<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>COMMUNITY &amp; STUDENT EXPERIENCE<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>COLLEGE ADMISSIONS<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Curious Minds, Purposeful Paths: What the Liberal Arts Offer<br><br>Sample classes with Macalester faculty such as:&nbsp;<em>Black Mirror: Using Speculative Design Fiction to Unpack Technological Harm<\/em>, <em>Dynamic Storytelling<\/em><br><\/td><td>We Demand!: Identity Exploration, Community Building &amp; Student Organizing<br><br>Student Voices, Shared Journeys: Mentor Roundtable<\/td><td>Own the Process: A College Admissions Breakdown<br><br>Personal, Not Perfect: The Heart of the College Essay<br><br>Inside the Room: A College Admissions Case Study<br><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, As a PRE@Mac Scholar, you\u2019ll live in a campus residential hall like a college student and be mentored by Macalester students!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Application Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Completed application form<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One letter of recommendation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unofficial transcript<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<section class=\"callout-feature-text block-container\" >\n    <div class=\"callout-feature-text__inner\">\n        <div class=\"callout-feature-text__container\">\n            <div class=\"callout-feature-text__feature-wrapper\">\n                <div class=\"callout-feature-text__feature-card\">\n                    <div class=\"base-lockup\">\n                                                                            <h2 class=\"base-lockup__heading\">SCHOOL &amp; COLLEGE COUNSELORS: NOMINATE A STUDENT<\/h2>\n                                                                            <p class=\"base-lockup__copy\">Know of a student you think might greatly benefit from this experience? The nomination form opens in mid-February, with a March deadline. Students do not need to be nominated to apply. <\/p>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                     <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<accordion-container\n    tag=\"section\"\n    class=\"accordion-group block-container\"\n    >\t\n\t<div class=\"accordion-group__outer\">\n\t    \t        <h2 class=\"accordion-group__heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\t    \t    <ul class=\"accordion-group__list\">\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-1\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-1\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">When and where does PRE@Mac take place?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-1\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>PRE@Mac is an in-person program held at Macalester College in St. Paul.<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-2\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-2\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Who is it for?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-2\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>PRE@Mac is an opportunity for high school students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in higher education, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color) students and those who would be the first in their family to attend college.<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-3\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-3\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">What does it cost to attend Pre@Mac?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>PRE@Mac is 100% free to apply and attend for all selected participants. <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For those who are invited from out-of-state, Macalester will purchase your airfare as well as provide transportation to\/from the airport and campus.<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-4\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-4\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">What tools do I need?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-4\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>We will provide you with a list of supplies you&#8217;ll need to bring, and a list of the items supplied by Macalester.<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-5\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-5\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Will I have a roommate?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-5\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Traditionally, participants will share a room in one of Mac\u2019s residence halls with another program participant. You will be matched based on gender identity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-6\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-6\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Does Cafe Mac accommodate dietary restrictions?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-6\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes! Cafe Mac provides vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at all meals and we will work with our dining facilities regarding food allergies.<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-7\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-7\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">How do I apply?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-7\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>Nomination and application forms open in March. Interested students should apply by using the Apply Now button found here when the application period is open. In addition to the form, you need to send in one letter of recommendation written by someone from your high school (such as a teacher, guidance counselor, or principal) or a college access advisor who can speak to both your academic ability and your involvement\/responsibilities outside of school.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You do not have to be nominated to apply.<\/strong><\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-8\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-8\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">How do I know if I am selected to participate?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-8\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>All applicants will be notified by email in late April.<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-9\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-9\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Can my parents attend?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-9\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While we enjoy hosting parents, this program is designed to give you a sense of what the college experience will look like. We are unable to cover travel costs for parents and guests. If parents are in the area, they are welcome to attend the closing financial aid session.<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-10\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-10\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Do I have to sign something promising I\u2019ll go to Macalester for college afterward?<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-10\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>We certainly hope you\u2019ll come to love Mac as much as we do, but this is about helping you find the college option that\u2019s right for you\u2014even if that\u2019s not us.<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t    <\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/accordion-container>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><strong>Still curious?<\/strong>&nbsp;Send questions to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:agonzal3@macalester.edu\"><\/a><a href=\"mailto:agonzal3@macalester.edu\">admissions@macalester.edu<\/a>\u2014we\u2019d love to hear from you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PRE@MAC WILL RETURN IN SUMMER 2027 Your launchpad to college: we want to help you get there. PRE@Mac is a free residential immersion into the college experience designed specifically for U.S. high school students from historically under-represented communities in higher education. We\u2019ll introduce you to the tools necessary to navigate a successful college search and [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":99,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-127","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=127"}],"version-history":[{"count":269,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/127\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27599,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/127\/revisions\/27599"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/99"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}