{"id":13356,"date":"2022-04-19T16:53:22","date_gmt":"2022-04-19T16:53:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/?page_id=13356"},"modified":"2026-04-29T22:18:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T22:18:29","slug":"your-path-to-mac","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/admissions\/admitted-students\/your-path-to-mac\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Path to Mac"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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. <\/p>\n \t <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

Your Path to Mac: What to Expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transfer Students: <\/strong>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MAY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n SET UP YOUR MACALESTER ACCOUNT ON MAY 19<\/strong>
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.”<\/strong> Follow the steps to set your password and enroll in 2-factor authentication.\n
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\n SET UP DUO MOBILE AND GOOGLE 2-STEP AUTHENTICATION<\/strong>
You\u2019ll 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\u2019s 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\u2019t enroll within this timeframe will eventually be locked out of their account. This information is also found in the Student Technology Checklist (listed next). <\/span>\n
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\n STUDENT TECHNOLOGY CHECKLIST<\/strong>
Information Technology Services (ITS) provides information and help with technology on campus. Follow the\u00a0 Student Technology Checklist<\/a><\/strong> 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.<\/span>\n
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\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\n
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\n CHECK YOUR NEW STUDENT PORTAL <\/strong>
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<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n
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\n DOWNLOAD MACNAV APP<\/strong><\/span>
Download MacNav, Macalester\u2019s 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<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n
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\n APPLICATIONS FOR AMETRICA, BONNER, LIVES OF COMMITMENT, AND MENTOR UP<\/strong>
These optional programs<\/strong> 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.<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n
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\n REGISTER FOR FIRST SEMESTER ACADEMIC PLANNING WEBINAR<\/strong>
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<\/span><\/strong><\/a> (Also open to parents)\n
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\n FALL COURSE PLANNING<\/strong>
Available in mid-May, you can view classes in preparation for submitting your First-Year Course Preference Form,<\/strong> which is found in your New Student Portal and due June 16.<\/strong> 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.<\/strong> You will receive your First-Year Course confirmation and advisor information in early July. You can use the Course Planning Form<\/strong> in the New Student Portal to explore different options to discuss with your advisor. In late July, you\u2019ll meet with your advisor over Zoom to discuss your fall schedule and get your registration PIN. Registration will take place from August 3-14.<\/strong> 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<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n
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\n COMMUNICATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS<\/strong>
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. \n
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\n CELEBRATING A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION?<\/strong>
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.<\/a><\/strong><\/span> Or if you want to see clothing and accessories, take a look at Macalester gear.<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n
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JUNE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n PLAN FOR ORIENTATION<\/strong>
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<\/a><\/strong>\n
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\n FIRST SEMESTER ACADEMIC PLANNING WEBINAR ON JUNE 2<\/strong>
Join staff and professors to learn more about the course registration process. This is optional and a recording will be available after webinar. \n
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\n INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WEBINAR ON JUNE 9<\/strong>
International Student Programs is the dedicated will provide details about the special steps and key dates just for international students.\n
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\n FORMS DUE JUNE 16<\/strong>
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<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

For students with accommodation requests, please submit the Disability\/Accessibility Request Form available in the New Student Portal.<\/em>\n

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\n HOUSING FORMS DUE JUNE 16<\/strong>
The Housing Contract and Preferences Form<\/strong> 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\u2019ll 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<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\n MONEY MATTERS – PAYMENT & FINANCIAL AID<\/strong>
After June 1, but before billing statements are produced in mid-July, students should set up authorized users. There are no paper billing statements \u2013 students and authorized users can access statements and make payments through 1600grand (What is 1600grand?).<\/a>\u00a0Students with a financial aid package may also have a few additional steps to put financial aid in place.
See required steps<\/a><\/strong>\n
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JULY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n FINAL TRANSCRIPT DUE ON JULY 1<\/strong>
Macalester\u2019s 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 admissions@macalester.edu<\/a>\u00a0and we will assist you.\n
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\n DEFER REQUESTS DUE ON JULY 1<\/strong>
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<\/a><\/strong>\n
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\n SUMMER SEND-OFFS IN MULTIPLE U.S. CITIES<\/strong>
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.<\/a><\/strong>

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.\n
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\n PREPARE TO MOVE TO MAC<\/strong>
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<\/a><\/strong>\n
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AUGUST<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n REGISTER FOR CLASSES AUGUST 3-14<\/strong>
Check your registration group\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/strong>\n
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\n HEALTH INSURANCE<\/strong>
Macalester College requires all students to have comprehensive health insurance coverage that complies with the Affordable Care Act (ACA).<\/span> 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.<\/strong> 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\u2019s specified requirements.<\/span>\u00a0 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.<\/strong>\n
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\n SEND MACPASS PHOTO<\/strong>
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<\/a><\/strong>\n
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\n FORMS DUE AUGUST 17<\/strong>
Similar to the June 16 deadline, August brings a set of forms due on August 17 before coming to Macalester.
New Student Portal<\/a><\/strong> \n
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\n MAC BOOKS – COURSE MATERIALS<\/strong>
Once you are registered, The Highlander (Macalester\u2019s 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<\/a>.
More about Mac Books<\/a><\/strong>\n
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Want a shorter list view? Find these same steps in our Path to Mac Quickview<\/a> list.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Save These Dates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n