Macalester College Top Questions

It is small and creates a sense of community. It's location is perfect to stroll and get out and explore the cities.

I didn't consider any other schools, I chose Mac because it was perfect for me in every way.

MAC IS EXCELLENT. As a freshman, it takes a little to get used to the college life and getting away from people who are still in the high school mode of getting grades, but the minute you step onto campus, and enter your first course (which usually is your first year course), you will begin to learn from some of the brightest minds at any liberal arts college! Once you decide a major and fall in love with a department you will be hooked on Macalester's philosophy on education. The lack of political diversity takes a little to get used to, but on most college campuses there usually is not much of that. The professors however are not included in that statement, as they are very open and considerate of each and every one of their students. After a year of being here, I am seeing and feeling the same things that made me want to come here. MAC IS THE MOST WELL ROUNDED OF ALL OF THE COLLEGES THAT I HAVE SEEN.

It is in a beautiful neighborhood of a great city where I feel safe enough to walk by myself in the dark, but eclectic enough that I don't feel like I'm in the suburbs. Macalester also is like a mini United Nations both in values of the school and diversity of the student body. You won't find too many girls carrying Prada bags to class, or boys wearing Lacoste polos... unless it's an "ironic postmodern statement" to do so.

The students are all really passionate about something. Also, they are all really engaged and bright.

My school has a lot of pretty good-looking nerds! We study vigorously but we are still well-groomed (at least most of us are). And the professors are by the far the best; you will find some really fulfilling relationships here, both personal and professional.

My school is incredibly diverse. We are one of the most international schools in the country. We also do not stress competition and the curriculum is highly adaptive to whatever you want to study.

availibility of professors at the school, and the effort that they make to really get to know you. Also, the student body is very diverse, not only racially, but also internationally, and socio-economically. The students here are genuinely interested in learning.

The focus on the arts is what I am into the most. The layout and architecture of the campus, the diversity present in all aspects.

Dorms are nice, food is good, classes are small, St. Paul/Minneapolis is sweet, everyone is friendly and not a d-bag

If you're white, rich, and a hippie, you'll fit in

Mac is a lovely place - but again, it is a small liberal arts school up in Minnesota. It gets cold - but you get a great education. It's really just about what you want from your college years. The people here are second to none, profs and students alike, and the academics deserve so much more credit than they publicly get from the press. If you're intent on partying up your college life, though, this just isn't the place for you. Most are here to learn, and it shows - we know how to have a good time, but we know when we need to get back to the books, too.

I love my school.

I didn't like Macalester for the first year and a half. I was miserable. I applied to Pomona College as a transfer, was accepted, and planned to leave Mac, but I stayed for one more semester, and everything changed. I have heard from many students that it takes a while to warm up to the school, but once you do, its great. I love Mac now, and I can't imagine spending my 4 years of undergrad anywhere else. In fact, I do not want to graduate. I would like to stay at mac for a few more years, but I guess its time to move on.

Mac is really P.C., and it can be stifling sometimes. I've felt before that we spend so much time analyzing and picking apart society that we miss the forest for the trees, and drown in academic sterility. The community does feel small after a while. It's important to have things to do that engage you off campus or with a variety of people. Be careful about your reputation - people do talk, and it only takes five minutes for a bad choice to make all the way across campus and back.

For the most part, on-campus housing is pretty decent compared to what my friends at most other colleges have. However, one freshman/sophomore dorm, which has a litany of nicknames (all negative) has singles that are technically smaller than the minimum size of a minnesota state prison cell. Luckily for us, we're allowed to leave it whenever we want. And in general, the RAs are a far, far cry from prison guards. The school just built a behemoth of an athletic center, the largest of any division 3 college, and though it will be extravagantly wonderful (3 olympic sized pools, a juice bar, saunas, raquetball courts, etc) it is also bigger than almost any other building on campus, and is clearly compensating for something. Not that I don't intend to fully enjoy it...

Aey OO Mac a Mac a Mac!!!

This is a wonderful place if you want fun and academics. No crazy drinking usually but we're not completely sober either. Wonderful professors that are available and actually know your name. Slight discrepancy between guys and gals (40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} versus 60{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}) but you can find guys. don't come here is you can's handle some liberal views or at least hold your own in a debate.

You should visit. Its adorable and quaint but highly respected and rigorous. And the urban location ideal!

Macalester is fun, but challenging! Sometimes I wish I'd chosen an easier way to get my degree, but the atmosphere is just so amazing. The food is generally very delicious, also.