Macalester College

An education at Macalester College emphasizes “scholarship, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society,” as well as a mix of “rigorous academics with research, civic engagement, and creative work.” For many students, “study-abroad programs are considered fundamental at Macalester in the learning process,” and nearly 60 percent of undergrads participate in semester-long or short-term travel. Students also appreciate the flexible curriculum, which makes it “possible to combine different areas of interest in a very open way,” and the workload itself is said to be “a perfect balance of self-initiated and given from the professor.” The primary approach to learning is very discussion-oriented, and “priority is placed on students reading and taking notes on their own time to develop opinions and ideas.” Specifically, “collaboration, critical thinking, and communication are the foundational aspects of all classes.” Many courses also incorporate out-of-the-box projects, like the semester of computer science where one student’s group “simulated a real-life software development project but with the support and feedback of our professor, preceptors, and peers.” These unique academic elements are made possible by an “abundance of enthusiastic and understanding professors who are passionate about what they teach.” They “are interested in students’ process of learning and give feedback to improve their understanding on an individual level” and “go above and beyond to advise them and set them up for success.” The Macalester vibe supports an “individualized form of teaching…[that] creates a great learning experience that nurtures creativity” wherever you go.

The student body is diverse, “with a well-established international student body.” No one shies away from politics—this is a “very liberal campus” with students who “are very socially active.” Even those who differ from the majority opinion find themselves among friends, as these are “very open-minded individuals who are very accepting of individuals different from themselves.” People’s hobbies run the gamut, with everyone having “passions that consume them, whether that be collective change or etymology.” As one student puts it: “Every student has a secret superpower, skill, or interest you learn about once getting to know them that is really impressive.” Make time for chit-chat, as Mac students “are extremely friendly and are always excited to talk about anything that might be on your mind.” One says, “No one is shy to jump in on the learning and most people you come across are excited to have academic conversations.” And another sums it up, saying, “My peers at Macalester are intellectually curious, collaborative, and genuinely engaged with the world around them.”

Generally speaking, Mac students “are pretty driven and involved in activities.” There is “lots of studying,” which often involves “hanging out around campus, studying in public spaces to be social and see people.” Hitting the books is typically followed by attending “an event that is more social/extracurricular based,” such as a sporting event, a club meeting, or a music event. Mac “has many work study opportunities available for students,” and “most people work on campus or have jobs in the community.” The sports clubs “are a lot of fun, forming a very friendly and light-hearted group,” and students also enjoy topic-specific clubs like Game Devs at Mac, Birding Club, and Climbing Club. There isn’t much of a party culture at Mac; instead, it is “very common for people to talk about having been at a protest, volunteering for charity, or other forms of involvement.” The location in the city lets students “leave campus at any time and go explore the surrounding communities.” While “winters are definitely cold,” the other three seasons make up for it: “People are outside studying on the lawn, playing pickup sports, and spending weekends biking, going to lakes, or just enjoying how beautiful the city and campus are in the spring, summer, and fall.”

Macalester is a tight-knit school, and “the alumni network and the professors are very, very willing to help you network and land that job or internship, as long as you show some initiative.” About two hundred internship sites are available within eight miles of campus thanks to its metropolitan location and the school’s Academic Internship Program helps connect students with opportunities (many for credit), as well as advising on résumés and interview skills. “We have great job/internship/volunteer opportunities from being in a city, while still enjoying the benefits of a small campus,” says a student. Fall and spring job and internship fairs are held every year, and students can also attend the larger MN Private Colleges’s Job and Internship Fair. For students who cannot afford to take the summer off from work, the Macalester Summer Internship Grant (MSIG) provides funding for unpaid internships. And the MacExplore and MacConnect signature programs help students explore career fields in more intimate settings, either in local communities or through immersive trips to other cities. Payscale.com reports a median starting salary for Macalester graduates of $63,400, and 62 percent of Macalester alumni find a high level of meaning in their job.