Macalester College is a well-known institution. It is selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Macalester College is 31.26%, meaning that approximately 31 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Given the low acceptance rate, strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement are crucial. However, since the acceptance rate is not below 20%, you still have a chance even if your GPA is not excellent. You can compensate for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
A well-written letter of recommendation, participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and strong interpersonal communication skills can enhance your chances of admission.
Macalester College Admission Requirements
Macalester College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Macalester College is 3.84. This indicates that Macalester College is extremely selective in terms of GPA. (Most schools report a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some may use unweighted GPA. For exact information, contact the school admission staff.)
With an average GPA of 3.84, Macalester College requires you to be at the top of your class. You need to score straight A's in all classes to have a good chance of admission. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability, particularly in areas related to your chosen course of study. For example, if you're planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help.
If your GPA is less than 3.84 and higher than 3.54, you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.44 GPA to secure admission at Macalester College. Below this, your chances of admission will be very slim.
Can I Get Into Macalester College Without SAT Or ACT?
Macalester College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, test scores are considered in admission decisions. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit your best scores. Normally, students may take the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Plan early and appear in upcoming SAT/ACT tests. Check the test schedule and plan accordingly. It is advisable to take the test multiple times unless you score well above the average SAT/ACT scores of admitted students, as shown below.
Macalester College SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Macalester College Average SAT Score: 1421
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Macalester College is a 1421 on the 1600 SAT scale.
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1421 on SAT.
If your score is lower than 1340, you may appear again to improve your score to have better chances of admission at
Macalester College. It is not unusual to take the SAT multiple times to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have taken the test multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT 25th Percentile: 1340
SAT 75th Percentile: 1515
It means that if you have scored less than 1340, then you are below most of the admitted students at Macalester College and your chances of admission are slim. But if you have scored 1515 or more, then your chances of admission are higher. The 25th percentile means that only 25% of admitted students have a score lower than this. The 75th percentile marks the score of the top 25% of students.
View list of all colleges with an average SAT score of 1400Can I get into Macalester College with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Macalester College are good, but the admission staff at Macalester College considers your overall personality and academic performance. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. If you did not perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas. Improving in other areas will help you secure admission. A high GPA, taking IB or AP courses, and leadership roles will definitely increase your chances of admission. However, if you perform well in all areas, then your chances of admission are high.
Macalester College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Macalester College is 31.
This score makes Macalester College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 31 on the ACT.ACT 25th Percentile: 29
ACT 75th Percentile: 33
View the list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 31.
Can I get into Macalester College with a 33 ACT?
With a 33 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Macalester College are good, but the admission staff does not consider your ACT score only. The college admission process assesses your overall personality and academic performance. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT/test scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. If you did not perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas. Improving in other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT vs ACT: Which Score to Send
You can compare your SAT and ACT scores to the average SAT and ACT scores of admitted students at Macalester College. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your SAT score is close to the 75th percentile, you should send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you should send your ACT score.
But there’s more: if both of your scores are in the same range, it is better to send the ACT score because, with the ACT, you can control which score to send, unlike the SAT.
Here’s how: When sending an ACT score, you can decide which score you want to send to colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report includes all of your attempts.
View the list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 31.Macalester College Profile
Name: Macalester College
City: Saint Paul
URL: www.macalester.edu/
State: Minnesota
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 55105-1899
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How Much Does a Degree from Macalester College Cost?
The average annual cost of a degree at Macalester College is USD: 73771. Since most students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants, the average annual net price a student has to pay at Macalester College is much less than this.
How Can I Get a Scholarship?
21.72% of the students receive Pell Grants, and 39.29% receive federal grants. So, it is a wise choice to attend Macalester College and apply for Pell or federal loan grants.
At Macalester College, you should have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA application form as early as possible and list Macalester College as your choice on the form.
How Much Does a Macalester College Graduate Earn?
The average annual salary of a Macalester College graduate 4-6 years after graduation is USD 62762. On average, a Macalester College graduate earns this amount 10 years after enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD 36,834.
Macalester College Degree Programs
Macalester College offers following degree programs.
Bachelor Programs
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Economics
Full list of All degree programs offered by Macalester College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard, US Department of Education, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.