college essay guy macalester

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Apply to vetted scholarship programs in one click

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations.

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Macalester College Essay Prompts 

Prior to coming to Scholarships360 for her first internship in 2022, Savannah utilized her campus publications by joining various fashion publications that are offered at Ohio University. One of those publications is Thread Magazine, where Savannah has had the opportunity to work on articles related to world-wide related fashion news and events, as well as articles closer to home, such as a fashion piece on Athens hometown-hero Joe Burrow. This year, Savannah also had the opportunity to be a content writing intern for Aiken House, as well as a section editor for Southeast Ohio Magazine. In 2023, Savannah served as the Chapter President of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. These collective experiences, as well as her experience currently working for Ohio University’s Undergraduate Admissions, has led her to Scholarships360 and aided in her passion for helping students better understand the college admissions process and financial aid. In her free time, Savannah enjoys horseback riding, watching Formula One races, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Savannah will graduate from Ohio University in May 2024 with a degree in Journalism News and Information and a certificate in Italian Studies.

Learn about our editorial policies

Cari Schultz is an Educational Review Board Advisor at Scholarships360, where she reviews content featured on the site. For over 20 years, Cari has worked in college admissions (Baldwin Wallace University, The Ohio State University, University of Kentucky) and as a college counselor (Columbus School for Girls).

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Macalester College is a private liberal arts college in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Macalester is known as one of the “Hidden Ivies” because it provides students with an education that compares to that of an Ivy League institution. Knowing exactly how to respond to college essay prompts might seem intimidating at first, but fear not! We have you covered with everything you need to know about how to write your Macalester College supplemental essays .

The Macalester College essay prompts

It is important to note that each of Macalester’s supplemental essays are optional, but writing one or more is a great way to showcase your writing skills, to demonstrate your interest, and let the college get to know you as a person beyond a list of accomplishments and grades. 

We will walk you through each prompt and break down the questions step by step. Let’s get started!

Macalester is one of few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the middle of a metropolitan area. Students benefit from the strong sense of community on campus and opportunities to engage in academic, social, and civic engagement options in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Have you thought about how Macalester’s location might impact your experience? If so, in what ways? (500 words)

Right out the gate, Macalester wants to know how you will use your environment to help you in your studies and beyond. So what really are they asking of you? First of all, start off with why you picked this college to apply to. If location was a factor, write about why. If not, you might want to look into the other two prompts before starting on this one. This could be a great prompt for individuals who have a specific major that would benefit from living near a city like Minneapolis or Saint Paul. 

If you are thinking about majors such as:

• Political Science, St. Paul is the state capital
• Economics, with many corporate offices stationed in Minneapolis (Target being one!)
• Art, with so many options for museums and galleries in the Twin Cities

Minneapolis is a great city for so many college majors, so show admissions that with examples relevant to you. Saint Paul would be another great urban setting for someone who wants to go into sociology or urban planning, or maybe even architecture.

Even if your major is not the reason Macalester’s location interests you, there are other elements of the prompt you can address here. Maybe you are drawn to Macalester for its small enrollment. If so, you could talk about how you are interested in a close knit community and that Macalester’s location allows you to experience that environment while also giving you access to a metropolitan area. Be sure to talk about how YOU would benefit from both the campus community and the opportunities in the Twin Cities.

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

“Four values permeate Macalester’s mission and purpose: academic distinction, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. Guided by this mission, Macalester is a learning environment that affirms different identities and experiences and prepares graduates to work toward a more just and peaceful world. In what ways do your lived experiences, perspectives, or hopes for your college education connect with Macalester’s mission/learning environment?”

In order to successfully answer this prompt, try to think about any experiences that have had a significant impact on your life and made your perspective unique. Ultimately, they want to see that future students have a diverse background that can contribute to their mission and purpose. So, try to brainstorm aspects of your background or identity that mean a lot to you and that you are hoping to bring to your new Macalester community. Remember, it’s important to show, not tell! Sharing an anecdote is the best way to bring a story to life! Most importantly, be sure that you do not use this space as an opportunity to discriminate against other communities and identities! You should not put others down in order to make your story heard! 

Questions to consider: 

• How do you value academic distinction, internationalism, multiculturalism and service to society? What are some specific examples?
• What can you teach others about a certain culture, identity, ethnicity or community service that may introduce them to new ideas? 
• How do you hope to influence your Macalester community? 

Don’t miss: How to write a 500 word essay

Closing thoughts on the Macalester College Essay Prompts

Once you have completed your Macalester College supplemental essays- congratulations! Be sure to read over your responses and have a trusted adult or friend read them over for you. Remember, you want to be submitting a flawless essay that puts your best foot forward! 

Make sure you do not repeat any information throughout your responses and that you are revealing new information throughout your application so admissions officers get a well-rounded idea of “you!” Ultimately, being authentic and unique is all Macalester is asking students to reveal in their supplemental essays. 

Best of luck in the rest of your college admissions journey! 

Don’t miss: How to answer this year’s Common App essay prompts

Additional resources

We have a plethora of additional resources that you can use throughout your college search and even after you have found your home for the next four years. Check out our guide on how many schools to apply to , and how to find a good assortment of safety, reach, and match schools . And don’t miss out on our guide to what looks good on a college application to maximize your admissions chances. Good luck on the rest of your collegiate journey, and don’t forget to apply to all the scholarships you qualify for! 

Start your scholarship search

• Vetted scholarships custom-matched to your profile
• Access exclusive scholarships only available to Scholarships360 members

Scholarships360 Recommended

10 Tips for Successful College Applications

Coalition vs. Common App: What is the difference?

College Application Deadlines 2023-2024: What You Need to Know

Trending now.

How to Convert Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale

PSAT to SAT Score Conversion: Predict Your Score

What Are Public Ivy League Schools?

3 reasons to join scholarships360.

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

Macalester College Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Students applying to Macalester College will be faced with an important decision: should I complete the Macalester College supplemental essays? Without a doubt, the answer is yes! The Macalester essays are a great way to enhance your application and show Macalester’s admissions team exactly why you want to attend.

Macalester College is a private liberal arts institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is widely considered one of the best colleges in the Midwest . Founded in 1874, the urban 53-acre campus is now home to more than 2,100 undergrads who can choose from 39 unique bachelor’s degrees in a wide variety of subjects.

In this guide to the Macalester College supplemental essays, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Macalester essays and the Macalester requirements for admission. First, we’ll take a closer look at the Macalester College essay prompts. Then, we’ll give you writing tips so you feel confident crafting your responses. Later, we’ll discuss some important Macalester need-to-knows, including why your Macalester essays are so important.

So, ready to get started? Keep reading for tips and tricks on how to write the best Macalester essays and how to get into Macalester College!

Macalester College Admissions: Quick Facts

Macalester college admissions quick facts.

• Macalester College Acceptance Rate: 28% – Macalester’s acceptance rate makes it a selective school .
• 1 required (~650 word) personal essay via the Common App OR 2 required (~800 word/~500 word) personal/topical essays via the QuestBridge application 
• 2 optional (~300 word) Macalester supplemental essays 
• Macalester College Application: Students may submit their Macalester application through the Common Application or QuestBridge Application . In addition to your Macalester supplemental essays, you’ll need to submit your high school transcript and two letters of recommendation to complete your Macalester application. 
• Early Decision I: November 1
• Early Action: November 1
• Early Decision II: January 1
• Regular Decision: January 15
• Macalester College Supplemental Essays Tip: Your Macalester College supplemental essays have to stand out if you want to gain acceptance. Although they are not included in the Macalester requirements, we highly recommend taking the time to write skillful and polished Macalester essays. That way, you can help the admissions team get a better understanding of who you are and what you can contribute to the campus community.

Does Macalester have supplemental essays?

Yes, the Macalester application allows prospective students to respond to two optional Macalester College essay prompts. Firstly, it’s important to note that each of the Macalester College essay prompts allow for a 300-word response. So, it is important to convey your response clearly and concisely. Here are the optional Macalester College essay prompts.

Macalester College Optional Essay Prompts

1. macalester is one of few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the middle of a metropolitan area. students benefit from the strong sense of community on campus and opportunities to engage in academic, social, and civic engagement options in the twin cities of minneapolis and st. paul. have you thought about how macalester’s location might impact your experience if so, in what ways, 2. four values permeate macalester’s mission and purpose: academic distinction, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. guided by this mission, macalester is a learning environment that affirms different identities and experiences and prepares graduates to work toward a more just and peaceful world. in what ways do your lived experiences, perspectives, or hopes for your college education connect with macalester’s mission/learning environment, why school essays.

Both of these Macalester College essay prompts are what we call why school essays . Why school essays are a common supplemental essay prompt required for college applications. The why Macalester College essay prompts require you to explain why you want to attend Macalester College. These Macalester essays should demonstrate what specific academic program, extracurricular opportunities, values, or qualities have drawn you to the school. On top of that, they should give Admissions a clear sense of how you might fit into the campus community. 

Nevertheless, make sure that in these Macalester essays, you are not just listing off what you like about the school or restating information that is readily available on their admissions website. Your Why Macalester essays should express exactly what has drawn you to Macalester College and why you are a good fit for their campus.  

Although these Macalester College supplemental essays are optional, they can play a pivotal role in your acceptance story. Therefore, you should invest adequate time and energy into writing a compelling response to both optional Macalester essays to give yourself the best chance of impressing Macalester Admissions. 

Furthermore, the application also gives students the opportunity, if necessary, to explain extenuating circumstances like disciplinary violations or contextualizing significant changes in grades. So, if there is something in your application that may work against you in the admissions process, you can address it. If applicable, be sure to take the time to craft an explanation (not an excuse) for the discrepancy and how you plan to move forward! 

How many essays does Macalester require?

The only required Macalester essay is the Common Application personal statement. Here, you’ll choose one of seven essay prompts provided by the Common App and respond in 650 words or less. The full set of essay prompts for 2023-2024 is as follows:

Common App Essay Prompts

1. some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. if this sounds like you, then please share your story., 2. the lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. how did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience, 3. reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. what prompted your thinking what was the outcome, 4. reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. how has this gratitude affected or motivated you, 5. discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others., 6. describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. why does it captivate you what or who do you turn to when you want to learn more, 7. share an essay on any topic of your choice. it can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design..

Remember, your personal Macalester essay introduces you to admissions officers. Use this Macalester essay as an opportunity to tell a unique story about yourself. Explain to the admissions team where you have been, where you are, and where you are headed.

You will notice that each of these personal statement prompts requires you to be reflective. Consequently, it matters less what you write about and more what deeper meaning the topic at hand communicates. All of these prompts have the power to be great Macalester College essay prompts. The important thing is to choose topics that demonstrate your unique passion.

Looking for more inspiration on how to tackle this type of essay? Read these resources on how to start your personal statement and examples of exceptional Common App essays . 

As previously stated, although the Macalester College supplemental essays are not required, they can still boost your chances of admission. Ultimately, the purpose of your Why Macalester essay is for the admissions officers to learn more about you and what you hope to gain from attending their college. This involves being clear about your goals and how Macalester, in particular, will aid in getting you there. Up next, we’ll give you some tips for writing your Macalester essays.

How to answer Macalester supplemental essays

Writing your Macalester College supplemental essays can be a daunting task at first. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared! With our tips and tricks, you will be writing outstanding Macalester College supplemental essays that beat the highly selective acceptance rate in no time!

Now, we’ve discussed the Macalester College essay prompts and what kind of essays are required of you as an applicant. But, if you are struggling to find a topic for your Macalester College supplemental essays, there’s no need to panic. Instead, consider looking at the Macalester College supplemental essays as the ideal platform to write about your extracurricular activities . Essentially, consider exploring and sharing other aspects of yourself beyond your grades and academic achievements. 

Exploring your extracurriculars

Your Macalester College supplemental essays should demonstrate the importance of your involvement in extracurricular activities. When you think of extracurriculars, don’t limit yourself to school-sponsored activities. These can include sports teams, community activities, or job experiences. Here are some questions you can answer in your Macalester essays regarding your extracurricular activities, passions, and interests:

• What distinct or complementary interests have you developed outside of the classroom? 
• How have your extracurriculars impacted you and your path to higher education?
• In what ways have your extracurricular activities developed your character, values, or passions? What examples can you give?

When crafting your Macalester essays, make sure to describe your personal connection to your activities. Discuss your specific relationship to it and what you have gained and learned from your involvement.

Show don’t tell

For most types of college admission essays, we recommend utilizing the “show don’t tell” writing style. And that includes your Macalester College supplemental essays. Stories are more effective at explaining your qualities and passions than statements. Use creative writing in your Macalester essay to give life to certain traits or beliefs you have. This is often much more captivating and effective than simply stating you have them. “Show” writing paints a vivid picture and engages the reader by telling a story with specific details. This creates more impactful and memorable Macalester College supplemental essays that will capture your reader’s attention while also providing evidence for your argument. 

Remember, your Macalester College supplemental essays should showcase any positive character traits you possess. These can include excellence in specific skills, values cultivated through involvement in your community, and strong passions or intellectual interests. These qualities are precisely what Macalester College admissions officers expect prospective students to contribute to the campus community.

Start with research

Another piece of advice for approaching the Why Macalester essay is to do your research on Macalester College. Your Macalester College supplemental essays should be full of school-specific details and demonstrate how the school’s campus culture will help you achieve your personal and career goals. You should attend a college that meets all of your needs. So, spend time learning more about their campus, offered majors, and student activities and organizations. 

Use your research to your advantage when writing the Macalester College supplemental essays. By doing so, you can show Admissions that you’ve invested time and energy into finding the best college for you. Submitting a well-informed and persuasive application can be pivotal in your admissions story. Compared to another applicant with strong grades and extracurriculars, compelling Macalester essays could be what puts you over the edge and solidifies the admission’s team decision to admit you.

As we mentioned above, research specific aspects of Macalester College that align with your educational and career goals. Then, use your research to craft a compelling Macalester essay that demonstrates what your goals are and how Macalester College, specifically, will help you reach them. 

Are these essays really optional?

Technically, yes – the optional Macalester College supplemental essays are not a technical requirement of the application. However, your Macalester essays are the best way to make your application stand out among the other highly competitive applications. The more Macalester essays you write, the more the Macalester admissions team gets to know about you. Use the Macalester College supplemental essays to showcase aspects of yourself that may not have had a chance to shine through in other portions of your application. 

Furthermore, taking the opportunity to write Macalester College supplemental essays demonstrates the extent of your interest in Macalester College. Your willingness to go above and beyond the requirements shows the admissions team how dedicated you are to continuing your education at Macalester.

Simply put, the Macalester College supplemental essays are not really optional if you want the best chance at getting into Macalester. Undoubtedly, the highly selective acceptance rate requires you to stand out in every way possible. That means taking advantage of the opportunity Admissions has given you to write Macalester College supplemental essays. 

Does Macalester care about essays?

The Macalester admissions team practices holistic admission review , meaning all components of the application are thoroughly reviewed by the committee. This includes academic performance, recommendation letters, essays, leadership experience and potential, and extracurriculars. By considering more than just grades and test scores, Macalester aims to enroll a diverse class of well-rounded and multifaceted students. 

So yes, the admissions team does care about your Macalester College supplemental essays. Your Macalester College supplemental essays are a vital part of your application. They grant you the opportunity to speak directly to the admissions team about yourself and control the narrative of your application. Use your Macalester College supplemental essays to persuade Admissions as to why you’re a good fit for the Macalester community. 

Additional information about Macalester College

Macalester College is a liberal arts school that prides itself on inspiring personal, social, and intellectual growth. The campus boasts a close-knit community with the benefits of being in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul metropolis area. Being in the Twin Cities affords Macalester students a variety of opportunities to expand their education through community-based learning in an urban setting. 

Clearly, it is important to consider a campus’ location when building your college list. Remember, the best college towns in America for you are determined by your unique passions, interests, and career goals. Things you should consider when visiting and applying to colleges are campus and class size, location, and campus culture.

Additionally, Macalester College offers 63 areas of study and 100+ clubs and organizations for students to explore. Without a doubt, you’ll find no shortage of student opportunities , like the Outing Club, Mac Bike, or their student-run radio station WMCN 91.7FM. The majority of students (90% of their 2019 graduates) also get involved with some type of civic engagement while at Macalester. And, students get to live on campus for part of their undergraduate experience.

If it seems like Macalester College could be the place for you, you can take a virtual 360 tour , schedule a campus visit , or connect with admissions officers . That way, you’ll be sure to have plenty to discuss in your Macalester supplemental essays. 

Macalester College Supplemental Essays: Final Takeaways

Now, let’s review what we have learned about the Macalester College supplemental essays and how to get into Macalester. Macalester is a highly selective school with a low acceptance rate. This means your Macalester supplemental essays have to be pristine if you want to gain acceptance. 

Your grades and test scores are essential elements of your application. Nevertheless, your Macalester College supplemental essays have the power to make you stand out in the competitive applicant pool. Use your Macalester supplemental essays to add depth and individuality to your application. Share something the admissions team won’t find in any other parts of your application.

In general, your Macalester College supplemental essays should have your own, personal authentic voice. Furthermore, they should touch on your personal experiences, values, passions, and goals, and how these have impacted your personal growth. Strong essays will have a clear narrative structure, utilize storytelling techniques, and include school-specific details. In addition, be sure to tailor your response to the prompt and to answer the questions entirely. Some things you may want to avoid in your essays are generic or cliché responses and repetitive information. Remember, every word counts so use them wisely!

All in all, we know the writing process can feel daunting. So, be sure to keep these tips and tricks in mind when writing your Macalester College supplemental essays. 

Tips for writing your Macalester essays

• Start early and make a plan.
• Brainstorm, draft, revise, repeat. Never turn in a first draft of your Macalester supplemental essays.
• Reflect and research. First, think about your motivations for applying and why you might be interested in applying to Macalester College in particular.
• Show don’t tell. Sharing personal stories in your Macalester supplemental essays is more effective than making statements. Make sure to use pertinent evidence to back up your arguments.
• Be clear and concise. Remember, clarity counts for more than creativity of vocabulary, especially with the limited word count of the Macalester supplemental essays.
• Finally, proofread your Macalester supplemental essays and get feedback from others!

We hope this guide has helped you better understand the Macalester requirements, how to write better Macalester essays, and how to get into Macalester College. Moreover, feel free to refer back to this guide when you begin your Macalester College application and essays. Last but not least, remember our advisors are always here to help! For more individualized guidance, you can schedule an appointment with one of our advisors here . Happy writing!

This essay guide was written by Bailey Bennett. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

Macalester College Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Macalester College college application essays were written by students accepted at Macalester College. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2357 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11005 literature essays, 2763 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

• Browse College Application Essays
• Undergraduate

College Application Essays accepted by Macalester College

My first flight robin bates, macalester college.

"Northwest, this is La Crosse Tower. Hold-short runway three-one for Cessna on final."

Knowing that I had personally delayed a plane full of commercial passengers on my sixteenth birthday was not what I had in mind for my first solo flight....

Why Macalester is the right college for me Anonymous

The name Kofi Annan formed my first impression of Macalester College. It was a school that had educated the Secretary-General of the United Nations, one of the most influential people in the world. In addition, a browse through the school...

Different Rivers to the Same Ocean Anonymous

During my time at the United World College, I have had the opportunity to spend every day of my school life with people from cultures very different from my own. It is hard to think of one specific situation which stands out from the others, but...

The Cafeteria Joseph Schubert

“The freshman 15” results from, starchy, processed, high calorie, bland, unhealthy and artificial food—typical college cuisine. Unfortunately, many colleges operate their classrooms with similar attitudes—artificial, pre-packaged experiences with...

The Puzzle Joseph Schubert

“Peux-j'aller à... el baño? No… Me Permite ir…à la toilette? No…” My head spun, my bladder throbbed and my voice stuttered in some incomprehensible, newly invented language. Regretting all the water I drank at morning swim practice, I attempted to...

Drawing My Life Anonymous

By now, color and form are two essential ways I express myself. In my art I often draw myself as a stick figure with a shock of bright red hair. My family, friends, and even strangers have always commented on the thousands of freckles that pepper...

Take Off the Privilege Glasses Annalena Eckton

A middle aged woman enters the riding arena with what looks like a rag doll draped over her forearms. Her face has the furrowed brow of melancholy, but her tone is hopeful when she speaks to me. “Esta es mi hija Mili (this is my daughter Mili),”...

Flies Deeptansha Dwivedi

Sweat dripped from my brow as I carefully set my roll of tape onto the granite kitchen counter in front of me. My masterpiece was finally complete. As I slid down from my stool, I was careful to not let my knobby ten-year-old knees topple into the...

A Liberal Paradise Anonymous

Growing up in an ultra-liberal town just outside of San Francisco’s Bay Area, I have become accustomed to the long-running joke in my school that it’s easier to be gay than it is to be Republican. As an openly bisexual Democrat, I would both agree...

Amusement Park Lessons Anonymous

Getting to work at ten in the morning to go stand in what I charitably referred to as the Hut for eight hour stretches was probably not how most people envisioned their summer but when you live in Santa Cruz for as long as I have, working at the...

Recent Questions about Macalester College

The Question and Answer section for Macalester College is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Macalester College 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Macalester College 2020-2021 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 3 essays of 500 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Personal statement , Community

Application forms like this often require people to uncomfortably categorize their race, ethnicity, gender, or other identities by checking boxes. Is there anything about your (or your family’s) background that you would like us to know that is not addressed elsewhere in your application? If so, please elaborate.

This is a great opportunity to share the nuances of your background or family history with admissions. Has your family lived in the same town for multiple generations? Maybe you’re the first person in your family to go to college. Maybe you were raised by your mother and grandmother. Look back to how your upbringing shaped who you’ve become and what factors contributed to your unique perspective and position in life. Beyond your upbringing and family, the concept of your “identity” is up for interpretation. You can consider the different roles you play within your family, friend groups, or online community–mother-figure, coach, shoulder to cry on, etc–or you can reveal more of your inner-self, something people can’t see from a cursory glance at your application. This prompt is pretty wide open, so feel free to explore any area of your life that you haven’t gotten to talk about yet. Remember, though: this is a chance to advocate for yourself and show admissions why they’d be lucky to have you in their student body. 

Has there been a significant fluctuation in your grades at any point during grades 9-12 (up or down)? If so, please tell us the reason(s) for the changes.

Let us start by saying: This prompt is not for everyone. If your GPA has not dramatically increased or decreased during your high school career, move along. If, on the other hand, you’re thinking, “Yes! An opportunity for me to explain!” then read on.

Your transcripts are like Garfield Minus Garfield (if you don’t know what this is, you’re welcome). Sure, we can see that something’s changed from frame to frame, but we don’t know why. Grades need context. Admissions doesn’t know why or how things happened–good or bad. Take a look at your grades and note any anomalies or odd jumps/drops. Think back to that time in your life and tell your story. Maybe you’d moved schools or had a sports injury. Maybe you started meeting with a tutor after school and climbed from a fall semester C in geometry to a spring semester A. No matter your story, you are not alone in your journey of ups and downs–high school is a veritable war zone of distractions and possibilities. And, remember, everyone loves a comeback.

Macalester is one of few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the middle of a metropolitan area. Students benefit from the strong sense of community on campus and opportunities to engage in academic, social, and civic engagement options in the Twin Cities. Have you thought about how Macalester’s location might impact your experience? If so, in what ways?

When you attend a college, you also become an integral part of the city in which you live. Whether you’re working part-time at a cafe or playing on a rec soccer league, you will be rubbing elbows with locals. What does Macalester have to offer you? Do some research on neighborhoods and public spaces (museums, parks, etc.). Imagine you’re there on your first weekend, what do you do? Maybe you’ve had the opportunity to visit the campus and surrounding city, if so, what did you notice? This is your chance to not only imagine your future, but also help admissions envision you as a thriving member of their community.

About CEA HQ

View all posts by CEA HQ »

We can help!

Contact us for information on rates and more!

• I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
• Name * First Last
• Phone Type Mobile Landline
• Street Address
• Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
• How did you find CEA? Internet Search New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
• Common App and Coalition Essays
• Supplemental Essays
• University of California Essays
• University of Texas Essays
• Resume Review
• Post-Grad Essays
• Specialized Services
• Waitlist Letters
• Private School Essays
• General College Counseling
• School list with priorities noted:
• Anything else we should know?
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Agnes Scott College
• Alvernia University
• American University
• Amherst College
• Babson College
• Bard College
• Barnard College
• Baylor University
• Bennington College
• Bentley University
• Berry College
• Bethany College
• Bishop’s University
• Boston College
• Boston University (BU)
• Bowdoin College
• Brandeis University
• Brown University
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bucknell University
• Butler University
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• California Lutheran University
• Capitol Technology University
• Carleton College
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Catawba College
• Centre College
• Chapman University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Clark University
• College of Mount Saint Vincent
• College of William and Mary
• College of Wooster
• Colorado College
• Colorado School of Mines
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Culver-Stockton College
• D'Youville University
• Dartmouth College
• Davidson College
• Drexel University
• Duke University
• Earlham College
• Elon University
• Emerson College
• Emory University
• Flagler College
• Fordham University
• George Mason University
• Georgetown University
• Georgia State University
• Georgia Tech
• Gonzaga University
• Harvard University
• Harvey Mudd College
• Haverford College
• Hillsdale College
• Hofstra University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• Ithaca College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Kalamazoo College
• Lafayette College
• Lehigh University
• Lewis and Clark College
• Linfield University
• Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
• Lynn University
• Macalester College
• Malone University
• Manchester University
• Marist College
• Mary Baldwin University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Meredith College
• Monmouth College
• Moravian University
• Morehouse College
• Mount Holyoke College
• New York University (NYU)
• North Park University
• Northwestern University
• Occidental College
• Oklahoma City University
• Olin College of Engineering
• Pepperdine University
• Pitzer College
• Pomona College
• Princeton University
• Providence College
• Purdue University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rice University
• Saint Elizabeth University
• Santa Clara University
• Sarah Lawrence College
• Scripps College
• Seattle Pacific University
• Smith College
• Soka University of America
• Southern Methodist University
• St. John’s College
• Stanford University
• Stonehill College
• Swarthmore College
• Syracuse University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Christian University
• The College of Idaho
• The George Washington University
• The New School
• Trinity College
• Tufts University
• Tulane University
• University of California
• University of Central Florida (UCF)
• University of Chicago
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Florida
• University of Georgia
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• University of Miami
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oregon
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Richmond
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• University of Southern California (USC)
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Tulsa
• University of Vermont
• University of Virginia (UVA)
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Vanderbilt University
• Vassar College
• Villanova University
• Virginia Tech
• Wake Forest University
• Washington and Lee University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wellesley College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Yale University

Want free stuff?

We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!

One-On-One Advising

Common App Essay Prompt Guide

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

• YouTube Tutorials
• Our Approach & Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guides
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Waitlist Guides
• Get Started

Macalester 2021 Supplemental Essay help

I’m an international student currently applying to macalester for fall 2021. Almost done w my application, just stuck at writing the supplemental essay prompt (the one about macalesters environment - the twin cities) I’m looking for help/insight from current Mac students on here or Mac students who recently got accepted. How did you go about writing the essay? What resources where used? And for those that already live in the twin cities or close to Macalesters campus, what spots in the city would you say you like the most and why? Please help a girl out… Im applying early and deadlines are vv close. Thabk you in advance:)

POPULAR STATES

Search sat scores, search act scores, search gpa’s, subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay informed with the latest from the CC community, delivered to you, for free.

CONNECT WITH US

© 2023 College Confidential, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Information For:

• Current Students
• Faculty/Staff
• Parents & Families
• Why Macalester?
• About the Twin Cities
• Visit Macalester
• After Macalester
• Mission and History
• Offices and Services
• U.S. Admissions
• International Admissions
• Early Decision
• Financial Aid & Tuition
• Admitted Students
• Connect with Admissions
• For High School Counselors
• Residential Living
• Student Organizations
• Civic Engagement
• Multiculturalism
• Global Community

Frequently Visited:

• Request Information
• Make a Gift
• College News
• College Events
• G Suite/Gmail

How I chose my college

Choosing a college can be thrilling, overwhelming, and everything in between. Generations of students have been in the same place you are now – wondering what school will be the perfect fit. Here are just a few stories from students who had a similar choice to make.

Choosing a college

These students share the process and priorities that brought them to Mac!

Cal Martinez ’26 (they/them) Dearborn, Michigan Major – Anthropology One more thing to know – I write for our student newspaper, The Mac Weekly !

The first time I saw Macalester, it was around midnight, technically the same day I was scheduled for my campus tour. My mom and I had just finished driving 10 hours from metro Detroit to the Twin Cities, and she humored me by driving through campus on our way to our hotel. I distinctly remember her saying “I could see you being happy here.”

When I went on my campus tour, I was exhausted from a long day of driving, but the warm energy from students on campus kept me invigorated. I remember asking a student to walk me through Old Main and hearing professors laughing and talking with students. On another floor, I saw two students helping each other review homework problems. In high school, I struggled with comparing myself to other students, but I thought that was just supposed to be a part of school that I had to overcome. I honestly didn’t know that I could attend an academically rigorous college that prioritized collaboration over competition until I found Mac.

I knew I wanted a college where I could experience a flow of ideas and learn from a diverse set of perspectives, and I also wanted a college that emphasized community. As a queer student, it meant a lot to me to see that Mac had resources and programming that actively supported and celebrated queerness and engaged with LGBTQ+ organizations in the greater Twin Cities.

Similarly, when I talked to students, I learned that I could easily explore professional journalism opportunities with papers in the Twin Cities while still finding a community in the student newspaper. On my way out from admissions, I picked up a copy of The Mac Weekly and read it on the car ride home. Now, the person who wrote the front page article I read in the car is one of my closest friends. 

My mom was right: I am happy here. 

James Yang, ’23 (he, him, his) Taoyuan, Taiwan Major – Computer Science One more thing to know – I can fence!

Before coming to Macalester College, I studied in UWC Dilijan, an international high school in Armenia. To me, UWC was a magical 2-year experience during which I understood differences, gained independence and grew to know myself more and more clearly. So, when choosing colleges, I was looking for colleges that believe in education, development and humanitarianism, meanwhile offering strong science majors – liberal arts colleges therefore became my focus. 

Coincidentally, around that point, Sarah Schmidt, the director of international admissions, visited our high school. I had never heard of Mac until we had an interview. Yet after that, I started to get to know Mac, actively. I learned that it values internationalism and has a diverse campus; it is located in the Twin Cities, which makes Mac so different from other liberal arts colleges; and it is favoured by a great number of UWCers. Somehow, Mac was more and more impressive to me. 

But the most impressive thing about Mac before I came to the campus was its application essay questions. I can’t recall the exact questions but clearly remember I wrote about religion, culture & cuisine and values – the qualities a college should care the most about because we will carry those qualities with us from college, to society. We never lack smart people, but we always need people with kindness, understanding and potential. Some people may say Mac, or other liberal arts colleges, create a bubble. But Mac creates a community where we can learn together while still preparing us for the real world.

After being here at Mac for almost a year and half, I’ve never regretted my decision. I am glad to have chosen a college that prioritizes students and their experiences. During the beginning of the pandemic, Mac was one the few colleges that didn’t kick the students out; most professors care about students and try their best to give us the best learning experience; and the dynamics of international and domestic students, and people from different backgrounds are organic. I can really feel the efforts Mac has invested in me as a student and a person. 

Minnesota can be quite cold; but Mac makes it a little warmer.

Finding your home away from home

Meet Lily, a junior at Macalester. Moving to college was scary, but not for long. She found support from professors and countless ways to meet people. Plus, everyone is on the same adventure!

More Stories

Elise Sexton, ’23 (she, her, hers) Fort Myers, Florida

Major  – International Studies Minor – Music Concentration – Community and Global Health One more thing to know – I’m a singer!

My first trip to Macalester was in the middle of an April blizzard. Coming from South Florida, I had barely seen snow, let alone been walking around in a snowstorm, but the snow was exciting and fun! During breaks between events, I went around campus making tiny snowmen on benches and curbs, and people seemed to get a kick out of my obvious bewilderment. It was the coldest weather I had ever been in, but the free hot chocolate helped keep me warm.

When I told my friends and professors that I was looking at Macalester college in Minnesota, they all asked me the same question: “Why would you ever want to go live in the snow?”, but it wasn’t only the seasons that I was looking for in my school. I was coming from a pretty small area, so I was focused on schools near or in cities. I also wanted a school with a good music program and plenty of things to do on the weekends.

Most importantly, I wanted a college that could accommodate all of the different things I wanted to do. During college applications, I had an intricate plan with a major, minor, concentration, and pre-med track, and I needed a school where I could do all of it without being completely drained.

As my day of meeting people and learning about Macalester was coming to a close, I had one more stop to talk to an admissions counselor. I explained every detail of my very complicated college plan (I nicknamed it “The Plan”) and practically grilled him for information on how I could make it work at Mac. He sat with me for close to an hour answering all of my questions and giving me department contact information and listing professors I could talk to. At the end of the meeting, when I was finally satisfied that “The Plan” was all possible, he handed me a sticker. It said: “I chose Macalester 2023” over a drawing of the school, and he said, “I think you’ll need this”.

As many people can tell you, things change when you get into college. I have already made many changes to “The Plan”, but I feel confident knowing Macalester can accommodate whatever it is I want to do.

And I was right, I do love the winter.

Juan Pineda , ’24 (he, him, his) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Majors  – Leaning toward Neuroscience Minor – Music One more thing to know – I sing along to the WandaVision Theme Songs

After matching with Macalester as a QuestBridge Scholar, I was finally scheduled to visit. I was going to get a feel for the college, get to know some of the people, actually be able to set foot on campus, and not just stare at its pictures through my computer. Then COVID hit. I felt alone.

When the Spring Sampler was cancelled, I started worrying whether Macalester was actually a good fit for me. I spent weeks looking through its website over and over, and on paper it looked like a good choice. The glowing pictures of Mairs Concert Hall where I someday envisioned myself playing, and the limitless opportunities to do research with faculty on campus or in the Twin Cities kept me somewhat at ease. I just did not know if I would have a connection to the place or the people. Then came the Instagram follow requests from people that I did not know, but had “Macalester 2024” on their bio.

I started messaging some of these people, asking random questions or sending memes to get to know them. Some ended up being one-line conversations, but others turned deeper. Originally, I thought the conversations about our ideologies and life hardships would be forgotten and that our conversations would end after that. But now every time I find a funny math meme they are some of the first people I send it to. Even though I had never met them in person, I started seeing these people as friends.

When I arrived to Doty Hall, I was not nervous like I thought I was going to be. I knew I had friends I could soon meet. I knew I was not going to be alone.

Traci Badu, ’21 (she/her/hers) Houston, Texas by way of Kumasi, Ghana

Major  – Neuroscience Minors – Psychology and English One more thing to know – QuestBridge Scholar

When I was looking at schools I looked at the East Coast, Midwest…schools that were pretty spread out. I didn’t have a specific school that I wanted to go to, but I wanted to go somewhere that was going to challenge me, but also not stifle my creativity. And I knew I wanted biology or psychology, and I’m now a neurosciences major here.

It’s a funny thing, but I think one of the things that drew me to Macalester was a logo that was an orange peel and it had a little globe inside. It just felt interesting and still quirky. And on that piece of mail, I got a quote by Kofi Annan, which was actually a good friend of my grandfather, who is from Ghana.

So I called my grandpa and he told me a little bit about Kofi Annan, about his schooling here. And my grandpa is a very quiet guy, doesn’t say a lot of words or give a lot of direct orders like do this, do that. But this was the first time he said, if you’re going to pick a school, pick a school like Macalester. And if out of all of them, my grandfather in Ghana is saying to pick a school in Minnesota, well, I chose Macalester. And it’s been amazing.

When I came here my host was a sophomore. She told me all the best spots on campus and eased me into the transition. I am part of QuestBridge and I am a first generation student, so a lot of things were very new to me and kind of stressful at times. She was also first generation and she shared her network with me, which I think was great for getting different perspectives and feeling connected.

Day In The Life

Spend a day with more students from Macalester. Meet their friends, professors, and roommates. Step into their classes and join them at Café Mac. There’s never a dull moment.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Get Into Macalester College: Admissions Stats + Tips

What’s covered:.

• How Hard Is It To Get Into Macalester?

Average Academic Profile of Accepted Macalester Students

What is macalester looking for, how to improve your chances of getting into macalester, how to apply to macalester.

“Where ideas and intellectual curiosity matter.”

That’s how Macalester College defines itself. Founded in 1874 with the “firm belief in the transformational power of the liberal arts,” the college is an undergraduate, four-year institution with a diverse student body and plenty of opportunities for students around the world.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Macalester?

Macalester has a 39% acceptance rate. In 2020–21, 6,373 students applied, and 2,466 were accepted.

Meanwhile, of the 296 students who applied Early Decision, 179 were accepted, for an admissions rate of 60.5% .

Macalester is highly selective, but your personal chances of acceptance may actually be higher or lower, depending on your profile strength.

We recommend using our free admissions calculator to better understand your chances of admission. Using your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll calculate your odds of acceptance and give you tips on improving your profile!

With 59% of enrolled students submitting SAT scores, the middle 50% range was 1290-1430 . The ACT middle 50% range was 29-33 , with 57% submitting scores.

In the freshman class, 66% of students graduated in the top 10% of their high school class, and 91% were in the top 25%.

Like many other selective schools, Macalester practices a holistic admissions review. In addition to strong academic credentials, you should show evidence of extracurricular commitment and dedication to your passions. You should be open to a challenge and “contribute to campus life beyond the classroom.”

“The most important part of your application is something you’ve already been working on throughout high school: your performance in high school!” Macalester says. “It is this performance that is the best predictor of success in college.”

You should also show “particular promise to profit from and contribute to the intellectual life of the college.” This evaluation is based on factors such as recommendations from secondary school personnel, the student’s application essays, and co-curricular participation, along with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

How Macalester Evaluates Applications

According to the 2020–2021 Common Data Set, the following factors are “very important” in the admissions process:

• Rigor of secondary school record
• Academic GPA

These are “important”:

• Application Essay
• Recommendation(s)
• Extracurricular activities
• Character/personal qualities

These are “considered”:

• Standardized test scores 
• Talent/ability
• First generation
• Alumni/ae relation
• Geographical residence
• State residency
• Racial/ethnic status 
• Volunteer work 
• Work experience

These are “not considered”:

• Religious affiliation/commitment
• Level of applicant’s interest

1. Achieve a high GPA while taking the most challenging classes available.

“The best preparation for college is a balanced and rigorous high school curriculum,” Macalester says. “For balance you should take classes in all five academic core subjects: English, mathematics, history or social science, laboratory science, and world language. Students should challenge themselves by taking the advanced curriculum available at your school. Some examples include honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Most applicants will complete at least 20 academic core courses by the time they graduate high school.”

Your grades, too, should be high in your courses. The school will evaluate both your GPA and the rigor of your curriculum in the context of your high school.

If your GPA is lower, and you’re earlier on in your high school career, check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Aim for a 1430 SAT and 33 ACT.

Along with the majority of colleges and universities, in light of the pandemic, Macalester is currently test-optional . The school says there is no penalty for students who choose not to submit scores; however, we recommend taking the test if you can do so safely because students who submit scores are accepted at higher rates than those without. 

If your scores are at or above the 25th percentile for enrolled students (1290 SAT and 29 ACT), then it’s a good idea to submit them. Get recommendations on whether or not to apply test-optional using our free Chancing Engine . 

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

3. Cultivate a strong portfolio of extracurriculars.

Many colleges evaluate your activities according to the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars . Tier 4 is generally considered the least impressive, while Tier 1 is the most impressive.

Macalaster is very selective, so you should aim to have at least 1-2 Tier 1-2 activities, along with a handful of Tier 3-4 activities (here are some examples of impressive ECs for college ). You should also aim to group all your extracurriculars around a couple of well-developed interests to demonstrate commitment and passion.

4. Write engaging essays.

Once you clear the academic thresholds, essays are the best way to set yourself apart from other applicants. This is an opportunity to speak to your strengths, share your true voice, and demonstrate your commitment to Macalester.

5. Apply Early Action/Early Decision.

Macalester’s Early Decision acceptance rate is significantly higher than its overall acceptance rate — 60.5% and 39%. And applying early can increase your chances , not to mention offer you peace of mind if you get in.

Still, it’s important to consider the limitations of applying ED , such as the fact that you will be required to attend Macalester if you’re accepted.

Macalester does have an Early Action plan in addition to two ED plans, which has fewer limitations. However, applying EA won’t boost your chances of admission nearly as much.

6. Participate in an interview.

Interviews are not required, but they are recommended. That means you should make every effort to schedule one (you can do so here ).

Interviews are conducted by admissions counselors, interns, and interviewers. They are an opportunity for the adcom to learn more about you, as well as a chance for you to learn more about the school. Be sure to prepare well for these discussions, but also remember that they aren’t meant to be intimidating.

7. Secure strong recommendation letters.

Recommendations are an important part of Macalester’s application review. The college asks for o ne recommendation letter from a counselor or school official and another from a teacher in a core subject.

You may submit an additional letter, but the adcom notes that you should only do so if it genuinely presents an additional perspective not already present in your application.

Take care when selecting your recommenders , choosing not only the teachers whose classes have been strong for you but also ones who know you as a person.

Application Requirements

• Common Application
• High school transcript
• One recommendation letter from a counselor or school official
• One recommendation letter from a teacher in a core academic subject
• Updated or in-progress transcript

Optional items

• SAT/ACT scores
• Art samples or portfolio
• Additional recommendation letter

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts