Macalester College
Reviews

Diamonds in the Rough

There is no question in my mind that it is better to be a guy at Mac; the 60-40 ratio and the lack of competition means that guys can find attractive single girls without too much trouble. Unlike high school girls or girls at some bigger schools, the girls here aren't ditzy and require a more nuanced approach. While no one is going to be blown away by the selection here and it can get tiring after awhile (we're in a city though, so just go off-campus), most people have no trouble finding people they like

For International Students

As an international student myself, I was disappointed to find that the American standard for good public transportation is far from what it is in my country (because everyone has a car). The buses are hardly as convenient as they make it seem.

Diversity

Mac always talks about how diverse the student body is. Sometimes, it can seem that everyone's done or been so many unique things that they're practically the same. Focus on each person to discover Mac's diversity, not the statistics.

Win Some, Lose Some.

I'm from a pretty homogeneous hometown, so Macalester is hugely diverse to me! I love the ethnic diversity-- for the first time I've had a chance to work with people of numerous different ethnic backgrounds and countries of origin, and I find it very enriching. Religion is pretty diverse as well, although I'd say most of the campus doesn't claim a religion. There are a number of kids who are very spiritual and people are always willing to discuss ideas. Sexual orientation is diverse and very accepted. Compared to the rest of my life, I think Macalester is made up of a very rich demographic.

Education

There are so many opportunities to interact with local schools as a tutor or observer. The professors of education and psychology classes are committed to making their classes relevant and engaging.

Great Girls and Guys but Not the Prettiest

Both girls and guys at Macalester are often very attractive due to their intelligence, interests, and passions. There is a great depth of personality in both demographics. However, if aesthetics are your only interest than you might find yourself disappointed. There are of course some girls and guys that are very physically attractive, but most students are "normal" looking - not supermodels. Still, students tend to take care of themselves, dress well (if hipster-ish), and have a lot to offer as far as relationships.

Good Food, but Little Selection

The food offered is typically of a high quality, but menus repeat often/lack variety, and some of the best meals (more expensive) are only available on a monthly basis. A meal plan is still well worth the money for first and even second year students, but anyone who lives off-campus would find better deals shopping for themselves.

Point of Bonding

The weather sucks from November to March/April, but when there's remotely decent weather, Mac kids make the most of it. Plus, the campus is so small and most of the dorms are connected, so you don't have to spend too much time outside if you don't want to.

Comfortable, Quaint Neighborhood

The Mac-Groveland neighborhood is in a great spot. The immediate surrounding area is very residential with some great independent restaurants, tea/coffee shops, and stores. A few more blocks away you have even more of a selection of shopping and eating. A mall (Rosedale) isn't that long of a bus/car ride away. You're pretty evenly situated between downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis (although taking public transit to Minneapolis can be a pain - with a car it can be less than a 15 min commute.) You kind of get the best of both worlds since you're in a very safe residential neighborhood, but have the benefits of a mid-sized city (good restaurants, lots of internship opportunities, nightlife, plays, shopping) in close reach.

Unique at Macalester

One unique thing is that Macalester doesn't have Greek life. While the athletes might be the next closest thing, most everyone is down to earth and really has a work hard play hard philosophy. Internationalism is something that's also really stressed here. We fly the U.N. flag and have international flags in the campus cafeteria. What I like best is that there really isn't a "typical" Macalester student. We are all curious about the world and eager to learn but everyone's interests, personalities, styles, and backgrounds are so different that you could never be bored with the people you meet here.

Sometimes You Gotta Deal With Hipsters

I've definitely enjoyed my time at Macalester, socially and academically, but man, sometimes the dynamics of 2,000 socially conscious, self-reflexive nerds can be a little much. To quote a friend of mine, "If it were impossible to compliment yourself through a seemingly self-deprecating statement, Macalester students would lose like 50% of their means of communication." Not saying I don't love it, but it's a thing you have to get used to. Also, self-righteous hipsters. But seriously, these are my only complaints.

Tickets Suck

You really don't need a car at Macalester, but sometimes it gets you places faster than walking (sometimes). I think St. Paul makes literally all of their money through parking fines, though. Tickets are way expensive, and sometimes unwarranted.

Parking

While parking is free, there is limited parking space in lots on campus and the surrounding side streets. This isn't a huge problem, however, because the majority of students do not have cars. Because the college is in an urban area, public transportation is easily accessible. One frustration students with cars have is being ticketed for parking in snow plow routes that they are often unaware of.

Nothing Wrong

There's really not much wrong with the school's strictness. Sometimes I wished my freshman dorm smelled less like pot, but what are you going to do about that? I never really had a run-in with the law, though, so I don't know.

The Missing Link

The poor public transportation around Macalester makes it difficult to take advantage of all that the twin cities have to offer. A 40 min bus ride will usually get you about as far as a 10 min car ride could have taken you. Bus service also becomes more irregular later at night.

Residence Hall Policies

While residence hall policies are emphasized, there are not huge consequences for first, second, or even third time violators. Students generally don't get too out of hand. RAs only write students up when absolutely necessary or when a situation becomes unsafe. Overall, the campus is supportive and has a fair amount of common sense. It doesn't feel very restrictive.

Diverse Diverse Diverse

Macalester is incredibly diverse. There is a large group of international students, students from almost all US states, and there is a decent mix of different ethnicities. The school is very welcoming to gay/queer/transgender. The only diversity that there isn't much of is political diversity. everyone is pretty liberal.

Dear Old Macalester

It's a very safe campus. Even though it is open and in an urban area, the vast majority of people you see are Mac people. I think people also look out for each other. Campus security isn't around much but they do make their rounds. We also have the Safe walk program. Blue phones are in less frequent places than most other campuses though.

Pretty Fun

Professors are first-rate. The administration's been getting progressively more conservative. We got Dan Deacon for Springfest. It's a great place to be gay or heterosexual. Don't regret coming here.

All of the Above

Macalester is a drug school and not a drug school. If drugs are your thing then you'll find whatever you're looking for, since its not hard to build up contacts in Minneapolis. If they aren't then it's easy to steer clear of it and still go to parties and not feel overwhelmed.

Good Food, No Variety

There's actually a good deal of day-to-day variety at Cafe Mac but over time it all starts to taste pretty similar--good, but similar. I like it for the most part, though I wish the Grille had better hours.

Mad Underrated

Crazy awesome music scene, lots of neat culture (art and theatre all over the place), I don't shop but that seems fine too, lakes and **** everywhere. Cons are that it can be hard to "get into things" in the Twin Cities since there isn't much go-to well-known stuff. Downsides: public transportation is not the best it could be, the cold, and the deadness of downtown at certain times.

Pretty Great, Not Perfect

Macalester academics are generally very serious in the best way possible--a general lack of bull****, good/great discussion when discussion is needed, great academic resources, accessible professors, a range of majors, well thought out requirements, easy registration. This is little bit like a list of buzzwords but from my limited experience that's pretty much the case, the A- is because of a few notable exceptions to these rules not because of any kind of systematic problem. It's about as good as a college (liberal arts college) can be.

The Library Is Your Best Friend

I do not know a single person who avoids the library if for no reason other than the massive amount of computers. There is not one, but two places where students may go print. If you're in a rush, I would suggest the basement of the library. The Humanities Resource Center is also very accessible and friendly. I don't know anyone who does not own their own computer, but despite that my internet connection is significantly faster than the internet at my other friends' schools.

Whatever You Want It to Be

Wide variety of things to do on and off campus. Always lots of on campus shows, concerts, dances, and variety shows sponsored by clubs. Usually parties in the dorms as well as off campus each night of the weekend. Very little partying on weeknights, everyone is really involved and busy, but you can find it if you look for it. No pressure to party, people very respectful, lots of kids don't.

Good off campus scene in the cities. Lots of nightclubs 18&up. Lots of concerts of all kinds. Good opportunities to see touring Broadway shows.