What is Macalester College's acceptance rate?

Macalester College's acceptance rate is 28.5%, which makes it very selective — competitive, but within reach for strong applicants.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Macalester College?

Admitted students typically score about 1360–1490 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 30–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.

Is Macalester College test-optional?

Macalester College's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Macalester College Acceptance Rate & How to Get In (28.5%)

28.5%

Acceptance rate

1360–1490

SAT (mid 50%)

30–34

ACT (mid 50%)

Test-optional

Testing

How hard is it to get into Macalester College?

With a 28.5% acceptance rate, Macalester College is very selective — competitive, but within reach for strong applicants. It enrolls roughly 2,138 undergraduates (urban setting) in Saint Paul, MN. Solid grades, a sensible test plan, and thoughtful essays go a long way here.

What it takes to get in

SAT: admitted students land around 1360–1490 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
ACT: the middle 50% is about 30–34.
Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
Essays: at Macalester College's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $70,862 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

International Studies · Economics · Political Science · Biology

See the Common App personal-statement guide

Score your Macalester College essays, free

Great numbers get you in the room; the essays get you in. Paste your draft into Halo for instant, rubric-based feedback. Halo never writes your essay for you.

Try Halo free

Macalester College admissions FAQ

What is Macalester College's acceptance rate?: Macalester College's acceptance rate is 28.5%, which makes it very selective — competitive, but within reach for strong applicants.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Macalester College?: Admitted students typically score about 1360–1490 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 30–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is Macalester College test-optional?: Macalester College's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

Macalester College official website
Macalester College on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on Macalester College’s official admissions site.