Macalester College Admission Chances
Quick answer
Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN admits about 29% of applicants (admitted students score 1350–1510 on the SAT, middle 50%), making it a competitive reach-to-target for most students. Your real odds depend on your GPA, test scores, and intended major — estimate them free in about 15 seconds below.
Key facts
- Acceptance rate
- 29%
- SAT (mid-50%)
- 1350–1510
- Test policy
- Test-optional
- In-state tuition
- $68,104
- Out-of-state tuition
- $68,104
- Avg. net price
- $32,149
- Undergrads
- 2,131
- Setting
- Urban
- Location
- Saint Paul, MN
Is Macalester College a reach for you?
Estimated admission chance by applicant profile, from the same engine FalconPrep uses to build your list. Estimates — your real odds depend on your full profile, major, and residency.
| Applicant | SAT / GPA | Verdict | Est. chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below average | 1150 / 3.3 | Reach | 6% |
| Average | 1300 / 3.6 | Target | 26% |
| Above average | 1400 / 3.8 | Target | 40% |
| Strong | 1520 / 3.9 | Target | 58% |
Should you apply to Macalester College?
- →If your SAT is above 1510 and your GPA is strong (roughly 3.9+), Macalester College is a realistic target — apply, and consider an early round if it's your clear first choice.
- →If your SAT falls within its 1350–1510 middle 50%, treat Macalester College as a reach worth taking — balance it with solid target and safety schools.
- →If your SAT is below 1350, Macalester College is a long-shot reach: apply only if it's a genuine fit, and lead your list with stronger matches.
Weighing fit? Compare Macalester College with Mississippi College, Trinity College, The University of Texas at Austin.
Calculate your real chances at Macalester College
Enter your GPA and scores — get your estimated admission chance plus a full reach / target / safety list. Free, no account.
Calculate my chances →Or use the free college acceptance calculator for a quick single-school estimate.
Application deadlines at Macalester College
Macalester College's application deadlines are Early Decision on November 1, Early Decision II on January 1, Early Action on November 1, and Regular Decision on January 15.
Verified against Macalester College's admissions site in September 2026. Deadlines change each cycle — confirm before you submit.
Early admission at Macalester College
Macalester College offers these early-application options. Applying early can boost your odds.
| Early Action | Non-binding — apply early, decide later. A modest edge with no commitment. |
| Early Decision | Binding — you must enroll if admitted. Historically the biggest admit-rate boost; use it on your true first choice. |
| Early Decision II | Binding, later deadline — a second binding shot if your ED school rejects/defers you. |
Macalester College admissions FAQ
Can I get into Macalester College?
Getting into Macalester College is competitive but achievable: it admits about 29% of applicants, so students at or above its published range have a real shot. Admitted students typically score 1350–1510 on the SAT (middle 50%). Use the free chances calculator below for your exact odds.
When is the application deadline for Macalester College?
Macalester College's application deadlines are Early Decision on November 1, Early Decision II on January 1, Early Action on November 1, and Regular Decision on January 15. Verified against Macalester College's admissions site in September 2026; deadlines change each cycle, so confirm before you submit.
What are my chances of getting into Macalester College?
Your chances of getting into Macalester College depend on your GPA, test scores, intended major, and residency. The table above estimates admission chances by applicant profile, and the free calculator gives you a personalized reach / target / safety read in about 15 seconds — no account needed.
Should I apply to Macalester College?
Apply to Macalester College if your SAT is at or above its 1350–1510 middle-50% range and your GPA is strong — it's a realistic target then. If you're below that range it's a reach: apply only if it's a genuine fit, and balance it with target and safety schools. Estimate your exact odds with the free calculator below.
Is Macalester College a reach school?
For many applicants Macalester College is a reach-to-target: it admits about 29% of applicants, so strong stats help.
What SAT score do you need for Macalester College?
Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350 and 1510 on the SAT (the middle 50%). A score above 1510 strengthens your odds.
What is Macalester College's acceptance rate?
Macalester College accepts approximately 29% of applicants.
Does Macalester College offer Early Decision or Early Action?
Macalester College offers Early Action, Early Decision and Early Decision II. Early Decision is binding — apply only if it is your clear first choice, as it historically gives the biggest admission boost. Always confirm deadlines on Macalester College's admissions site.
Figures are drawn from public data (U.S. Department of Education / IPEDS and college admissions data) and reviewed regularly. Always confirm current numbers and deadlines on Macalester College's official admissions site.