<p>First and foremost, I guess: is the money worth it? We don't have a surplus amount of money, so I'd definitely be taking out loans, but I also feel like I could qualify for a good chunk of scholarship money.</p>
<p>Secondly, how good is the English department? That is what I'm planning to major in, and while I haven't seen any special praise for that department, Mac seems like an overall really nice school.</p>
<p>How smart do you have to be to get into Mac? I'm a junior - obviously haven't taken my ACTs yet since it's September, but we took practice ones as sophomores and I got a 25, so hopefully I'd be in the 27-30 range by the end of the year. I had a 3.5 freshmen year, 3.7 sophomore year, and now a 3.9 this year - will even out to a 4.0 I'm sure, just some issues with switched classes. I don't really do extra curriculars but I'm in National Honors Society and GSA. I take AP classes and honors classes.</p>
<p>Last, if you attend Mac, do you like the feel, the people, etc? I like five hours away and am not sure when I'll be able to check out the campus so I was just wondering.</p>
<p>I’m a parent of a current student. Whether a college is worth the money or not, is really a personal decision. Small liberal arts colleges, like Macalester, give students a personalized education. Students at Macalester get to know their professors, and their professors get to know them. The English department is strong, (the president is a Dickens scholar) - D particularly likes her creative writing courses. Writing is stressed in other courses, as well. The Macalester students I’ve met are smart, vibrant, and interested in the world around them. But you’ll need to spend some time there to see if it’s the right environment for you. Entrance statistics are easy to come by - this is from the college’s website: <a href=“http://www.macalester.edu/about/[/url]”>http://www.macalester.edu/about/</a> - look under our students.</p>
<p>Veronica96, I encourage you to attend our November 1 Fall Sampler or schedule an individual campus visit that would include a class visit and tour. During your visit you may be interested in attending an English class like “Postcolonial Theory” or “Introduction to Creative Writing”. The Waverley is a newsletter put out by the English department that includes student writing, faculty profiles and alumni outcomes. </p>
<p>Like many selective colleges, Macalester Admissions looks at recommendations, essays, the interview, leadership potential and abilities, and extracurricular activities when evaluating an application. They are looking for students that would contribute to the college’s mission of high standards for scholarship and service to society and appreciate Macs emphasis on internationalism and multiculturalism. There is a page within the admissions section about selectivity and preparation at [Advanced</a> Standing, Selectivity, and Preparation - Apply - - Admissions & Financial Aid - Macalester College](<a href=“http://www.macalester.edu/admissions/apply/advanced/]Advanced”>http://www.macalester.edu/admissions/apply/advanced/). </p>
<p>I welcome your questions! Feel free to contact me directly at <a href=“mailto:epaz@macalester.edu”>epaz@macalester.edu</a>. - Elyan</p>
<p>Hello!
We’re traveling to MacAlester for the campus day this friday. We live in Virginia. How cold will it be there? What’s the usual dress code for this type of event?</p>
<p>One more thing: My son would love to meet with your violin professor, Ruggero Allifranchini. Do you have any contact information for him? THank you.</p>
<p>It is 75 degrees and sunny today but the forecast for Friday is 60 degrees with a 40% chance of rain. Umbrellas will be available but hopefully not needed. The event is casual. I recommend comfortable shoes if you plan to take the campus tour. Safe travels! - Elyan at <a href=“mailto:epaz@macalester.edu”>epaz@macalester.edu</a></p>