<p>English seems to be a quite popular major at most liberal arts colleges. Macalester, however, seems more focused on political science, economics, international studies, and the like.</p>
<p>I love what I've heard about Macalester; I hope to visit at some point (maybe) and apply next year (definitely), but first I'd like to make sure - is the English department impressive?</p>
<p>I don't know about the prestige but English has been, in recent years, one of the most popular majors. The English Department, however, has had some issues. Below is a link to the Mac Weekly, the student newspapaer which has an article this week about the trials and tribulations of the English Department. </p>
<p>English</a> department looks to find stability under new leadership - News</p>
<p>I hope the link works, if not go to The</a> Mac Weekly and search the archives for English Department. The article is in the April 11, 2008 edition.</p>
<p>Interesting, thanks for linking me. I guess, after a transitional period, the department can only get better?</p>
<p>Guess it can't get worse. Curious, what do you plan to do with an English major? I am sure no one else ever asks that question, lol.</p>
<p>I know Wang Ping in the english department has gotten a lot of good publicity lately.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
Curious, what do you plan to do with an English major?
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>I haven't the faintest idea.</p>
<p>I appreciate your honesty, good answer.</p>
<p>But really, do any English majors know what they plan to do with it?</p>
<p>Macalester seems like a good school for a person with entirely uncertain career goals, no?</p>
<p>I do see your point but, as the person paying the full $45,000 per year I have a different perspective. My d better have very specific goals or her butt can transfer to one of the schools that offered her a full ride :)</p>
<p>I do believe Mac is good for students without specific career goals. I often wonder what the anthropology majors are going to do after graduation as well. You will find your way, that is what young adulthood is for, who knows, maybe you will learn to love Economics, lol.</p>
<p>I don't necessarily think lack of concrete career plans makes a bachelor's degree any less worth the money, considering the options it can open up - especially grad school.</p>
<p>I dig what you're saying, though.</p>
<p>Since you have a daughter at Macalester, I hope you don't mind one more question: if I visit in late August (probably around Aug 27-31), will students be around and class in session? Or is that still summer break? Damn Minnesota, so far away...</p>
<p>Students will be there, classes start on August 27 but that is a week earlier than normal due to the Republican National Convention being held in St. Paul (my d is very excited, her people will be in town). You may want to re-think visiting at that time, between the State Fair and the RNC it is going to be a nightmare trying to get around plus, I think, most hotels are booked. I booked my hotel months ago. It would be a fun time to visit, just really crazy in the area. </p>
<p>I do think a bachelor's degree is valuable, I just am not sure it is worth two hundred thousand dollars. I would feel differently if we received any aid or if I had an endless supply of money, which I don't. I could have paid off my house with money to spare. So yes, if Mac opens doors to grad schools and my daughter attains the goals she currently has I will be happy. On the other hand, if she ends up with only a bachelor's degree and decides to be a teacher, salesperson etc.. I will really, really, have wished she went to U of I.</p>
<p>Where are you from?</p>
<p>You can continue to ask questions for as long as you like, I do not mind at all.</p>
<p>banditmag,
This is a little off topic, but does your daughter intend on volunteering at the convention?
I'm going to be a freshman next year, so I'm a little worried that it might be stressful that first weekend, but it seems silly not to take advantage of the chance to be involved. I'm not republican (I'm a registered democrat), but I think it would be amazing to see a convention on the inside.</p>
<p>Interesting, I had no idea the Republican National Convention was scheduled there. Could be a scary week, but it's so tough to find time to visit.</p>
<p>I'm from the New York area - about 45 minutes north of Manhattan.</p>
<p>Macryn, my d is, of course, volunteering. She is president of the Mac GOP. You may be better off joining the literally thousands of protesters who are expected. I think, as a registered democrat, you would have a hard time getting a volunteer spot. You need to have someone sponsor you to get a spot. They do background checks on everyone, for obvious reasons, and I am fairly sure that party affiliation is checked. I also feel those spots should be saved for people who actually support the party. Participate in the protests, that is an even more "college like" experience.</p>
<p>(z) - my d has lots of Mac friends from New York. I know it is hard to find a time to visit but if you really plan to come in August I would advise that you make your travel plans now. On top of the convention remember there have to be 8 other colleges within a 10 mile radius, getting a room could be tough and I am sure airfare will only go up, good luck.</p>
<p>So, gotta ask - if your daughter's an active Republican, what drew her to such a notoriously liberal school?</p>
<p>Oh sad, I guess I should have expected that. Plus, it is better to leave the positions for those who fully support the platform and would get more out of the experience. I feel weird about protesting because it is a little like protesting the democratic process, so I'm not sure it is the best time to protest, I guess I'll just watch it on TV.</p>
<p>Macryn, I am glad you see it that way. I think it is only fair for actual Republicans to work the RNC, lol. If nothing else, take a trip to St. Paul and watch the protests. Isn't protesting part of the democratic process as well? I would say you could watch great TV coverage but there is no cable in Mac dorm rooms...</p>