Why should he apply?

My DS was planning to apply to Mac and had an alumni interview that really excited him. I think the reports of the winter weather got to him though and he decided not to. He just received a letter saying they would extend his deadline to early Feb (he submitted page one of the app by Nov 15 to get the fee waiver). He’s interested in international relations, philosophy, debate, etc. I really think he should apply, but I’ve tried everything I can think of considering I’ve never been there. So for you all on this Macalester forum, what makes Mac the greatest college?

Where do you live now? Somewhere warm and sunny? Or cold and he is sick of the cold?

Putting weather aside, Macalester is a friendly, open place. Beautiful campus situated right next to a major city. I haven’t been there, but S visited recently and was very impressed with the aforementioned qualities. People bent over backwards to be helpful. We had him visit in January because we live in a place where the temperature right now is…75 degrees and sunny.

Thanks @Lizardly. We also live in a place where it is warm and sunny most of the time, currently 74 and cloudy. I worked on him again, but he’s not budging. I hope things go well for your S.

Darn. If it is any consolation, my son also nixed certain parts of the country and schools I think he should have considered. Many of them were like Mac in size and philosophy, but there was something else he just didn’t like.

It will work out for them both.

Macalester is my DDs first choice school. We went for a sampler day in the fall. I was most impressed by the internship opportunities available. Being right smack In The middle of the twin cities gives Mac students amazing opportunities for getting some experience before they graduate. The campus is lovely, there are fabulous restaurants all around campus. The feeling was very supportive, students look out for each other. I was very impressed with every single student I came in contact with that day. My daughter sat in on a gender studies class and loved it. The admissions and financial aid people were awesome. Of course we live in WI, so my daughter is used to long cold winters. But we talked to several students from the west coast and they all loved it. You can get out and about during winter, it’s all about layering. Plus many of the buildings are connected, so you can move from class to class without going outside. Not every school is for every student, if winter is a big deal, your son may not like it. While we were visiting I texted my husband, " This place is her, these are her people." Macalester is by far the best for my daughter.