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First Semester Registration Steps

Contact

Academic Programs and Advising
Weyerhaeuser Hall, Room 215 651-696-6036
651-696-6075 (fax)

Gather information

  • Join us for the Course Selection Advice Panel on May 27 at 5pm Central time. You can register for this in the New Student Portal, and the event is open to students and their families. Panelists describe the registration process, suggest strategies for developing your list of course preferences, and answer other questions you have about academics at Macalester. A recording will also be available to view after the event is complete.
  • While you are in the portal, sign up for a small group advising session with a faculty member to answer your more specific questions before you complete your Course Preference Form. These sessions will take place on Zoom between June 2 – 13. They are limited to students, and capped at 20 participants to ensure that everyone has a chance to get their questions answered.
  • Check out the list of First Year Courses as well as the full Fall Course Schedule. You can also look at department-specific advice about first semester course selection. Use these to start thinking about what you’d like to take!

Plan ahead

Your Course Preference Form is due on Monday, June 16 2025. You can find the form in your New Student Portal. This form will ask you to do a few things:

  • Rank your FYC preferences from 1-4. Enter these selections on the form.
  • Provide any special considerations in the comments section, including anticipated credit from AP/IB exams, majors/minors you are considering, etc.
  • List 10 additional courses you are interested in taking for the fall. Remember that one course in your first semester must carry the argumentative writing (WA) or writing as craft (WC) designation.  Many FYCs will carry this designation, but be sure to include courses with this designation in your course plan if several of your FYC choices are not WA or WC designated.

Register!

Once you get your FYC assignment in July, it is time to start preparing for registration. You’ll have a group number in the New Student Portal, which will tell you what day and time your registration window will open. Registration runs from July 21 – August 1. Detailed instructions for registration are coming soon!

Questions?

Contact Us

Academic Programs and Advising
https://www.macalester.edu/academic-programs
651-696-6036

Registrar’s Office
www.macalester.edu/registrar/
registrar@macalester.edu
651-696-6200