Your Path to Mac – Quickview List
WHAT TO EXPECT & NEXT STEPS
The list below is an overview and gives students and their families a sense of the markers and milestones designed to prepare you for your start at Macalester. Your New Student Portal and macalester.edu email will be the best sources for deadlines, links, and forms, so check them at least once a week.
MAY
Set up your Macalester Account (Directions are sent on May 14)
Set up Duo Mobile and Google 2-factor authentication for your new macalester.edu account
Review the Macalester Student Technology Checklist
Check your new Macalester email inbox
Check your New Student Portal
Watch for Ametrica, Lives of Commitment, and MentorUp program applications (optional)
In Mid-May view classes in preparation for submitting your Course Selection Form
Register for Course Selection Advice Panel Zoom Webinar on May 30 (optional, but helpful, and recorded)
JUNE
Plan for Orientation (August 26-30, with pre-orientation for International Students beginning August 20)
June 18 Form Due Date (Forms found in New Student Portal)
Watch for Payment & Tuition Aid Next Steps
June 28 Housing Preference Form Due
JULY
July 1 Final Transcript Due
July 1 Defer Requests Due (only for students considering a gap year/Fall 2025 start)
First-Year Course and Advisor Confirmation sent to students
Summer Send-Offs in Multiple U.S. Cities
Prepare to Move to Mac – Check Packing List
AUGUST
Fall Course Schedule being finalized – no action needed unless Macalester directly contacts you
August 15 MacPass (Campus ID) photo due
August 15 Form Due Date
Mac Books / Course Materials prepared for registered students (pick up physical materials after notification from Mac’s Bookstore)
Save These Dates
- Pre-Orientation for International Students on August 20-August 26.
- New Student Orientation on August 26-30. (Move-In Day August 26)
- Classes begin on September 3.
- Mac Fest is open to families for events, performances, and activities all weekend September 27-29.
Review Transfer Credit process if applicable
For students who are considering transferring college or university credit, it’s important to understand the process.
Macalester College will accept a maximum of thirty-two (32) semester credits earned prior to matriculation. College/university credits, summer session college credits, credits earned through a post-secondary education program, International Baccalaureate credits, and Advanced Placement Program credits are included in this 32-credit limitation.
Once enrolled, you must request that an official transcript be sent directly to the Registrar’s Office by the college or university through which you took courses. Student-issued transcripts will not be accepted for transfer of credit.
Once the official college/university transcript is received by the Registrar’s Office, the evaluation process will begin and credit will be transferred accordingly. Transcripts can be mailed to the address below, or sent via secure electronic transmission to Macalester College.
Electronic Transmission:
[email protected]
Mailing Address:
Registrar’s Office
Macalester College
1600 Grand Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105-1899
If you have questions about transfer credits before enrollment, contact your admissions counselor directly or send questions to [email protected].