What SAT score do you need for Macalester? (Middle 50%: 1360–1490)
First-year students at Macalester who sent an SAT scored 1360–1490, with a median of 1440 (Common Data Set 2024–25). Macalester admits 29% of applicants and is test optional.
Where your score lands at Macalester
First-year students who sent an SAT: 1360–1490, median 1440
Middle 50% of admitted students Median Fewer than half sent a score, so the range runs high
Enter your SAT or ACT to see which tier Macalester is for you and whether to send your score.
Macalester by the numbers
- Admit rate
- 29%
- Middle 50% SAT
- 1360–1490
- Median SAT
- 1440
- About on the ACT
- 30–34
- Sent an SAT
- 29%
Test optional · checked Nov 9, 2026 · Macalester admissions · SAT range from the Common Data Set, 2024–25; admit rate from it or IPEDS
Macalester admit rate over 10 years
Applications rose 49%, from 6,030 in 2015 to 8,968 in 2024, and Macalester's admit rate went from 39% to 29%.
- 39%
- 29%
Show the numbers
| Fall | Applied | Admitted | Admit rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8,968 | 2,558 | 29% |
| 2023 | 8,099 | 2,285 | 28% |
| 2022 | 8,434 | 2,397 | 28% |
| 2021 | 9,046 | 2,828 | 31% |
| 2020 | 6,373 | 2,466 | 39% |
| 2019 | 6,598 | 2,129 | 32% |
| 2018 | 5,985 | 2,468 | 41% |
| 2017 | 5,900 | 2,394 | 41% |
| 2016 | 5,946 | 2,206 | 37% |
| 2015 | 6,030 | 2,353 | 39% |
In fall 2024, 560 of the 2,558 admitted students enrolled. Applicants and admits from IPEDS, the federal college survey, by fall of entry.
What each SAT score means at Macalester
Which tier your score puts them in, and whether it's worth sending.
- Under 1310Far reachHold
- 1310–1350ReachHold
- 1360–1430TargetHold
- 1440 and upTargetSend
Tiers here use only your SAT and their admit rate. Essays, activities and recommendations still decide most admissions at selective colleges.
Macalester SAT sections and ACT
Scores of enrolled first-year students who sent one, by percentile.
| Test | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 670 | 720 | 760 |
| SAT Reading and Writing | 680 | 720 | 750 |
| SAT total | 1360 | 1440 | 1490 |
| ACT composite | 29.5 | 32 | 34 |
Of enrolled first-year students, 29% sent an SAT and 23% sent an ACT. Common Data Set 2024–25.
Macalester cost and outcomes
What students pay after grants, how many finish, and what they earn.
- Average net price
- $32,149
- per year, after grants
- Graduate in 6 years
- 87%
- Median earnings
- $63,878
- 10 years after starting
- Undergraduates
- 2,152
College Scorecard, 2022–23, from the US Department of Education. Net price averages federal-aid students across family incomes.
Colleges like Macalester
Similar SAT ranges and admit rates.
- LehighBethlehem, PA · 26% admitted1380–1480, median 1430
- OberlinOberlin, OH · 34% admitted1370–1500, median 1440
- KenyonGambier, OH · 31% admitted1370–1473, median 1420
- LafayetteEaston, PA · 31% admitted1360–1490, median 1420
- VillanovaVillanova, PA · 27% admitted1410–1490, median 1410
- William & MaryWilliamsburg, VA · 34% admitted1390–1520, median 1450
More colleges in Minnesota
Sources
- Macalester Common Data Set 2024–25
SAT and ACT ranges, early decision, waitlist, GPA and class rank, as the college reported them.
- College Navigator (IPEDS)
Applications, admissions and enrollment by year, from the federal college survey.
- College Scorecard
Net price, graduation rate and earnings, from the US Department of Education.
- Macalester admissions
Test policy for 2026–27, checked Nov 9, 2026.
- Macalester website
Macalester College
Updated Nov 9, 2026. Spot a number that's off? Email support@tryashore.com and we'll check it against the source.
Questions
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Raise your score before you apply
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