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Because everyone's reason for coming to Macalester is very different, the multifaceted student body runs the gamut in every imaginable sense.

People are very focused and committed to their academics, but is equally supportive of everyone else.

There are times when the campus gets a bit small, but being the twin cities, you can get lost outside of campus and get refreshed and eager to come back to campus.

the academics are fantastic. there are times when the classroom is a bit too democratic, but the education that you get here is terrific.

Professors know your name, where you're from, what you did last weekend, and how you did on your last paper.

the departments are not clique-ish in terms of friend groups. that leads to spirited and interdisciplinary discussions about everything from sex, to Kant, to the Environment, to campus politics.

there are some divides that exist on campus- but the administration is trying to make systemic changes to address those. LGBT students mix with athletes, mix with music majors, mix with environmental activists, mix with economics majors.

most students are fairly relaxed in what they wear to class, but take their eduction very seriously. again, it is difficult to type-cast macalester students. you can see a sweater vest, a sundress, sweat pants, skintight jeans, and Teva sandals- all from walking down an all boys hallway.

if you want to do something, you can find a group to do it with. whether that be intramural sports, activism, improv comedy, drinking, community service, music- it's al here for the taking.

Everyone is a PC, Pot-smoking, Frisbee Playing Environmentalist

There are certainly some that embody this stereotype. but the array of student interests, backgrounds, ideologies and passions transcend an easy categorization

it's a great place. there are definitely problems- but the students here want to work towards a collective solution because they want to own their education and their four years here.