Macalester vs UC San Diego
How Macalester and UC San Diego stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Macalester | UC San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 28% | 28% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1360-1510 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Private | Public |
| Location | MN | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $86,952 | $42,474 |
| Average cost after aid | $30,555 | $19,500 |
| Supplemental essays | 2 | 4 |
- Macalester and UC San Diego are similarly selective, admitting about 28% and 28% of applicants.
- After aid, UC San Diego is usually the cheaper option ($19,500 versus $30,555 per year on average).
- On testing, Macalester is test-optional while UC San Diego is test-blind.
- UC San Diego asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 2), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Macalester vs UC San Diego FAQ
Is Macalester or UC San Diego harder to get into?
Macalester and UC San Diego are similarly selective, admitting about 28% and 28% of applicants.
Is Macalester or UC San Diego cheaper?
After financial aid, UC San Diego is usually cheaper, about $19,500 per year on average versus $30,555 at Macalester.
See your real chances at Macalester and UC San Diego.
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