Cal Poly San Luis Obispo vs Macalester College
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is the more selective of the two at 28%, versus 28% at Macalester College. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo vs Macalester College: the differences that matter
How Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Macalester College stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Macalester College are almost equally selective (28% vs 28%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.
The two also read applications a little differently. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo leans more on state residency, while Macalester College puts more weight on application essay, recommendations, interview. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.
On test scores, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1420 and Macalester College's is around 1440. Admitted students at Macalester College post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.
What each school weighs
Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cal Poly San Luis Obispo or Macalester College harder to get into?
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is harder to get into, with a 28% acceptance rate versus 28% at Macalester College.
What's the difference in SAT scores between Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Macalester College?
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1420, and Macalester College's is around 1440.
What are my chances at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Macalester College?
That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.