macalester college supplemental essays

Macalester College Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Students applying to Macalester College will be faced with an important decision: should I complete the Macalester College supplemental essays? Without a doubt, the answer is yes! The Macalester essays are a great way to enhance your application and show Macalester’s admissions team exactly why you want to attend.

Macalester College is a private liberal arts institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is widely considered one of the best colleges in the Midwest . Founded in 1874, the urban 53-acre campus is now home to more than 2,100 undergrads who can choose from 39 unique bachelor’s degrees in a wide variety of subjects.

In this guide to the Macalester College supplemental essays, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Macalester essays and the Macalester requirements for admission. First, we’ll take a closer look at the Macalester College essay prompts. Then, we’ll give you writing tips so you feel confident crafting your responses. Later, we’ll discuss some important Macalester need-to-knows, including why your Macalester essays are so important.

So, ready to get started? Keep reading for tips and tricks on how to write the best Macalester essays and how to get into Macalester College!

Macalester College Admissions: Quick Facts

Macalester college admissions quick facts.

• Macalester College Acceptance Rate: 28% – Macalester’s acceptance rate makes it a selective school .
• 1 required (~650 word) personal essay via the Common App OR 2 required (~800 word/~500 word) personal/topical essays via the QuestBridge application 
• 2 optional (~300 word) Macalester supplemental essays 
• Macalester College Application: Students may submit their Macalester application through the Common Application or QuestBridge Application . In addition to your Macalester supplemental essays, you’ll need to submit your high school transcript and two letters of recommendation to complete your Macalester application. 
• Early Decision I: November 1
• Early Action: November 1
• Early Decision II: January 1
• Regular Decision: January 15
• Macalester College Supplemental Essays Tip: Your Macalester College supplemental essays have to stand out if you want to gain acceptance. Although they are not included in the Macalester requirements, we highly recommend taking the time to write skillful and polished Macalester essays. That way, you can help the admissions team get a better understanding of who you are and what you can contribute to the campus community.

Does Macalester have supplemental essays?

Yes, the Macalester application allows prospective students to respond to two optional Macalester College essay prompts. Firstly, it’s important to note that each of the Macalester College essay prompts allow for a 300-word response. So, it is important to convey your response clearly and concisely. Here are the optional Macalester College essay prompts.

Macalester College Optional Essay Prompts

1. macalester is one of few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the middle of a metropolitan area. students benefit from the strong sense of community on campus and opportunities to engage in academic, social, and civic engagement options in the twin cities of minneapolis and st. paul. have you thought about how macalester’s location might impact your experience if so, in what ways, 2. four values permeate macalester’s mission and purpose: academic distinction, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. guided by this mission, macalester is a learning environment that affirms different identities and experiences and prepares graduates to work toward a more just and peaceful world. in what ways do your lived experiences, perspectives, or hopes for your college education connect with macalester’s mission/learning environment, why school essays.

Both of these Macalester College essay prompts are what we call why school essays . Why school essays are a common supplemental essay prompt required for college applications. The why Macalester College essay prompts require you to explain why you want to attend Macalester College. These Macalester essays should demonstrate what specific academic program, extracurricular opportunities, values, or qualities have drawn you to the school. On top of that, they should give Admissions a clear sense of how you might fit into the campus community. 

Nevertheless, make sure that in these Macalester essays, you are not just listing off what you like about the school or restating information that is readily available on their admissions website. Your Why Macalester essays should express exactly what has drawn you to Macalester College and why you are a good fit for their campus.  

Although these Macalester College supplemental essays are optional, they can play a pivotal role in your acceptance story. Therefore, you should invest adequate time and energy into writing a compelling response to both optional Macalester essays to give yourself the best chance of impressing Macalester Admissions. 

Furthermore, the application also gives students the opportunity, if necessary, to explain extenuating circumstances like disciplinary violations or contextualizing significant changes in grades. So, if there is something in your application that may work against you in the admissions process, you can address it. If applicable, be sure to take the time to craft an explanation (not an excuse) for the discrepancy and how you plan to move forward! 

How many essays does Macalester require?

The only required Macalester essay is the Common Application personal statement. Here, you’ll choose one of seven essay prompts provided by the Common App and respond in 650 words or less. The full set of essay prompts for 2023-2024 is as follows:

Common App Essay Prompts

1. some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. if this sounds like you, then please share your story., 2. the lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. how did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience, 3. reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. what prompted your thinking what was the outcome, 4. reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. how has this gratitude affected or motivated you, 5. discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others., 6. describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. why does it captivate you what or who do you turn to when you want to learn more, 7. share an essay on any topic of your choice. it can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design..

Remember, your personal Macalester essay introduces you to admissions officers. Use this Macalester essay as an opportunity to tell a unique story about yourself. Explain to the admissions team where you have been, where you are, and where you are headed.

You will notice that each of these personal statement prompts requires you to be reflective. Consequently, it matters less what you write about and more what deeper meaning the topic at hand communicates. All of these prompts have the power to be great Macalester College essay prompts. The important thing is to choose topics that demonstrate your unique passion.

Looking for more inspiration on how to tackle this type of essay? Read these resources on how to start your personal statement and examples of exceptional Common App essays . 

As previously stated, although the Macalester College supplemental essays are not required, they can still boost your chances of admission. Ultimately, the purpose of your Why Macalester essay is for the admissions officers to learn more about you and what you hope to gain from attending their college. This involves being clear about your goals and how Macalester, in particular, will aid in getting you there. Up next, we’ll give you some tips for writing your Macalester essays.

How to answer Macalester supplemental essays

Writing your Macalester College supplemental essays can be a daunting task at first. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared! With our tips and tricks, you will be writing outstanding Macalester College supplemental essays that beat the highly selective acceptance rate in no time!

Now, we’ve discussed the Macalester College essay prompts and what kind of essays are required of you as an applicant. But, if you are struggling to find a topic for your Macalester College supplemental essays, there’s no need to panic. Instead, consider looking at the Macalester College supplemental essays as the ideal platform to write about your extracurricular activities . Essentially, consider exploring and sharing other aspects of yourself beyond your grades and academic achievements. 

Exploring your extracurriculars

Your Macalester College supplemental essays should demonstrate the importance of your involvement in extracurricular activities. When you think of extracurriculars, don’t limit yourself to school-sponsored activities. These can include sports teams, community activities, or job experiences. Here are some questions you can answer in your Macalester essays regarding your extracurricular activities, passions, and interests:

• What distinct or complementary interests have you developed outside of the classroom? 
• How have your extracurriculars impacted you and your path to higher education?
• In what ways have your extracurricular activities developed your character, values, or passions? What examples can you give?

When crafting your Macalester essays, make sure to describe your personal connection to your activities. Discuss your specific relationship to it and what you have gained and learned from your involvement.

Show don’t tell

For most types of college admission essays, we recommend utilizing the “show don’t tell” writing style. And that includes your Macalester College supplemental essays. Stories are more effective at explaining your qualities and passions than statements. Use creative writing in your Macalester essay to give life to certain traits or beliefs you have. This is often much more captivating and effective than simply stating you have them. “Show” writing paints a vivid picture and engages the reader by telling a story with specific details. This creates more impactful and memorable Macalester College supplemental essays that will capture your reader’s attention while also providing evidence for your argument. 

Remember, your Macalester College supplemental essays should showcase any positive character traits you possess. These can include excellence in specific skills, values cultivated through involvement in your community, and strong passions or intellectual interests. These qualities are precisely what Macalester College admissions officers expect prospective students to contribute to the campus community.

Start with research

Another piece of advice for approaching the Why Macalester essay is to do your research on Macalester College. Your Macalester College supplemental essays should be full of school-specific details and demonstrate how the school’s campus culture will help you achieve your personal and career goals. You should attend a college that meets all of your needs. So, spend time learning more about their campus, offered majors, and student activities and organizations. 

Use your research to your advantage when writing the Macalester College supplemental essays. By doing so, you can show Admissions that you’ve invested time and energy into finding the best college for you. Submitting a well-informed and persuasive application can be pivotal in your admissions story. Compared to another applicant with strong grades and extracurriculars, compelling Macalester essays could be what puts you over the edge and solidifies the admission’s team decision to admit you.

As we mentioned above, research specific aspects of Macalester College that align with your educational and career goals. Then, use your research to craft a compelling Macalester essay that demonstrates what your goals are and how Macalester College, specifically, will help you reach them. 

Are these essays really optional?

Technically, yes – the optional Macalester College supplemental essays are not a technical requirement of the application. However, your Macalester essays are the best way to make your application stand out among the other highly competitive applications. The more Macalester essays you write, the more the Macalester admissions team gets to know about you. Use the Macalester College supplemental essays to showcase aspects of yourself that may not have had a chance to shine through in other portions of your application. 

Furthermore, taking the opportunity to write Macalester College supplemental essays demonstrates the extent of your interest in Macalester College. Your willingness to go above and beyond the requirements shows the admissions team how dedicated you are to continuing your education at Macalester.

Simply put, the Macalester College supplemental essays are not really optional if you want the best chance at getting into Macalester. Undoubtedly, the highly selective acceptance rate requires you to stand out in every way possible. That means taking advantage of the opportunity Admissions has given you to write Macalester College supplemental essays. 

Does Macalester care about essays?

The Macalester admissions team practices holistic admission review , meaning all components of the application are thoroughly reviewed by the committee. This includes academic performance, recommendation letters, essays, leadership experience and potential, and extracurriculars. By considering more than just grades and test scores, Macalester aims to enroll a diverse class of well-rounded and multifaceted students. 

So yes, the admissions team does care about your Macalester College supplemental essays. Your Macalester College supplemental essays are a vital part of your application. They grant you the opportunity to speak directly to the admissions team about yourself and control the narrative of your application. Use your Macalester College supplemental essays to persuade Admissions as to why you’re a good fit for the Macalester community. 

Additional information about Macalester College

Macalester College is a liberal arts school that prides itself on inspiring personal, social, and intellectual growth. The campus boasts a close-knit community with the benefits of being in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul metropolis area. Being in the Twin Cities affords Macalester students a variety of opportunities to expand their education through community-based learning in an urban setting. 

Clearly, it is important to consider a campus’ location when building your college list. Remember, the best college towns in America for you are determined by your unique passions, interests, and career goals. Things you should consider when visiting and applying to colleges are campus and class size, location, and campus culture.

Additionally, Macalester College offers 63 areas of study and 100+ clubs and organizations for students to explore. Without a doubt, you’ll find no shortage of student opportunities , like the Outing Club, Mac Bike, or their student-run radio station WMCN 91.7FM. The majority of students (90% of their 2019 graduates) also get involved with some type of civic engagement while at Macalester. And, students get to live on campus for part of their undergraduate experience.

If it seems like Macalester College could be the place for you, you can take a virtual 360 tour , schedule a campus visit , or connect with admissions officers . That way, you’ll be sure to have plenty to discuss in your Macalester supplemental essays. 

Macalester College Supplemental Essays: Final Takeaways

Now, let’s review what we have learned about the Macalester College supplemental essays and how to get into Macalester. Macalester is a highly selective school with a low acceptance rate. This means your Macalester supplemental essays have to be pristine if you want to gain acceptance. 

Your grades and test scores are essential elements of your application. Nevertheless, your Macalester College supplemental essays have the power to make you stand out in the competitive applicant pool. Use your Macalester supplemental essays to add depth and individuality to your application. Share something the admissions team won’t find in any other parts of your application.

In general, your Macalester College supplemental essays should have your own, personal authentic voice. Furthermore, they should touch on your personal experiences, values, passions, and goals, and how these have impacted your personal growth. Strong essays will have a clear narrative structure, utilize storytelling techniques, and include school-specific details. In addition, be sure to tailor your response to the prompt and to answer the questions entirely. Some things you may want to avoid in your essays are generic or cliché responses and repetitive information. Remember, every word counts so use them wisely!

All in all, we know the writing process can feel daunting. So, be sure to keep these tips and tricks in mind when writing your Macalester College supplemental essays. 

Tips for writing your Macalester essays

• Start early and make a plan.
• Brainstorm, draft, revise, repeat. Never turn in a first draft of your Macalester supplemental essays.
• Reflect and research. First, think about your motivations for applying and why you might be interested in applying to Macalester College in particular.
• Show don’t tell. Sharing personal stories in your Macalester supplemental essays is more effective than making statements. Make sure to use pertinent evidence to back up your arguments.
• Be clear and concise. Remember, clarity counts for more than creativity of vocabulary, especially with the limited word count of the Macalester supplemental essays.
• Finally, proofread your Macalester supplemental essays and get feedback from others!

We hope this guide has helped you better understand the Macalester requirements, how to write better Macalester essays, and how to get into Macalester College. Moreover, feel free to refer back to this guide when you begin your Macalester College application and essays. Last but not least, remember our advisors are always here to help! For more individualized guidance, you can schedule an appointment with one of our advisors here . Happy writing!

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Macalester College Essay Prompts 

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Macalester College is a private liberal arts college in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Macalester is known as one of the “Hidden Ivies” because it provides students with an education that compares to that of an Ivy League institution. Knowing exactly how to respond to college essay prompts might seem intimidating at first, but fear not! We have you covered with everything you need to know about how to write your Macalester College supplemental essays .

The Macalester College essay prompts

It is important to note that each of Macalester’s supplemental essays are optional, but writing one or more is a great way to showcase your writing skills, to demonstrate your interest, and let the college get to know you as a person beyond a list of accomplishments and grades. 

We will walk you through each prompt and break down the questions step by step. Let’s get started!

Macalester is one of few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the middle of a metropolitan area. Students benefit from the strong sense of community on campus and opportunities to engage in academic, social, and civic engagement options in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Have you thought about how Macalester’s location might impact your experience? If so, in what ways? (500 words)

Right out the gate, Macalester wants to know how you will use your environment to help you in your studies and beyond. So what really are they asking of you? First of all, start off with why you picked this college to apply to. If location was a factor, write about why. If not, you might want to look into the other two prompts before starting on this one. This could be a great prompt for individuals who have a specific major that would benefit from living near a city like Minneapolis or Saint Paul. 

If you are thinking about majors such as:

• Political Science, St. Paul is the state capital
• Economics, with many corporate offices stationed in Minneapolis (Target being one!)
• Art, with so many options for museums and galleries in the Twin Cities

Minneapolis is a great city for so many college majors, so show admissions that with examples relevant to you. Saint Paul would be another great urban setting for someone who wants to go into sociology or urban planning, or maybe even architecture.

Even if your major is not the reason Macalester’s location interests you, there are other elements of the prompt you can address here. Maybe you are drawn to Macalester for its small enrollment. If so, you could talk about how you are interested in a close knit community and that Macalester’s location allows you to experience that environment while also giving you access to a metropolitan area. Be sure to talk about how YOU would benefit from both the campus community and the opportunities in the Twin Cities.

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

“Four values permeate Macalester’s mission and purpose: academic distinction, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. Guided by this mission, Macalester is a learning environment that affirms different identities and experiences and prepares graduates to work toward a more just and peaceful world. In what ways do your lived experiences, perspectives, or hopes for your college education connect with Macalester’s mission/learning environment?”

In order to successfully answer this prompt, try to think about any experiences that have had a significant impact on your life and made your perspective unique. Ultimately, they want to see that future students have a diverse background that can contribute to their mission and purpose. So, try to brainstorm aspects of your background or identity that mean a lot to you and that you are hoping to bring to your new Macalester community. Remember, it’s important to show, not tell! Sharing an anecdote is the best way to bring a story to life! Most importantly, be sure that you do not use this space as an opportunity to discriminate against other communities and identities! You should not put others down in order to make your story heard! 

Questions to consider: 

• How do you value academic distinction, internationalism, multiculturalism and service to society? What are some specific examples?
• What can you teach others about a certain culture, identity, ethnicity or community service that may introduce them to new ideas? 
• How do you hope to influence your Macalester community? 

Don’t miss: How to write a 500 word essay

Closing thoughts on the Macalester College Essay Prompts

Once you have completed your Macalester College supplemental essays- congratulations! Be sure to read over your responses and have a trusted adult or friend read them over for you. Remember, you want to be submitting a flawless essay that puts your best foot forward! 

Make sure you do not repeat any information throughout your responses and that you are revealing new information throughout your application so admissions officers get a well-rounded idea of “you!” Ultimately, being authentic and unique is all Macalester is asking students to reveal in their supplemental essays. 

Best of luck in the rest of your college admissions journey! 

Don’t miss: How to answer this year’s Common App essay prompts

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, macalester supplemental essay advice.

Hi all! I'm applying to Macalester College, and I'm a bit stuck on their supplemental essay. Can any current or former applicants share any tips or things you focused on in your essay? I'd love to hear your experiences! Thanks!

Hey! Congrats on deciding to apply to Macalester! In the supplemental essay, it's essential to showcase how you'll contribute to the school community and connect with the college's values. Some points you might want to focus on are Macalester's strong commitment to internationalism, multiculturalism, and social responsibility.

For instance, you could write about an experience that ties in with global issues, like volunteering for a nonprofit that supports refugees or working on a school project that explored the impact of climate change. Another idea might be discussing a specific class or professor you're excited about and how their work aligns with your interests.

Make sure to add a personal touch and be reflective about your experiences so that you give the admissions team a clear idea of who you are and what you'll bring to the community. Good luck with your essay!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Macalester College 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Macalester College 2020-2021 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 3 essays of 500 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Personal statement , Community

Application forms like this often require people to uncomfortably categorize their race, ethnicity, gender, or other identities by checking boxes. Is there anything about your (or your family’s) background that you would like us to know that is not addressed elsewhere in your application? If so, please elaborate.

This is a great opportunity to share the nuances of your background or family history with admissions. Has your family lived in the same town for multiple generations? Maybe you’re the first person in your family to go to college. Maybe you were raised by your mother and grandmother. Look back to how your upbringing shaped who you’ve become and what factors contributed to your unique perspective and position in life. Beyond your upbringing and family, the concept of your “identity” is up for interpretation. You can consider the different roles you play within your family, friend groups, or online community–mother-figure, coach, shoulder to cry on, etc–or you can reveal more of your inner-self, something people can’t see from a cursory glance at your application. This prompt is pretty wide open, so feel free to explore any area of your life that you haven’t gotten to talk about yet. Remember, though: this is a chance to advocate for yourself and show admissions why they’d be lucky to have you in their student body. 

Has there been a significant fluctuation in your grades at any point during grades 9-12 (up or down)? If so, please tell us the reason(s) for the changes.

Let us start by saying: This prompt is not for everyone. If your GPA has not dramatically increased or decreased during your high school career, move along. If, on the other hand, you’re thinking, “Yes! An opportunity for me to explain!” then read on.

Your transcripts are like Garfield Minus Garfield (if you don’t know what this is, you’re welcome). Sure, we can see that something’s changed from frame to frame, but we don’t know why. Grades need context. Admissions doesn’t know why or how things happened–good or bad. Take a look at your grades and note any anomalies or odd jumps/drops. Think back to that time in your life and tell your story. Maybe you’d moved schools or had a sports injury. Maybe you started meeting with a tutor after school and climbed from a fall semester C in geometry to a spring semester A. No matter your story, you are not alone in your journey of ups and downs–high school is a veritable war zone of distractions and possibilities. And, remember, everyone loves a comeback.

Macalester is one of few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the middle of a metropolitan area. Students benefit from the strong sense of community on campus and opportunities to engage in academic, social, and civic engagement options in the Twin Cities. Have you thought about how Macalester’s location might impact your experience? If so, in what ways?

When you attend a college, you also become an integral part of the city in which you live. Whether you’re working part-time at a cafe or playing on a rec soccer league, you will be rubbing elbows with locals. What does Macalester have to offer you? Do some research on neighborhoods and public spaces (museums, parks, etc.). Imagine you’re there on your first weekend, what do you do? Maybe you’ve had the opportunity to visit the campus and surrounding city, if so, what did you notice? This is your chance to not only imagine your future, but also help admissions envision you as a thriving member of their community.

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List of All U.S. Colleges with a Gender Studies Major

Gender Studies, also known as Gender & Sexuality studies, spans a range of topics that looks at gender and sexuality through an interdisciplinary lens. The field critically examines the overarching structures that dominate society across factors such as gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class. 

Gender Studies is a relatively new area of study, often adapted from Feminist Studies or Women’s Studies. Now, colleges across the country have begun offering it as a major, and have even founded entire Gender Studies departments with a range of available majors and minors. A degree in Gender Studies can open up a range of future career paths, whether you aspire to be an activist, consultant, or lawyer.

Wondering if Gender Studies is a good fit for your academic aspirations? Read on to learn which schools offer this major and what to look for in their programs.

Overview of the Gender Studies Major

Gender Studies encompasses so much more than cookie-cutter feminism. The undergraduate major generally requires courses in history, gender theory, and other humanities fields, such as political science and philosophy. Gender-specific courses center on topics such as the history of the field and the different waves of feminism. Classes explore structures of power, knowledge, and body. Electives might include: Gender Justice (Columbia University); Narrating Debt (Brown University); Gender, Science, and Theory (UCLA); Polish Women in Film (Loyola University Chicago).

Gender Studies departments across colleges have different labels and many have been adapted from departments previously labeled as “Women’s Studies” or “Feminist Studies.” As the field has grown, scholars have pushed for more inclusive studies to account for gender and sexual orientation diversity – thus, these departments are now often referred to as “Gender Studies” or “Gender and Sexuality Studies” at universities. 

Most Gender Studies majors participate in seminar-style courses, in which the lecture is more of a discussion and involves a lot of student-teacher interaction. Gender Studies are also usually writing-heavy, with papers on the relevant course topics. These papers could even span personal topics, as you are often invited to center your own positionality in your written work.

In order to be successful in Gender Studies, you will need to above all, have an open mind. You should be ready to challenge your current beliefs and never make assumptions or take pre-existing systems at face value. You should also be very passionate about growing and learning; you should never feel like you have reached a “peak” and are immune to future knowledge. 

Gender Studies can lead to success in various fields, including law, teaching, communication, human resources, and counseling. Even careers that don’t directly involve gender dynamics can benefit greatly from a gender studies lens, as the major teaches the importance of equity and advocacy in all aspects of life. 

Gender Studies majors can go on to graduate school or law school, which will give you a deeper understanding of the subject and its applications. The intersectional nature of the field allows for a successful career in a variety of fields post-graduation. The knowledge and perspectives you gain serve to help you navigate the world in a more equitable manner.

What to Look for in a College as a Gender Studies Major

Living-learning community.

Gender Studies majors looking to enhance their college experience both inside and outside of the classroom should consider applying to schools with feminism- and activism-related Living Learning Communities. This allows for students to commit to advocacy outside of the classroom and engage with students who share similar viewpoints. 

For example, at the University of Cincinnati, the Audre Lorde Social Justice House members partake in a gender-inclusive environment, and learn strategies for incorporating self-care into their lives in order to sustain activism. They also have the opportunity to engage with professionals in fields relating to intersectionality and the political climate.  

Liberal Culture/Surroundings

Gender Studies majors should also ensure that the college and its surrounding environment emanate the ideals that you hold dear. As you learn more about gender-related activism, you’ll thrive in an environment that is conducive to this type of thought. You’ll be able to nurture your learning both inside and outside of the classroom. 

For example, cities like Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles hold events like Women’s Marches and other demonstrations periodically. Going to school in a politically active area can be beneficial in applying the epistemologies you learn in the classroom to current real-world issues. 

Similarly, schools like the University of Maryland offer internships at the local, state, and federal government level, and politically active nonprofits. Students have previously interned at organizations such as The Feminist Majority Foundation, My Sister’s Place, and Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Symposiums and Related Events

Often, Gender Studies departments at colleges host symposiums, large-scale conference events, where different people can come to speak on a selected annual theme. This entails lectures, seminars, and other opportunities for students to learn from thought leaders both directly and indirectly affiliated with the university. 

For instance, Lewis and Clark College has hosted almost 40 of these events, and its last symposium, themed “Tensions of Possibility” included workshops, presentations, film screenings, roundtable discussions, and more. In the past, their speaker list has included activists like Angela Davis and Leslie Feinberg. UT Austin also has an annual Gender Symposium, with speakers consisting of faculty members from various departments and visiting scholars. The school approaches the event as a flow of ideas, and engagement of various methodologies that have dominated and are new to the field.

List of All U.S. Colleges With a Gender Studies Major

What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?

Regardless of what major you’re considering, the primary step you should take is ensuring your academically on par with the school’s previously accepted applicants. This is because most schools utilize the Academic Index , a tool that filters out applicants based on specific statistics.

You should also make sure that your qualitative application components mesh with the school’s culture. This means that your essays and extracurriculars need to back your prospective major or the school’s overall vibe. For Gender Studies majors, the personal statement and any supplemental essays are especially important because they are opportunities to show admissions committees your writing skill. Some extracurriculars that might overlap with your prospective gender studies major are writing activism, volunteering in a political or civic service office, writing in your school’s newspaper, and participating in empowerment clubs.

To learn more about your chances of acceptance to universities for gender studies, check out CollegeVine’s free chancing engine . Unlike other calculators, this resource will take into account a large portion of your personal profile, including academic statistics and qualitative factors like extracurriculars.

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St. Basil’s

St. Basil’s Cathedral

The onion domes and spires of St. Basil’s Cathedral rise above Moscow’s Red Square, and captivate our collective imagination of Russia, in a manner quite undefinable, perhaps a “colorful toy resting in the palm of this cobblestone field” or a majestic icon of grandeur and power. St. Basil’s, known more officially as the Cathedral of the Intercession on the Moat, is certainly a spectacle of wonder and as such invites a vast array of symbolic interpretations rooted in equally ambiguous, folkloric tales of origin. The Cathedral is recognizable by its “nine multi-hued onion domes” of various sizes and distances from one another, and by the “gold-plated garlic dome that crowns the lofty central spire.”  Despite the uneven positioning of the domes from a horizontal perspective, the Cathedral is actually perfectly symmetrical from above. The Cathedral is also actually nine separate chapels of different styles and names, one of which contains the tomb of St. Vasily (Basil) the Blessed, a “yurodivy” or fool in Christ, from whom the popular name of the structure originates. In accordance with the strictly hierarchical nature of the time in which it was constructed, the inside spaces of the Cathedral are small and could accomodate only the most elite. It is unclear where the inspiration for the odd onion domes originated, since the Cathedral predates the similar domes of the Mughal empire. St. Basil’s was built by order of Tsar Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) to commemorate the capture of the Tatar stronghold Kazan in 1552.  Barma and Postnik Yakovlev may have been the architects of the Cathedral, but the reality of their identities is disputed by scholars- it may have been a single architect, or another individual whose name is a combination of the two. Legend holds that the architects were blinded by Ivan the Terrible after they completed the Cathedral so that they could not replicate such a beautiful structure.

The cultural association and connotation of St. Basil’s Cathedral within Russian culture is a general concept of power, solidarity and continuity- but to whom exactly these concepts apply or who they include are questions with no straightforward answers or uncomplicated interpretations. The record of the battle of Kazan, the event which supposedly precipitated the Cathedral’s construction, is obscured by its folkloric quality in which Ivan the Terrible, the soldiers and even the Tatars are dramaticized and exaggerated. According to Andrei Yurganov, the “seizure of Kazan came to symbolize the growing power of Moscow, the vanquishing of the ‘infidels’ and the confirmation of Ivan IV’s righteousness.” As indicated by the ‘Intercession’ in the Cathedral’s original title, Ivan would have sought confirmation from the higher powers for the legitimacy of his rule, appropriating the ‘divine right’ concept of the monarchy to defend and protect his position. The Cathedral appeared as a public announcement of these symbolic intentions and would have instilled national pride in Russians as a representation of victory and power. As Yurganov notes however, the Cathedral appears more in popular association to be a commemoration of the ‘holy fool’ St. Basil than the epic, fairy-tale like battle of Kazan. St. Basil was known for many saintly predictions and acts, but was notably a respected critic of Ivan IV’s cruel practices. It is possible then that Russians find it more fitting to revere the Cathedral as the mausoleum of a popular, saintly critic than as the victory monument of a cruel monarch. Interestingly, hundreds of years after it was built, the Cathedral was saved from destruction by the self-sacrifice of Konstantin Baranovsky, the architect who had been ordered to prepare the Cathedral for demolition and who, according to some tales, defended the structure from Stalin by “barricading himself in the church with a machine gun.” Stalin was attempting to purge the Soviet Union of the remants of imperialism. Again, the heroization of Baranovsky indicates that the Cathedral is not associated with the power and continuity of government or political system, but the determination of the Russian people to find solidarity in cultural representations that outlast such fickle, sometimes oppressive institutions.

Regardless of popular interpretation, the urge to monumentalize the symbolic achievements of governmental entities did not dissappear when Russia became the secular Soviet Union. When divine authority could not be called upon to deify the achievements and personage of the ruler, such deification was sought through the majesty and authority of moderninity, technological and architectural achievement. The Palace of Soviets was to be such a monument in the tradition of structures like St. Basil’s Cathedral, symbolic of achievement and power. Time magazine declared in March 1934 that the structure was “Russia’s latest and greatest monument” which would be “the world’s largest and tallest building.”  The Palace was a replacement for the monuments of antiquity, built on the ground once occupied by another monumental cathedral, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, which was blown up to make room for the new structure. As William McDonaugh explains, “A cathedral is a representation of both our longings and intentions.”  Especially as a manifestation of the human desire to worship and the need or purpose in appropriating God-like authority, cathedrals and cathedral-like structures fulfill this dual role. Truly, whether a cathedral or monument be that of a holy fool and a tsar or communist administration, it is intended to invite public worship of the persons, events and achievements it symbolizes.

The portrait of Ivan the Terrible in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral indicates the representations he would have intended for the structure, with himself as the primary focus of deification. The portrait, Tsar Ioann Vasilevich Groznyi , by Aleksandr Vasilevich Viskovatov was created in the 1800s, long after Tsar Ivan IV actually ruled, but commemorates the elevated status his monument, and subsequent personal monumentalization, conferred on him. He is pictured in his coronation garb, the splendor and majesty of the monarchy, as a large, dominant patriarch- occupying the entire foreground of the portrait. Behind him, bathed in heavenly rays, is Moscow with the towering onion domed spires of St. Basil’s, the site of his coronation and the permanent memorial to his achievements and righteousness.

– Carolyn McBride, November 2009

Ford, Peter. “St. Basil’s Cathedral.” Christian Science Monitor 91.169 (1999): 12.

McDonough, William. “Essay: A Centennial Sermon: Design, Ecology, Ethics, and the Making of Things.” Perspecta 29 (1998): 78-85.

Yurganov, Andrei. “St. Basil’s the Stuff of Legend.” Russian Life 44.6 (2001): 34.

“Art: Soviet Palace.” Time 19 March 1934: n. pag. Web. 6 Nov 2009. <https://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,747172,00.html>.

“Tsar Ioann Vasilevich Groznyi.” NYPL Digital Gallery . Web. 6 Nov 2009. <https://digitalgallery.nypl.org>.