<p>Just got home from visiting our daughter - a sophomore at Mac. I can’t knowledgeably talk about either Grinnell or Kenyon. </p>
<p>But here are some highlights about Mac. Mac, as an institutions really follows its mission. It has been focused on international engagement for generations - and it shows. Just last week, the school held its annual international roundtable. This weekend, students were still talking about the dynamic speakers who came to campus. The school’s international focus is something that is constantly renewed and updated. Students have an opportunity to really delve into aspects of international affairs from all angles - economic assistance, world health, food scarcity, political - you name it. </p>
<p>Not only are professors available and engaged in teaching undergrads in small classes, but, as a small school in a large metropolitan area, internships and research opportunities are near at hand - in non-profits, with professors and with corporations. Even professors at the University of Minn. have been known to work with Mac students.</p>
<p>Although Mac is in St. Paul, it does have a campus. The neighborhood is safe and fun. There are lots of restaurants and shops, and the Mississippi river and it’s surrounding park are about a mile walk or bike ride away. Public transit lets students move around the cities easily; a car is not necessary. The airport is about 15 minutes away by cab, and (for the more adventurous) is accessible through public transportation. While there are lots of attractions in the cities, Mac is a residential college with lots of activities onsite. It really offers the best of both worlds - a small inviting and engaged campus in a thriving, and pretty safe urban environment. It is very unusual for small LACs. Very few are in cities. The campus, immediate neighborhood and the Twin Cities are a big draw for a lot of students.</p>