Which airport should I fly into?

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is conveniently located within a 30-minute drive of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul and is about a 45-minute drive from Northfield (where Carleton is located). Travelers have their choice of airlines including: Air Canada, Air Tran Airways, America West, American, Comair, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Icelandair, KLM, Mesaba, Midwest, Northwest, Pinnacle, SkyWest, Sun Country, United, US Airways and numerous charter carriers.

How do I get to Carleton from the airport?

The easiest, quickest and cheapest way to get to and from the airport is to sign up for the airport car service run by the Admissions Office. The airport car runs only to and from the airport from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and Monday. This shuttle service runs only when classes are in session, and the cost is $10 per rider, each way. You will need to reserve a space for this at least ten days prior to your arrival/departure date.

If these times don't coincide with your schedule, you may want to consider a taxi. There are many taxi companies that service the airport area. A few cab companies that we are familiar with are Archer Limo at 877-503-9482, Airport Taxi at 800-464-0555, and Northwest Taxi at 800-837-1867. You can expect to pay upwards of $75 each way.

Unfortunately, Northfield is not on any public transportation system. You may find information regarding transportation to and from the airport as well as maps to campus here.

What if I decide to drive?

Carleton is located 35 miles south of the Twin Cities metro area and will take roughly 45 minutes of driving time. You will find driving directions and maps here.

Where can I park on campus?

The Admissions Office has several reserved visitor parking spaces on the north side of First Street. On-street parking is available on the west side of College Street. No special permits are required.

Where can I stay in Northfield?

There are five hotels/motels in Northfield, within two miles of campus. In order of proximity to Carleton:

• The Archer House (two blocks) at 800-247-2235 or www.archerhouse.com
• Country Inn Motel (six blocks) at 800-456-4000 or www.countryinns.com
• College City Motel (one mile) at 507-645-4426
• AmericInn Motel & Suites (1.5 miles) at 800-247-2235 or www.americinn.com
• Super 8 Motel (2 miles) 800-800-8000 or www.super8.com/Super8/control/home

Can I stay on campus?

If you are a visiting prospective student, you may stay one night in a residence hall with a student host when Carleton is in session. Please consult our calendar for availability. Due to the volume of requests to stay on campus, we must limit your stay to one night only. Unfortunately, we do not have on-campus accommodations for families.

May I eat in your dining halls?

Absolutely! Carleton has two dining halls operating on campus when classes are in session, and we will offer up to three complimentary meals to a visiting student. Families are welcome to eat in the dining halls for a nominal charge.

If I choose to stay overnight, who will I stay with?

All student hosts are volunteers. Most hosts are first or second year students living in a residence hall who are interested in telling others about Carleton. We do not match hosts based upon a common academic interest or geographic area.

Will I need to bring a sleeping bag?

For a regular overnight visit, you will not need to bring a sleeping bag or towels. Your host may request a rollaway bed, linens and/or towels for your use, at no cost. However, during our large group events such as Accepted Student Days, we are not able to provide bedding and you should plan to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel.

When will I meet my host?

If you arrive during Admissions Office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday), you will meet your host at 4:00 p.m. in the Admissions Office.

If you arrive after these hours or on a Sunday, check in with the student building monitor in the lobby of Johnson House. The building monitor will contact your host upon your arrival. On a week night, you must arrive before 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. After these hours, an overnight host will not be possible.

What is the difference between an Information Session and an Interview?

An Information Session is held in a group setting led by an Admissions Counselor. You will watch a short video about the College and have a question and answer period following. The Information Session is geared toward those who are just beginning the college search.

An Interview is a one-on-one with an Admissions Counselor or Admissions Fellow. Our interviews are informational, not evaluative. It is a good opportunity to find out more about Carleton and how it will fit with what you are looking for in your college experience. Carleton does not require an interview as part of the application process.

May I meet with a faculty member while I am on campus?

Due to the large volume of visitors we have on campus, we are unable to arrange individual appointments with our faculty. Our Admissions staff has information on each of the departments to share with you, in addition to the departmental web pages. You will have contact with a faculty member if you choose to visit a class and arrive a little early or stay a bit after class to ask a few questions. If you find you still have unanswered questions, please feel free to email one of the faculty members at the address listed on the department's web page.

May I meet with a coach while I am on campus?

Oftentimes, coaches will want to meet with potential team players while you are on campus. Please let us know which sport(s) you are interested in pursuing in college, and we will notify the coach of your visit. You may also email them directly using the address listed on the website.