How to upload pictures from my Nikon D3100 to my Macbook pro?

I have the SD card and I inserted it into the SD card slot into my Macbook Pro, but nothing is happening. I also have a USB cable as back up, but when I inserted it in the computer, nothing happened either. I'd rather use the SD card slot, so if any one can help me that'd be great! I need it pretty much within 40 minutes.

My macbook pro recognizes the sd card right away

nonetheless, when you did a cable transfer, did you turn on your camera? That is something you need to do to transfer pictures.

otherwise, search for some forums that may have the answer

http://support.apple.com/.../kb/HT3553
https://discussions.apple.com/...0&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/...D=13376972