It’s easy to identify Acton’s most sacred traditions if you visit campus, because those highly-valued aspects of the school’s culture are literally part of the architecture. Carved in stone, etched in glass, hung from the ceiling, Acton’s mission, supporters, and rules of engagement are prominently and permanently displayed. As a student, there are only a few ways to get your name on a wall: You can win one of two coveted end-of-year awards…or you can be on the team that wins the Sales Challenge. The Acton MBA curriculum is unique for its emphasis on first-class hands-on learning and simulations, and // READ MORE

It’s time for you Class of 2013 Acton MBA aspirants to get your applications ready for the February 20 Early Application Deadline. Acton is a one-of-a-kind business school, and before applying, it’s important that you come to campus to see that for yourself. Here’s how: Come to class. Class visits begin again on January 9. Watch the Class of 2012 wrestle case studies in the Pit. Second semester courses include Opportunity, Raising Money, Launch, Growth, People, and Harvest. Attend an Info Session. The Spring Info Session is February 1 from 6-7:30 PM. Have your questions answered by current students, alumni, // READ MORE

A study at Dominican University tracked goal achievement in five groups of goal setters over a four-week period. The results indicate that taking the following simple steps may increase your likelihood of success. Write your resolutions down. Whether your resolutions this year involve getting more organized or preventing a hostile take-over of your business, the simple act of writing them down can increase how much you accomplish by almost 20%. Goal setters in the DU study who put their personal business-related goals in writing achieved 61% of their goals, compared to those who only thought out their goals, who achieved // READ MORE

Check out our latest video, “Return on Investment,” featuring alumni Abhi Dobhal (’11), Brandon Willard (’06), and Kyle de Haas (’07). While you’re at it, take a look at the library of 45 videos that we’ve uploaded over the years. In addition to the series we’ve featured on this blog, like the Acton in the Wild videos, you’ll find playlists of Informational videos such as “A Day in the Life,” Alumni Testimonials, Simulation Exercises such as “Waterloo Call Center,” and Recruiting FAQ such as “How exactly does the Socratic method work at Acton?” from Susie’s Video Blog. Subscribe to the // READ MORE

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) announced in June 2010 that it would be making a major change in the GMAT, the entrance exam required by most business school admissions departments. This change, the addition of an Integrated Reasoning section, goes into effect on June 5, 2012. The new section aims to test candidates’ ability to develop solutions to problems, a “microcosm of what you do in class” and in real-world business, according to GMAC CEO David Wilson. Whereas the current GMAT already allows schools to screen applicants for quantitative and verbal reasoning, the new format will give schools insight // READ MORE

Most of us will express some form of thanks on Thursday, thanking hosts or companions for food and company or thanking companions for celebrating with us.  It’s helpful to have a day set aside to remember gratitude and rituals in place to express it. What about the other days?  The gurus, whether entrepreneurial or spiritual, tell us that gratitude is a hallmark of fulfillment.  It’s hard to disagree with this wisdom, but it’s also hard to do anything with it.  Gratitude, as commonly defined, is a state of being—an emotion.  In any given moment you feel it or you don’t.  // READ MORE