"We learned by doing, not by listening passively to a dry lecture. The lessons I learned allowed me to add value to my company from day one."
-
Alicia Goldberg '04
What will my experience be like?
You will arrive in class as a person who seldom, if ever, has failed. You can outthink most people; those who are smarter, you can outwork. Winning is very important to you, though you may be reluctant to admit it.
In our program, you will find people who can outthink you, no matter how smart you are, and people who will outwork you, no matter how many hours you put in. You will find out what it feels like to give your all, and perhaps for the first time in your life, not finish first. But, surrounded by the very best, you will discover the value of listening to the views of classmates you respect, whose backgrounds are completely different from your own.
Individual Preparation
The case-method requires hours of individual preparation. You will analyze each case in depth and will be required to devote between five and eight hours of study per case.
Study Groups
Study Groups are a dress rehearsal for class. You arrive at study group each morning fully prepared to stand in the shoes of an entrepreneur and make decisions. Someone is chosen to open the case and for over an hour you describe and defend your decisions with your study group members.
Classes
Class begins with a "cold call," a challenging question the professor poses to one student to open the case. The class then jumps into a exhilarating eighty minutes of analysis, argument and fervent persuasion. Since 50 percent of each student's grade depends on class participation, everyone is inspired to contribute.
Your Typical Weekly Workload
Each week at Acton is intense and action-packed-delivering more than a traditional MBA program in half the time.
| Activity | Hrs. required |
|---|---|
| Class time (10-12 case discussions x 90 min. each) | 15-18 |
| Individual preparation (10-12 case preps. x 5 hrs. ea.) | 50-60 |
| Study group | 6-8 |
| Thursday sessions | 1-2 |
| Help sessions | 0-2 |
| Friday sessions (not including Customers Lab) | 0-2 |
| Total | 80-90+ |
