Babson College Top Questions

What are the academics like at your school?

Amy

The largest class Babson offers has 40 students. Professors always know your name. If you skip class, expect them to make a comment, because they WILL notice -- classes are really that small. Required classes are a burden for most students, and you can really only start taking classes of your choice during your junior year. Required classes include finance, two economics classes, two accounting classes, marketing class, and more. Accounting/finance majors will love all of the help Babson provides in terms of internships and job-seeking. Other majors may have a harder time.

Allie

Academics are definitely challenging, but nothing that the average student can't handle. The foundation and intermediate curriculum provides an excellent background no matter you are interested in majoring in.The professors are very approachable and willing to help you in any way possible. They also often have real-world experience that can be extremely helpful in the understanding of various ideas and concepts. There is a lot of group work which can be challenging at times but it also gives you the opportunity to learn from multiple diverse perspectives.

Jamie

The academics at Babson are exceptional and have given me a lot of confidence in my ability to think critically and problem solve. Since Babson is such a tight knit community, all of my professors know my name. I have loved taking law and philosophy classes while at Babson since they have really challenged my view of the world. I have also truly enjoyed my coursework in negotiations. While students can be competitive, I think that most of the competition is internal, with students looking to best themselves and constantly improve. I have great relationships with many of my professors from past classes with one professor helping me to find an internship and writing me letters of recommendation for law school.

Ross

The academics at Babson are fantastic, especially once you get out of freshman year. The student-professor ratio is absolutely awesome, and your ability to network with professors (many of them founders and CEOs in the biz world) is probably better than most schools. They'll know your name, and many other things. Just this past summer, one of my liberal arts professors from freshman commended me on the progress I had made and that she was glad I had really come into my own, despite not having her for a class since then. You will have many opportunities to get to know your professors, and virtually all of them are open to having lunch with you. Many of the students are super competitive, for good reason. Babson is a tough school. You will need to work extremely hard, putting in hours upon hours of work to get great grades. There will be clear grading separation between the average and the fantastic students. You are expected to participate in classes, and it's usually worth 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your final grade. Evenmoreso, participation in classes is often vital to the success of the class as many of our classes rely on vibrant class discussions. I'm taking a class now called Negotiations, and participation is necessary. Often we will have three-hour negotiations with others based off of prior negotiations (such as a famous virgin airlines vs. Boston negotiation). I'm a strategy and marketing major, and I love both. Strategy is one of the most popular majors, and marketing is close as Babson is considered #6 in marketing education. Finance, however, is our most popular major. I've really enjoyed all my classes in my majors and the atmosphere at Babson has led me to believe that i've grown here far more than I would have at any other school. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask!

Sam

Babson is a competitive school to get into, so naturally the students that go here are extremely intelligent and competitive themselves. However, there is so much group work involved in classes at Babson that you learn to get along with your classmates and do not compete with them for grades, but instead with yourself to do better for everyone. Babson prides itself on taking the learning experience to the next level by making it unique and hands-on. I have found that that statement is completely accruate. Babson really tries to incorporate what you learn in class and apply it to the real-world. This is done your first year by starting a business as part of a class with 30 other students, called FME. Then it is continued sophomore year, when you take intermediate business classes. Your sophomore year, you take a company and basically consult for them. What you do is work with your peers and go on a tour of the company that you choose. On the tour you learn about their operations by physically seeing it and by hearing from the companies CEO and department vps. After that, you are given a month and you research a problem the business is having in their operations and present the solution to the CEOs and deparment vps. That class was one of the most valuable educational experiences I have ever had, and it is one that every Babson student most take.

Dale

Professors are very involved with students. But they are not only professors. They are hired for their experiences; which means, these are very successful people in their field that decided to teach and pass their knowledge on. We have professors that own several companies, or that have started and sold many of them, and we have others that were VC`s, etc...

alison

Babson academics are amazing while very challenging. Don't come to Babson expecting an A on your essays or a 4.0 GPA. Its basically impossible. Class participation is HUGE. If you're not a talker, you'll get marked down. I've loved the professors for the most part and they will remember you after that class ends. They make themselves available for help and love to even give out their cell phone/home phone numbers. They live on their email and will answer any question all hours of the day. Babson does gear their education towards entreprenurship even if it isn't your concentration, but hey, that can't hurt for the real world.

Jess

It seems as though half the students really care about their GPA, while others seem to think they're going to own their own business anyway and their GPA isn't going to matter. Everyone is inherently smart, those that don't care about their GPA are really there for the classes and writing stellar papers isn't always on their agenda when they're trying to run their business out of their dorm rooms. There is always intellectual conversations going on, they may not be about philosophy and literature like some schools, but we discuss what is pertinent to us. We debate about politics, discuss the economy, stocks, etc. With such a diverse campus heated debates happen easily. In almost every class you take, you are almost guaranteed to have a group project. As big of a pain in the ass it tends to be, the reality is in the business world we're constantly going to be working in groups, so we might as well get used to it now.

Jesse

Hours upon hours of studying on a daily basis. There isn't much free time at Babson, so the little amount of free time is cherished by the students.

Walter

I'm a finance/accounting major (concentration IM SORRY). Honestly, we learn a lot in class. The education we get here really is second to none. But I can't help but get unnerved by the classes I'm in: we're getting some of the best instruction from the some of the best professors in the entire world, and nearly everyone in the class is on their laptops, jerking off to facebook or stumbleupon or what have you. Then there's the whole competitive aspect, you know, the "I only studied for 10 minutes but I got an A" type attitude.... by some kids. Not everyone is like this, but you know the type and it makes you want to punch them in the face. Oh yeah, you'll be studying all day. For better or for worse. My professors are wonderful. They all know everyone's name, and they actually care.

John

The academics are definitely geared towards preparing you for the business world. At first you have to take a number of Liberal Arts and Humanities courses but after you get those out of the way it's all business. I honestly knew almost nothing about the business world before coming to Babson but after just one year it's amazing how much more I know. The big class at Babson is Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (F.M.E.) which each freshman must take. In this class students are split up into small groups and must pitch business ideas to the whole class of about 60 students (probably the largest class at Babson), after voting several times over a few weeks the class is finally split into the two winning company ideas. Those companies are each given 3000 dollars and begin working right away. This is an incredible hands on working experience that many students complain about because it is such hard work but that's just because it is so much like the real world. When the year is over the company is liquidated and all of the profits are given to charity.

Ryan

professors do know my name...although i talk a lot in class...professors do make the effort to get to know the students on a personal basis...and the classroom sizes are overall small enough to be effective my favorite class has been business law...with one of my favorite professors..it was a hard class but i was very interested in the subject and the professor was very fair....but not too generous very few students have intellectual conversations outside of class...very few students talk about politics...most of the girls talk about clothes...fashion...partying...whereas the guys talk about sports....and girls....but few people talk about politics and philosophy...most of them are the nerds on campus...and most of them are in my social circle...haha students here are very competitive...after all it's a race to get as much money as possible...people are screwing each other over in a heart beat to get as much money as they can...this is one of the more competitive and back stabbing places i've ever seen i've gotten to know a few professors outside of class...most of them at the beginning of the semester...and for office hours...it helps a fair amount and it distinguishes yourself so the professor remembers you easier...it definitely helps i think the school's academic requirements are fine...it's just the grading is horrible...and the education is more towards getting a job...the liberal arts at this school is WEAK....really weak...babson is more about getting a job in the business school...students who want to study liberal arts should go to a liberal arts school...or study abroad....this is not a school for them seriously though...my high school liberal arts classes were more challenging and educational than the ones taught at babson...if you want to save money just cut those classes...and pay for god damn air conditioning in the dorms

Jerry

-since it's a small college you get to know your professor well (if you choose to do so). you know professors on campus even if you don't take their classes (either because of other activities or through other students or friends) -my favorite classes are the ones that deal with science (so far i've taken oceanography and biotechnology). -least favorite are the maths (stats, quantitative methods etc) -students study ALOT -students are VERY competitive at babson -most unique class i've taken is biotechnology -babson is all about business-they really push their students and ingrain the idea of entrepreneurship. it's kind of annoying but it's interesting. i'm interested in pursuing a careeer that deals with science possibly, if not marketing. -i have spent time with professors outside of class before, but it's mostly if you take the initiative to go to the professor's office. their doors are always open (most of them. depends on the teacher) -babson's academic requirements are ok. i don't feel like it's not enough or there are too many courses, though it may feel overwhelming because the school is a bit difficult- it challenges you -the education at babson is DEFINATELY geared toward getting a job.

Samantha

For the most part, professors do their best to know everybodys' names. The biggest classes at Babson are no more than between 50 & 60 people, so within a couple weeks, the professors are pretty good with everyone's names. The classes can be pretty overwhelming, especially freshman year. The biggest advantage, though, is that almost all Babson classes are geared toward students getting internships and jobs.

Becky

Professors know your name. You develop really great relationships with Professors becuase the class sizes are so small. Class participation is very common, in fact its factored as around 15{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your grade in many classes. I think a really unique experience I've had as a Babson student was when my History & Society teacher took whoever wanted to a local Indian restaraunt for a truly different experience and great conversation.

Madison

All professors know your name, the class size is small, and the education is great. I highly recommend taking classes with Dean Mandel, Prof. Coyle, and Prof. Wain. They were my favorite professors at the school. The classes overall are tough, but you really learn a lot. If you're coming to college to learn, Babson is great. If you're looking for a place to party, it's not the right choice for you.

Tristan

The classes at Babson are pretty small, varying from 10 to twenty students. I only have one class with 60 students but it doesn't feel that big. The teachers will definitely know your name and sometimes even say hi as you pass the by on campus. They are pretty good people....out of the classroom at least. Inside the classroom some of them are...well, make sure you know what professors are good when you pick your classes. The workload is up to you, you can do all the homework or not do it and your grade won't be affected to much. I don't spend too much time with the little stuff. The tests I shoot for As on but the homework and little reading quizzes I'll half-ass them and get 60s or less. Though by the end of the year I will get B+/A- so it is not too bad. But that way, you have to make sure you do well on the tests and essays. Everybody at Babson has some level of intelligence and you will be surprised some of the intelligent conversations you will actually get from Business students. Unfortunately, you will also be surprised by some of the non-intellectual things some of those intellectaul students can say. One thing to note is that there are many liberal arts requirements here. Some of the students love them because they are good at writing essays. I hate them. I like tests, math equations, and speeches better. It varies from student to student but all the other courses are business courses, no question. So, I guess it is a good balance, it makes you well-rounded. But I hate essays sooo much....

John

Academics are almost as good as I can imagine being possible. Many great teachers who deliver useful information and the small campus means little time is wasted commuting between classes. Since this is a small school, class too are more integrated to each other so you will be sure to learn everything while not re-learning anything. Locally businesses take Babson students over ivy-leaguers and a large proportion of students coming from Babson "make it big."

Nicole

Professor do know my name! They come to games, and followed my basketball carreer which was so nice. My fav. class is Entrepenuership in family business. It was amazing. It was like Trumps show, but you competed on teams against your peers with one CEO. This was very competitve and your grade was based on presentations and clear communications. I love working in groups and doing consulting projects. Class participation is about 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your grade usually. Babson students have intellectual conversastions ALL THE TIME outside of the class room. It is hard to get away from. When I go home my parents become easily annoyed with me because of the way I view issues. Students are VERY VERY competitive. I am a strategic Management concentration and entrepenurship. I do spend time with professors outside of the class room. I would say Babson teaches you how to work on team on group projects, and how to learn how to manage people. The academic requiremnts I feel are great. I learned about art, antropology of food, and religion! Babson is geared toward getting a job. However it is easier for accountants to get jobs here. If you are marketing or Entrepenurship it can be more work.

Rafael

Professors know my name but this is where I get really upset with Babson. I HATE math or number related classes and they make me take it until the end of my junior year. I get terrible grades and my GPA goes down. The science classes are a joke, the liberal arts are super boring and have way to much reading. The business classes are really really good. Especially when you take classes with things you actually care about.

KJ

Academics are extremely difficult at Babson. Average GPAs are lower but with the knowledge you acquire at Babson you learn how to sell yourself and your experience to future employers so much that a little bit lower GPA doesn't even cross their mind. I have had amazing professors who have encouraged me to learn more about subjects I never knew I liked. The Babson education is aimed at the after college experience in the working word. I know so many people who have come here being shy people and graduated being one of the best speakers I know. Babson shapes its already outstanding students into even better people.

Torry

They are the best. You will work your ass off, have more group meetings then you would ever want in your life, but when it comes down to it they are the best. The liberal arts courses are decent, but if you are into business you will have an advantage over graduates from any other school, Babson makes you know your shit, and what to do with it.

Taylor

I love Babson because all the professors that you have had or had many interactions know who you are. Many of them also go to sporting events so if you play a sport they talk to you about it. The professors here at Babson encourage participation so that they can get to know you and also some make it mandatory. Babson classes are very tough but because of the relationships you are able to have with your professsors they are up for meeting and frequently in their office for any extra time they have. Babson sets you straight for getting a job and being in the real world.

Melissa

-class size is good -professors have great experience in their field -Favorite class: accounting and FME - the library is always packed -students are very competitive with grades -Education is geared towards learning for your own sake as well as getting a job..good balance

Alex

all my profs know my name, students are ALWAYS studying, id say 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of their time is studying, class participation is very common, alot of intellect outside of class, students are competitive for grads, unique class- none,

Jessica

It is a real mixed bag with the teachers. There are basically two kinds of professors: The ones that really seem to enjoy their students and teaching. They are also more likely to help during office hours and like class discussions. But the majority of the teachers that I have had did not know all the students names, played favorites, told students that their OPINION was 'wrong' and was just not helpful.

Charlie

Babson is a very vigorous in workload. The professors are really nice and they try to get to know all their students. Classes are very small so most prof. do get to know their students quite well. The students are all very smart. There are those who are also starting their own business or managing their business while attending classes. Overall i would rate Babson high in terms of Academics. What you learn at Babson is for both getting a job but for succeeding in life.

Sarah

Academics at Babson are demanding. They take up a lot of your time, but everyone is right there with you. You work hard, you will do well. Professors are also always willing to meet with you for extra help if you need it. Students are competitive, but because we often work in groups there is also a high level of teamwork.

Cameron

Professors know your name..academics is grear..its for people who can take up pressure...lots of choices to take..Students want a good grade. AND there is no grade inflation unlike other colleges in the area.

Lauren

All of my professors know me by first and last name. The classes are small, usually under 25 people. You get a lot of attention from your professors as long as you make it clear that you want it. Class participation is graded in every class, but the professors make it very easy for you to participate. Sometimes professors will eat lunch with you and they all have office hours scheduled that you can attend for help with work or even just to go talk about class. The classes are very demanding but if you are admitted, you can handle it. Though the atmosphere is competitive for grades, almost all of your fellow students are willing to help with anything. I was up at 1am trying to figure out a calculus problem this year and a friend who was finished with his work stayed up for an extra hour and helped me figure it out. Outside of class, you walk around campus and hear people talking business everywhere. Don't get me wrong; business is not the only thing we talk about, but it is always possible to have an intellectual conversation with your fellow students.

Laura

you couldnt ask for a better education. this is the reason people stick around. the professors know your name they encourage you to speak with them outside the classroom. because of the intense business curriculum and hte large amount of student athletes, babson students are very competitive. the curve doesnt help matters. your final grade is based on how well everyone else you are sitting in class with does. its helpful if you're getting 65's on exams, but if you're getting 90s, you may not end up with an a if 5 or 6 other people are getting 95s.

Rory

Classes are hard and don't expect good grades or not attending class. Class participation counts up to 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of some classes and that means actively participating not just attending. Professors are very approachable and you can see them at Trim dining hall and are always available via email. They are very helpful in that respect. FME is a year long and the business simulation can be very annoying. Group projects are expected and are the norm in every class basically. My two years at babson has made me hate group projects and i'm now addicted to outlook to organize my life. You will receive about 50 e-mails a day about BBQs and pub nights with the ugrad email system. Students are somewhat competitive. The sciences classes are horrible at Babson, minimal language classes are offered. take them at wellesley down the road. Entrepreneurship faculty and classes are top notch. The great entrepreneurial challenge course taught by len green supposedly has a waiting list to join it and has been covered by MSNBC. I've been learning a lot, but sometimes feel we were learning things for the sake of the test and not actually for us to use in the real world or be able to apply it to the business we are personally running. Babson academic services basically plans your life for the first 2 years at babson with no real freedom to choose the classes you want to take. Junior year is when you can start taking intermediat/advanced liberal arts and free electives to start focusing on classes you actually want to take or concentrate in. Some professors here are old and need to retire ASAP! Not a lot just a few that i've had which have made me miserable.

Joseph

The academics are amazingly strong and rigorous. All classes are kept small, and as a freshman I've had three courses with under 15 students. Intellectual conversations outside of the classroom mostly involve talking about the stock market or different deals that have been brokered. The requirements about Babson are different from a lot of schools in that, our freshman and sophmore year we are amazingly restricted as to what courses we can take. However, during your final two years, there are absolutely no requirements (not even a major requirement).

Brendan

The curriculum at Babson is very similar to a MBA curriculum, in that it is very case based and focused on class participation. The students here are very competitive. In the Investment-Tower we frequently discuss stocks, currencies, and numerous other micro and macroeconomic issues. I spend a lot of time with my professors including ones from sophomore and freshman year. We talk about just about anything including: class, other class projects, career goals, sports to name a few. The classroom environment at Babson is entirely focused on real world application and textbooks and syllabi are frequently thrown out in favor of professor’s real world experience and news articles.

Stephanie

The course load at Babson College is fairly rigorous and includes a lot of group work. The academics at Babson definitely prepare you for excelling in the work force. The professors at Babson have been extremely successful in their field of work and share their experiences as often as they are relevant in the course. They truly care about their students and spend as much time necessary making sure you understand the course material as well as introducing you to their connections in the business world.