Case Study Schools -- Hard getting noticed or speaking up?

Question

While schools like Darden and Harvard routinely make the top tier, I find it scary that they count something like 50% of a student's grades on participation. If you're in a class of 50-70 people, I can't imagine what it's like to get your ideas in the ring when everyone else is also trying to.

For people in those kinds of programs, any thoughts? Is it as competitive / cutthroat as it initially appears to get high marks for participation?

For people in those kinds of programs, any thoughts? Is it as competitive / cutthroat as it initially appears to get high marks for participation?

vannbj · Answer

HBS has like 90 students per class while Darden has roughly 60. I just wanted to clarify that. I'm wondering the same thing as you about whether it's hard to get noticed.

Jerz · Answer

Short answer is no. I've had plenty of classes that were 60-70 students and one that was 100 (typically Kellogg classes aren't that big) and have never felt like I didn't have a chance to participate in discussions. You don't always get to make every comment you want to make because the class is only so long and sometimes the professor needs to move on, but most of the time if you want to participate you will be able to.

Another concern I had regarding class size was whether you'd be able to develop a personal relationship with a professor in that size class (I went to a smaller undergrad school where class sizes were 30-40), but also haven't found that to be a problem. Even in the large classes, after a week or two the professors get to know who you are (quicker if you go to talk with them during office hours)

Case Study Schools -- Hard getting noticed or speaking up?

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