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USC / Marshall MBA Essay Tips 2024-2025

The following essay topic analysis examines USC / Marshall School of Business (Marshall) MBA admissions essays for the 2024-2025 admissions season. You can also review essay topic analyses for other leading MBA programs as well as general Essay Tips  to further aid you in developing your admissions essays.

2024-2025 USC Marshall MBA Essay Tips

Let’s take a closer look at each prompt.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from USC Marshall help you achieve those goals? Short-term career goals should be those you want to achieve within 3-5 years post-MBA, whereas long-term goals may span a decade or more and encompass broader professional aspirations. (word limit: 400) This essay question is a straightforward  career goals essay , asking applicants to explain their professional goals and why they’re interested in pursuing an MBA at Marshall.

Along with describing your immediate post-MBA career goals, you should explain your long-term career goals and the broad impact you hope to have on your industry, community, country or region. For your short-term career goals, be as grounded and direct as possible—identify a position and target industry, and explain what draws you to this role and how it connects with your previous experience and long-term plans.

Then, consider first what skills you need from an MBA; this can inform what you need from Marshall and how this program will help you accomplish the growth you’re seeking. With respect to how the Marshall MBA would help you achieve your goals, it would make sense to briefly comment on your work experience to date in order to establish the skills you already possess; this helps to establish the gap in your skill set that a Marshall MBA would fill. This phase of your discussion should establish the skills and knowledge you hope to gain from a Marshall MBA while integrating details about the program. Forging specific connections between the skills you hope to gain (whether in the classroom or through involvement in student clubs or other outlets) and your future plans will show the adcom that you’ve researched the program and have a sound understanding of how a Marshall MBA will prepare you for success.  

In the USC Marshall MBA Program, teamwork is essential to success. Please share an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a personal or professional goal. (word limit: 400) Candidates should be sure to choose a situation with successful results here. With such a tight word limit, context will have to be established concisely by defining one’s team and the objective that defined success. Working with others can take on many forms—coordinating with teams overseas, collaborating directly with a colleague for a challenging consulting project, or directing teammates to develop solutions. What’s important is how you worked together and the challenges you overcame to achieve success. Given the focus on teamwork, it would make sense to highlight communication, motivational or leadership skills that enabled effective collaboration. Consider your team projects throughout your career or activities and which ones stood out—both for the results achieved and growth earned.

Optional Essay

We realize that each person is more than a list of facts or pre-defined categories, and we’d like to recognize each individual’s unique qualities and experiences. Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider when reviewing your candidacy for the MBA program. (word limit: 500) We recommend completing this essay and using it as an additional opportunity to reveal more about your candidacy. Though there are myriad potential topics to discuss here, applicants should consider the balance of subjects they have covered across their other essays and choose a topic that provides new insight into their overall candidacy. For example, if the majority of content in your other essays is focused on your professional life and accomplishments, this would be an opportunity to showcase and highlight your extracurricular passions or interests. It also invites something interesting about your background or unusual international experience. You may also consider what matters most to you or what feels like defines you as you decide what may be missing from the other application materials.

Clear Admit Resources

Thanks for reading our analysis of this year’s USC / Marshall School of Business MBA essay tips. As you work on your Marshall MBA essays and application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s Marshall offerings:

• USC / Marshall Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
• Clear Admit LiveWire : admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to USC / Marshall
• Clear Admit DecisionWire : school selections in real-time by admits to USC / Marshall

MBA Applywire

Applying deferred MBA

I plan on applying to a deferred enrollment program at Columbia, Darden, etc. I have not taken GMAT yet, but target score is 705 Held 2 internships at large pharma companies (Novartis, Novo Nordisk). Led group of interns to solve a real world problem Novo Nordisk faced in marketing, the team won second place. I come from a stem background, degree in cell biology. At university, I won a competition for best business development pitch. Currently in the process of developing/starting this company, but don't expect it to be officially started anytime soon.

In addition to my professional roles, I am also a published writer. I have authored several articles focusing on business analysis and project management practices.

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Graduate school statement of purpose/personal statement.

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A Statement of Purpose (or personal statement) is an essay that provides you with the opportunity to express qualities about yourself that is not apparent in the rest of your application. You should dedicate quality time to choosing a topic that is compelling and will draw the reader’s attention. 

Please u nderstand that graduate schools admissions committees are not looking for your whole life story in the Statement of Purpose .  They are looking for cues that indicate you will make great student and practitioner.

Make sure to read and fully understand each school’s Statement of Purpose requirement and follow each school’s formatting guidelines exactly.  You want to speak directly to what each school is looking for in a successful candidate. 

Please do not plan on using the same exact personal statement for each school – this approach will not benefit you in the long run.  

Writing an outline of what you would like to share in your  statement is an efficient way to ensure you are meeting all the points you want to in your statement.

• Take a step back and reflect on your life’s challenges and how these contribute to where you are today in your life.
• Explore what led to your decision to pursue an advanced degree
• Articulate how the degree will help you achieve individual or professional goals .  Reflect on why are you prepared for, passionate about, and a fit for this program/field.
• What specifically do you like about this program ? What are your future career interests/goals? How will this program help you attain your goals?

NOTE: Resist the temptation of mention your GPA or test scores – you are much more than your grades and test scores! Admissions reps can access that information elsewhere- spend the space in your Statement of Purpose sharing deeper insights regarding your personal characteristics and perspectives.

For tips on what makes a great Statement of Purpose, please review this handout and use it as a checklist to self-critique your writing.

• Start writing without worrying about page length .  You can edit down later in future drafts- it is important to get your ideas out on paper
• Be clear and vibrant
• Tailor your statement to each school’s audience
• Do not reiterate information found in other areas of your application
• Follow the graduate school’s format and page requirement(usually a 2-page max)
• Edit down.  Omit or edit content to make your statement succinct

Having a number of different people read your statement and provide constructive feedback is critical.  We suggest asking people who know you well review your statement and share their insights regarding how you portrayed yourself in relation to the graduate program you are applying to.  Ask them if they have a clear sense of why you would be a great student for the program you are applying to, ask if they see any gaps in what you shared, what could be be developed a little more, etc.

For extra writing support, the USC Writing Center is available: Taper Hall 216, 213-740-3691. 

After personally proofreading for grammar and content using the Statement of Purpose guidelines handout as a checklist, feel free to submit the final draft  for review.  The graduate school advising team will return the draft to you within 5 days with constructive feedback

USC Career Pathways General Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose Guidelines handout

Writing support for usc students: usc writing center, tips and examples through thegradcafe.com, tips and examples through gradschools.com, final personal statement/statement of purpose draft review.

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September 8, 2022

USC Marshall MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2022 – 2023]

Along with academic excellence, the USC Marshall MBA program is characterized by a powerful global network with special emphasis on the Pacific Rim, a close-knit and passionate community, and a strong regional presence. Your essays should show how you will both fit in and contribute to this dynamic environment, and the questions provide interesting opportunities to do so. Taken together, the questions indicate that the adcom wants to see both a clear, practical career focus and to understand the person behind those goals – that means they care about your perspective, your values, and your ability to synthesize and prioritize.

USC Marshall 2022-2023 MBA application essays

Marshall mba essay question #1.

What is your specific, immediate short-term career goal upon completion of your MBA? Please include an intended position, function, and industry in your response. (100 word maximum)

The question specifies the information to include in the essay. Although only 100 words, it is deemed an “essay” by the adcom, and that means you should do more than provide facts. An essay moves – it goes somewhere, it has a starting point and ending point. And you will have room for a little more than the bare facts, so compose your answer in a way that includes some motivation or vision for your short-term career goal; clarify what animates it. It may be just a sentence, even a phrase, but it can make all the difference. It will make this short piece of writing an essay – and will engage the reader.

Marshall MBA essay question #2

Please draft a letter that begins with “Dear Admissions Committee” (word limit: 600) . This letter is meant to be your personal statement that provides the Admissions Committee with an understanding of your candidacy for Marshall beyond what is evident in other parts of your application. This essay is purposely open-ended. You are free to express yourself in whatever way you see fit. Our goal is to have an appreciation for and an understanding of each candidate in ways that are not captured by test scores, grades, and resumes.

This essay question invites you to reveal and share something of yourself – and in doing so, you will necessarily reveal your perspective, what you value. After all, in deciding what to discuss and how to present it , you already, literally, are making a statement about these things!

As the question indicates, there is no one formula for making this essay great. The good news is, there are many ways to do so – as many ways potentially as there are applicants.

First, consider making most of the essay about non-work subjects – it’s a “personal statement.” There well may be work-related aspects that warrant discussing, but it should not be about the work issues as much as what they show about you as a person. And it’s fine not to discuss work at all if you’ve got other good things to talk about!

Possible topics to consider are formative experiences, cultural influences, interests and passions (community, religious, sports, artistic, hobbies, political….), etc. I’ve seen essays of this type work that discuss two or three things, or even just one – but more than three and you risk creating a “too much stuff” blur. Be thoughtful and selective and, to a certain extent, strategic – by this last point I mean show the adcom new, relevant, and interesting aspects of you; I don’t mean trying too hard to impress the adcom by striving for topics that are superficially dramatic or exotic. Have the confidence to dig into your real life even if it may seem mundane – I recently edited a great basketball essay that vividly portrayed the applicant’s deep insight, humanity, individuality, and resourcefulness. I have no doubt the adcom that reads it will be moved and unable to put it down. That leads to my last point: don’t just relate facts; have something to say about them – show a point of view, vision, insight.

Marshall MBA essay question #3

Please provide any additional information you would like the admissions committee to consider. (250 word maximum)

This question allows you to both discuss points that will enhance your application and explain anything that needs explaining (e.g., gap in employment, choice of recommender, a dip in grades ). For the former, if you ask the adcom to read additional material, make sure that it truly illuminates and is germane to your candidacy – since you have the personal statement to work with, do not present material that could more appropriately be addressed there.

For expert guidance with your USC Marshall MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages , which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to top MBA programs and look forward to helping you too!

USC Marshall 2022-2023 MBA application deadlines

*Applications received after April 15, 2023 will be considered on a space-available basis.

Source: USC Marshall website

Related Resources:

• Why MBA , a free guide
• Life at USC Marshall as a Future Investment Banker , an MBA student interview
• USC Marshall’s Kellee Scott: Don’t Be Rigid, Boring or Tedious! a podcast episode

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How to Write a Stand-Out Personal Statement for Your Graduate School Application

While deciding to embark on the path to graduate school is an exciting first step toward advancing your career, the application process can sometimes feel daunting and confusing.

One major part of the application that most schools require is a personal statement. Writing a personal statement can be an arduous task: After all, most people don’t necessarily enjoy writing about themselves, let alone at length.

A compelling personal statement, however, can help bring your application to the top of the admissions pile. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about crafting a personal statement to make your application shine.

What Is a Personal Statement?

The point of a personal statement is for the admissions board to gain a deeper understanding of who you are apart from your education and work experience. It explains why you’re the right fit for the program and a worthwhile applicant. It’s also an opportunity to highlight important factors that may not be readily available in the rest of your application.

A personal statement is different from a statement of purpose (if you’re asked for that as well). A statement of purpose will touch on your academic and career goals, as well as your past credentials. While those should also be discussed in your personal statement, it’s more about your life experiences and how they’ve shaped you and your journey to graduate school.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing a Personal Statement

Before you start crafting your essay, there are a few prompts you can ask yourself to help clarify what you want to accomplish.

• What are the key points you want to communicate about yourself?
• What personal characteristics or skills do you have that make you a strong candidate for this field?
• What exactly are your career goals, and how does graduate school play into them?
• What have you learned about this field already? When did you first choose to follow this path, and what do you enjoy about it?
• What do you think is important for the admissions board to know specifically about you?
• Are there any discrepancies or causes for concern in your application you need to address? For example, is there a career and schooling gap, or a low GPA at one point? This is the time to discuss whether a personal hardship may have affected your academics or career.
• Have you dealt with any unusual obstacles or difficulties in your life? How have they affected and shaped you?
• What sets you apart and makes you unique from other graduate school applicants?
• What factors in your life have brought you to where you are today?

Top Tips for Writing a Graduate School Personal Statement

Pick a few points to emphasize about yourself . Introduce yourself to the admissions board. Select key factors about your background that you want the university to know — elements that reveal what kind of person you are and demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate for the school and field of study.

Be very specific . Again, a personal statement is all about communicating what distinguishes you from other applicants. To accomplish that, you need to share specific anecdotes that underscore your statements. If you say you’re a strong leader, present an example of a time you’ve proven that skill through work, school or your personal life. These specific, personal stories provide a deeper understanding of who you are and prove your intentions.

Do your research . Demonstrate what attracted you to the program. If there is a specific faculty member or class that caught your attention, or another aspect of the program that greatly interests you, convey it. This shows you’ve truly researched the school and have a passion for the program.

“Whatever the topic may be, I would recommend writing in a manner that reflects or parallels the institution’s and/or department’s missions, goals and values,” said Moises Cortés, a graduate/international credentials analyst for the Office of Graduate Admission at USC .

Address any gaps or discrepancies . Explain any factors that may have impacted your academic career. If you had an illness or any other personal hardships that affected your grades or work, discuss them. If there is a discrepancy between your grades and your test scores, you can also take the time to go over any extenuating circumstances.

Strike the right tone . While it’s important to give readers a glimpse of your personality, avoid oversharing or revealing intimate details of your life experiences. You should also avoid making jokes or using humorous cliches. Maintain a professional tone throughout your writing.

Start strong and finish strong . As with any piece of writing, you want to draw in your readers immediately. Make sure to start off with an interesting and captivating introduction. Similarly, your conclusion should be a well-written, engaging finish to the essay that highlights any important points.

“ For a personal statement, I think the first and last paragraphs are most important and should always relate the program they are applying to their own experiences and ideas,” Hoon H. Kang, a graduate/international credential analyst with the Office of Graduate Admission, told USC Online.

Proofread, proofread and proofread again . We can’t emphasize enough the importance of rereading your work. Your personal statement is also an analysis of your writing skills, so ensure you have proper grammar and spelling throughout. In addition, we recommend having multiple people look over your statement before submission. They can help with the proofreading (a second person always catches a mistake the writer may miss), give advice about the statement’s structure and content, and confirm it’s the proper recommended length.

Once you’ve considered all of the above and reviewed and edited your personal statement to perfection, it’s time to submit and check off any remaining application requirements, including your resume and letters of recommendation .

Personal statements are arguably one of the most challenging aspects of applying to graduate school, so make sure to revel in this accomplishment and acknowledge your successes.

For more information, visit the  Office of Graduate Admission at USC  and explore  USC Online ’s master’s degrees, doctoral programs and graduate certificates.

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2024-2025 USC Marshall MBA Essay Tips and Analysis

Admit expert.

• August 31, 2024

The USC Marshall MBA program is known for its emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and global leadership. For the 2025 admissions cycle, applicants are tasked with presenting their career goals and personal qualities through a series of essay prompts. These prompts offer candidates the chance to demonstrate their unique perspectives, professional aspirations, and readiness for the Marshall community. This article provides a detailed analysis, strategic tips, and a winning framework for approaching each of the USC Marshall MBA essay prompts, helping you craft a compelling and memorable application.

USC Marshall MBA Essay Prompts

• Essay #1 (Required)  – What is your specific, immediate short-term career goal upon completion of your MBA? Please include an intended position, function, and industry in your response. (word limit: 100)
• Essay #2 (Required)  – Please draft a letter that begins with “Dear Admissions Committee” This letter is meant to be your personal statement that provides the Admissions Committee with an understanding of your candidacy for Marshall beyond what is evident in other parts of your application. This essay is purposely open-ended. You are free to express yourself in whatever way you see fit. Our goal is to have an appreciation for and an understanding of each candidate in ways that are not captured by test scores, grades, and resumes. (word limit: 600)
• Essay #3 (Optional)  Please provide any additional information you would like the admissions committee to consider. (word limit: 250)

Essay #1: Career Goals

What is your specific, immediate short-term career goal upon completion of your MBA? Please include an intended position, function, and industry in your response. (word limit: 100)

What admissions committee seeks

The first essay prompt asks, “What is your specific, immediate short-term career goal upon completion of your MBA? Please include an intended position, function, and industry in your response.” This prompt is designed to gauge your clarity of purpose and alignment with the Marshall MBA program’s objectives. The admissions committee is looking for:

• Specificity : They want to see a clear and concise articulation of your career aspirations, including the exact position, function, and industry you aim to enter post-MBA.
• Realism : Your goals should be achievable and reflect a logical progression from your previous experiences to your future ambitions.
• Alignment with the MBA program : The committee seeks to understand how the USC Marshall MBA will help you achieve these goals, indicating that you have thought critically about your decision to pursue this degree.

How to write this essay

To effectively craft your response, consider the following steps:

• Be concise : With a strict word limit of 100 words, every word counts. Focus on the essentials of your career goal without unnecessary elaboration.
• Use clear language : Avoid jargon and complex terminology. Instead, use straightforward language that clearly communicates your intended career path.
• Connect your past and future : Briefly mention how your previous experiences have shaped your career aspirations and how the MBA will facilitate your transition into the desired role.
• Revise for clarity : After drafting, ensure that your response is free of ambiguity and directly answers the prompt.

Essay #2: Personal Statement

Please draft a letter that begins with “Dear Admissions Committee” This letter is meant to be your personal statement that provides the Admissions Committee with an understanding of your candidacy for Marshall beyond what is evident in other parts of your application. This essay is purposely open-ended. You are free to express yourself in whatever way you see fit. Our goal is to have an appreciation for and an understanding of each candidate in ways that are not captured by test scores, grades, and resumes. (word limit: 600)

The second prompt invites you to draft a letter beginning with “Dear Admissions Committee.” This personal statement allows you to showcase aspects of your candidacy that are not evident in other parts of your application. The admissions committee is looking for:

• Authenticity : They want to understand who you are beyond your academic and professional achievements. This is your chance to share personal stories, values, and motivations.
• Depth of character : The committee seeks insights into your personality, interests, and how you will contribute to the USC Marshall community.
• Cultural fit : They are interested in how well you understand and align with the values and culture of USC Marshall, including your potential contributions to the Trojan Family.

When drafting your personal statement, consider the following guidelines:

• Start with a strong opening : Engage the reader from the beginning. A compelling anecdote or a thought-provoking statement can set the tone for your letter.
• Be reflective : Use this opportunity to discuss significant experiences that have shaped your perspective and aspirations. Consider including challenges you’ve overcome or unique aspects of your background.
• Connect your narrative to USC Marshall : Highlight specific aspects of the Marshall program that resonate with you. Mention any faculty members, clubs, or initiatives that align with your interests and goals.
• Maintain a conversational tone : While this is a formal letter, it should feel personal and relatable. Avoid overly complex language and focus on conveying your genuine voice.
• Edit and proofread : Given the 600-word limit, ensure you remain focused and concise. Edit for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.

Essay #3: Additional Information

Please provide any additional information you would like the admissions committee to consider. (word limit: 250)

The optional essay prompt asks, “Please provide any additional information you would like the admissions committee to consider.” This essay is an opportunity for you to address any gaps in your application or share relevant information that may enhance your candidacy. The committee is looking for:

• Contextual information : If there are any aspects of your application that require clarification (e.g., gaps in employment, lower grades), this is the place to explain them.
• Additional accomplishments or experiences : If you have noteworthy achievements or experiences that were not covered in other parts of your application, this is your chance to highlight them.

To effectively utilize this optional essay, consider the following:

• Be purposeful : Only include information that adds value to your application. Avoid repeating what is already covered in your resume or other essays.
• Stay within the word limit : With a limit of 250 words, be succinct and focused. Clearly articulate your points without unnecessary elaboration.
• Maintain a positive tone : If addressing challenges, frame them in a way that emphasizes your growth and resilience.
• Conclude with a strong statement : End your essay on a positive note, reinforcing your enthusiasm for the USC Marshall MBA and your readiness to contribute to the program.

Final Thoughts

Crafting strong USC Marshall MBA essays is key to presenting a well-rounded and impactful application. By clearly articulating your short-term career goals and using the open-ended personal statement to reveal your personality, values, and motivations, you can create a powerful narrative that resonates with the admissions committee. Thoughtful, authentic responses will not only showcase your fit for the program but also highlight your potential as a future business leader. With careful preparation and strategic focus, you can submit essays that stand out and strengthen your candidacy.

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USC Marshall MBA Essays: Tips for 2024-2025

At Menlo Coaching, we noticed that most MBA essays will fall into one of a number of categories: personal essays, career goals essays, behavioral essays, etc. Read ahead for our expert guide on approaching these essays for USC Marshall School of Business.

Career Goals Essay

• Essay #1 (Required) – What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from USC Marshall help you achieve those goals? Short-term career goals should be those you want to achieve within 3-5 years post-MBA, whereas long-term goals may span a decade or more and encompass broader professional aspirations. (Upload file, 400 words maximum)

Teamwork Essay

• Essay #2 (Required) – In the USC Marshall MBA Program, teamwork is essential to success. Please share an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a personal or professional goal. (Upload file, 400 words maximum)

Optional Essay

• Essay #3 (Optional) – We realize that each person is more than a list of facts or pre-defined categories, and we’d like to recognize each individual’s unique qualities and experiences. Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider when reviewing your candidacy for the MBA program. (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Applying to USC Marshall School of Business

USC Marshall is a prestigious business school with renowned faculty and a focus on academic success. USC wants to admit students who are intelligent, determined, and prepared to undertake a rigorous curriculum. Further, USC has a strong networking community especially in Los Angeles, known as the “Trojan family.” Thus, Marshall MBA graduates will have some aid in the community when trying to enter the job market. Applicants should pay attention to the specific requirements and expectations set out by USC’s admissions committee when writing USC MBA essays. Through these MBA essays, applicants have a chance to demonstrate their skills, accomplishments, and personal interests.

Marshall’s Career Goals Essay 

The USC Marshall career goals essay provides applicants with a place to let the USC admissions committee know how the MBA program you want to attend will help you achieve your professional goals, including an intended position, function, and industry. This USC MBA essay is a great place to explain why USC is truly the best fit for you. 

It is vital for USC applicants to have a solid plan for their post-MBA career aspirations. First and foremost, this is because USC wants its graduates to succeed. However, there are a few selfish motivations for the career goals essay, including the fact that USC wants to have an impressive employment report and produce graduates who will become donors someday. Further, the USC Marshall admissions committee wants to ensure that applicants have a career plan that plays on their past experiences and thus ensures success. They also want applicants with the foresight to develop an alternate career plan in case their first choice does not work out. 

Other things to keep in mind for this essay is the necessity to have a career goal that is both ambitious and practical. Applicants should have meaningful goals that fit with what is offered at USC’s MBA program. Along this vein, networking is extremely important when preparing to write your career goals essay. The more you know about the program and how it can help you achieve your personal goals, the better.

Once you’ve completed your application, the optional UNC MBA essay gives you an additional opportunity to provide the AdCom with any additional information or clarity that you feel would enhance your application.

One trap that MBA applicants fall into is using the additional space provided by this essay to write on a whole new topic. However, this is not always the best idea.

You should only make use of this essay if you what you write will provide context to an element of your application to improve your candidacy—you don’t want to jeopardize your chances by adding unnecessary noise to your application.

Applicants to USC Marshall should pay close attention to the specific expectations for each type of USC MBA essay. USC Marshall also has an additional USC MBA essay option where applicants can provide any other information they would like the admissions committee to consider. Although it may be tempting to look up sample essays and draw from these formats, it is most important to let your personal background guide the construction of your USC MBA essays.

Menlo Coaching can help you throughout your MBA essay writing process, offering one-on-one MBA application support and exclusive materials.

Related Articles

• USC Marshall MBA Program Overview
• MBA Essay Tips From 3 Top Admissions Consultants
• How to Get Into MBA Programs at Top Business Schools

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USC MBA Program: Everything You Need to Know to Apply

USC MBA Class Profile

I always advise students to look at the class profile for any MBA program they’re interested in. This recommendation certainly holds true for all of Magoosh’s Top 25 MBA programs , and the USC MBA program is no exception!

Why is the class profile important? Well, it tells you two things. First it tells you the academic achievement of students who are typically accepted. This helps you know what standards you should meet when you apply, answering questions such as “What GMAT score do I need for USC?” and “What GPA do you need for the USC MBA?” Second, it helps you understand what your learning environment will be like, by telling you the demographics of your classmates.

Below is a table that shows academic and demographic information for the USC MBA class of 2023. I’ve also included the USC MBA acceptance rate.

Class Profile: USC MBA Program, Class of 2023

In the table above, the acceptance rate info comes from U.S. News and World Report . The rest of the data above comes directly from the USC Marshall MBA program’s own class profile page . I’d strongly encourage you to check out that class profile page, because it includes a lot of interesting additional information, including the academic and professional backgrounds of accepted students. On that page, notice that both business backgrounds and science backgrounds are quite common for MBA candidates in the class of 2023!

How to Get Into the USC MBA Program: Admissions Requirements

USC’s application process for the MBA program includes a number of requirements and steps. But before we get to the application checklist, I want to share a wonderful piece of news: the USC Marshall School of Business DOES NOT CHARGE AN APPLICATION FEE for its MBA program ! This really is a breath of fresh air, and their reasoning really brought a smile to my face. On their application requirements page , USC Marshall says:

The Marshall Full-Time MBA Program does not require an application fee. Rather we prefer to consider any candidate who has a genuine interest in our program regardless of the ability to pay a fee.

Isn’t that wonderful? In additional good news, the USC Marshall MBA doesn’t require reference letters either! OK, on that note, let’s look at what you do need in order to apply to the USC Marshall MBA.

Register For and Complete an Online Application

You can sign up and start your online USC MBA program application here .

Academic Transcripts

You’ll need to submit transcripts that demonstrate you have completed a bachelor’s degree; you’ll also need to submit all transcripts from any past or present university study.

GRE or GMAT Scores (if applicable under USC MBA Program rules)

USC Marshall generally requires test scores form its applicants, but there are a number of exceptions. Current USC Medical students who are applying for the MBA as part of a dual degree MBA/MD program don’t need to submit test scores. Other students may apply for a test waiver. To ask for a waiver, you should argue that you have demonstrated your ability– especially math ability– through other forms of achievement. More details can be found in the “Test Waiver” section of the USC Marshall Admissions Frequently Asked Questions page .

Application Essays

There are two required essays when applying for a USC MBA. Essay themes can vary from year to year. Currently, the USC Marshall MBA admissions committee requires a statement of purpose that is limited to 100 words and a personal statement letter that may be as long as 600 words. A third optional essay, max 250 words, may be written to explain anything other information applicants feel the adcom should know. For more details, click to expand the “Essays” section of USC Marshall’s admissions requirements page .

A Professional Resume

USC recommends that your resume should be one page in length, but they don’t treat that limit as a hard and fast rule.

Proof of English Proficiency

Typically, the USC MBA program asks students for TOEFL or IELTS scores as proof of English language ability. However, students who have completed an undergraduate program where the courses were taught in English can submit their undergrad transcripts instead of taking an exam. If you think your undergraduate degree may qualify, contact USC admissions to double-check.

How Much Does an MBA Cost at USC?

This is not part of the applications checklist per se, but certainly, the ability to pay for USC is an important part of getting into the door and staying in the program. Like most higher-rated MBA programs ( US News and World Report puts USC Marshall in the top 20), tuition is relatively high compared to non-business grad school. Still, the USC MBA’s full-time tuition price tag of roughly $133k puts it within standard range for B-schools of its class. And they do offer scholarships. See the USC Marshall MBA’s Tuition and Fees page for details.

Remember though– the costs I linked above are specifically for the full-time MBA program. Costs can vary with the other MBAs USC offers. “What other MBAs?,” you may ask? Hold on to your B-school hats– we’re in for a wild ride through USC’s five different MBA options in the very next section.

USC MBA Program Overview

This section should answer a couple of common questions I get from students. First off, is the USC MBA competitive? Yes, but exactly how competitive it is– and what the exact standards are– varies depending on the program. Secondly, I’m sometimes asked “Does USC have a good MBA program?” It definitely does, but it also has, in fact, five good MBA programs! The USC Marshall school provides five distinct MBA options, each catering to different demographics.

1. Full-time USC MBA Program

Geared towards younger business professionals, the full-time MBA is a two-year program built upon a 5-term first-year core curriculum . Beyond this core, students have ample elective options to customize the program to their individual career goals. Elective categories include data science, marketing, entrepreneurship, business communication, and more. Accepted students have an average work experience of 5.25 years. With an average GMAT score of 716 and an average GPA of 3.57, the USC full-time MBA is fairly competitive.

2. Part-time MBA for Professionals and Managers

Like the full-time MBA, the part-time MBA is aimed towards younger professionals with 5 years of work experience. However, this 3-year program is intended for those looking to maintain a full-time job throughout their MBA pursuits. First year classes are available at either the main USC campus in Los Angeles, or the Orange County Center in Irvine. However, students must complete second and third year courses at the L.A. campus. Per the class profile page for this USC MBA program, the average GMAT score (636) and average GPA (3.3) are a bit more attainable than the average standards for successful full-time applicants.

3. Online MBA

USC’s online MBA offers students a great deal of scheduling flexibility. Following the recommended schedule will allow completion of the program in five semesters. Although students have ample opportunity to set their own schedules, the online MBA still requires a hefty 20-30 hours of schoolwork per week. According to the program FAQ , the average GMAT score is 630 and the average GPA is 3.2. Compared with the “in-person” MBAs, online MBA students tend to have slightly more work experience, averaging 8 years.

4. Executive MBA (EMBA)

The EMBA is a two-year program focused on experienced senior professionals. The average student is 37 years old and boasts 14 years of work experience. Students are expected to maintain full-time jobs throughout the duration of their studies, and coursework will often mesh with the students’ own professional undertakings. Courses are available at either the USC L.A. campus, or the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA (San Diego area). Classes themselves meet every other Friday and Saturday for 7.5 hours. GMAT scores are optional, but score submission is encouraged if an eligible test is on file. Ultimately though, experience is stressed over test scores where admissions are concerned. The average student age is 29 (compared to 29 for the full and part-time MBAs), and successful applicants have an average of 15 years of work experience (source: USC EMBA class profile page ).

5. International Business Education and Research MBA (IBEAR MBA)

Finally, the IBEAR is a one-year accelerated program geared towards mid-career professionals and designed to aggressively recruit students from around the globe. Enrolled students will complete 56 units of coursework over six terms. There is also an option for an IBEAR degree with STEM emphasis. For details on these options, see the main curriculum page and the page for the STEM option .

The class profile page indicates that IBEAR students have an average GMAT score of 630, and typically possess 10 years of work experience. Because GPA systems vary so much from country to country, GPA is not a key admissions criteria for IBEAR. Ultimately, a small but diverse class size of 56 students from dozens of different countries ensures an intimate and cultured cohort.

Does USC have a good MBA program?

If you’ve read this far, you may already have ideas about many of the things that make USC’s MBA fairly good. But there are a few other unique aspects of the program to consider.

Alumni networking and support is certainly an important factor. USC takes their commitment to the network of Alumni and current students– what they call the Trojan Network — very seriously. And you can read even more about their alumni resources here .

Secondly, USC recruits and supports people with STEM interests and ambitions to an impressive degree. Arguably, they are on par with MIT’s MBA program in that respect. I’ve already mentioned IBEAR’s recently-added MIT emphasis. It’s worth mentioning that the regular full-time MBA at USC also has a well-established optional STEM emphasis .

Of course, return on investment is also a consideration. And USC provides a lot of info to help you investigate that aspect of your decision. Be sure to check out Marshall’s employment outcomes page , which includes detailed reports on earnings and job placements for the last seven years of graduating cohorts.

The post USC MBA Program: Everything You Need to Know to Apply appeared first on Magoosh Blog — GMAT® Exam .

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USC Marshall Application Essays for 2024-2025

Are you targeting the USC Marshall School of Business this year? The application for the full-time MBA program is now live, and the deadlines are here . Meanwhile, the USC Marshall application essays remain unchanged for the 2024-2025 admissions season.

Essay #1 (Required)

What is your specific, immediate short-term career goal upon completion of your MBA? Please include an intended position, function, and industry in your response. (word limit: 100)

Essay #2 (Required)

Please draft a letter that begins with “Dear Admissions Committee” (word limit: 600)

This letter is meant to be your personal statement that provides the Admissions Committee with an understanding of your candidacy for Marshall beyond what is evident in other parts of your application. This essay is purposely open-ended. You are free to express yourself in whatever way you see fit. Our goal is to have an appreciation for and an understanding of each candidate in ways that are not captured by test scores, grades, and resumes.

Essay #3 (Optional)

Please provide any additional information you would like the admissions committee to consider. (word limit: 250)

For more information on applying, please visit the USC Marshall  admissions site .  If you need guidance on your USC Marshall application essays, or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis  of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School Kellogg MBA

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School MBA, the Wharton School

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

Admissions Officer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Asst Director MBA Admissions at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Director MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Minority Admissions, the GSB Diversity Programs, the GSB

Associate Director MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute

Director, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Professional Writer

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) NYU Admissions

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) M.S.Ed, Higher Education, U of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS)

Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

If you have an interview coming up, you will want to review SBC’s interview prep services . The key to interview success is practice and we provide you with all the tools you need to do just that.

• Leverage our video platform to practice, view yourself and improve
• Work with our experts for live rehearsal and feedback
• Download a guide for lists of practice questions, tips on how to prep and overviews of interview formats
• Experience a real group interview before your big day

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The USC Marshall Interview – What to Expect + Sample Questions

Oct 27, 2023

How the USC Marshall interview works 

Who is marshall looking for, how can you prepare for your interview, what to do if you get a question you haven’t prepared an answer for, make sure you get into usc marshall.

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on January 29, 2020. It has been updated with 2023/24 information and tips below. 

For an increasing number of students worldwide, USC’s Marshall School of Business is at the top of their business school target list. With the school’s small class size, strong connections to Asia, and unique 1-year IBEAR program, Marshall offers a truly unique MBA experience. 

However, with impressive recruiting statistics and a relentless focus on networking among members of the Trojan Family, competition to join Marshall’s MBA is more difficult than ever. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Marshall admissions interview to stand out. We’ve rounded up not only our best tips but have also included sample interview mocks to ensure you give your Marshall interview your best shot. 

Making sure you shine during your Marshall interview is no easy task. 

Marshall interviews, conducted by the admissions committee or second-year students, tend to focus on your overall career progression, future plans, and reasons for wanting to attend Marshall. During the interview, the interviewer is also trying to gauge how solid your motivations for wanting to pursue an MBA are and how interested you seem in the Marshall program.

Interviewers often ask many standard MBA interview questions. You can also expect numerous follow-up questions. 

Our clients who have interviewed with Marshall in the past say that the interviewer was very friendly and demonstrated a genuine interest in their answers . Though questions do tend to focus on standard MBA interview questions, be ready for anything. 

Who will interview you?

You will interview with a member of Marshall’s admissions committee or a current MBA student. 

Will the interviewer have read my application?

No. The Marshall interview is blind, meaning your interviewer will not have had access to your essays, GMAT/GRE scores, university grades, or letters of recommendation. As such, if you want to repeat some of the stories you used in your application, you can do so. 

How long will the Marshall interview last?

The Marshall interview usually lasts exactly 30 minutes, however, some client reports have indicated that the interview lasted for nearly 45 minutes. 

(Photo courtesy of USC Marshall)

“Every candidate has strengths and weaknesses, just as each candidate has the capacity to learn and to teach. What matters most to us is our learning community and how, through collaboration, we grow and learn together to collectively strengthen the Trojan Family.” Evan Bouffides, Assistant Dean and Director of MBA Admissions, USC Marshall

Every year, USC Marshall literally searches the globe (more than 31 countries are represented) for outstanding professionals given the honor of joining its annual class of around 200 students. There is no “typical” Marshall student, yet the typical admitted student for the Class of 2024 had an average GMAT score of 722 (up from 716 for the Class of 2023), 5.5 years of work experience, and 29 years of age. 

Beyond the impressive statistics, though, Marshall is looking for candidates who want to make a positive impact on the world through their careers. That’s why, in addition to strong academic performance (demonstrated through the GMAT and university grades), Marshall seeks candidates who are truly collaborative (the Trojan Family is truly a family at USC), globally minded (the school places a special focus on the pacific rim), and entrepreneurially minded. 

USC is also keenly focused on diversity , with 35% of the class made up of students identifying as women, 41% international students, 20% from underrepresented populations, and 9% LGBTQ+ students.

Though no interview is 100% predictable, Marshall interviews do tend to center around a fairly standard list of MBA interview questions. As such, we have prepared some model questions below that previous candidates have received in their past Marshall interviews. 

SAMPLE MARSHALL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

The questions below are drawn from our clients’ interview reports, as well as from sites like clearadmit.com . Though these are not all the potential questions you could possibly receive during your Marshall interview, preparing for these (and any follow-up questions you think you might be asked) should give you a very solid foundation for your interview. 

STARTING UP QUESTIONS

• Tell me about yourself. (Expect follow-up questions)
• Why did you choose your university? Your specific major/area of focus?
• What are you proudest of in your career thus far?
• What do you like to do for fun?
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
• Name three firms you would like to work at after your MBA.
• Why do you want an MBA?
• Why Marshall?
• Which school will you attend if you are admitted into all of these programs?
• What will you contribute to Marshall?
• Have you visited campus? Spoken with alumni?

LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK

• Tell me about a time when you didn’t get along with your team. What did you do?
• Tell me about one instance when you disagreed with your boss and how you handled the situation
• What is the biggest misconception your team has about you as a person?
• What are three adjectives you would use to describe your leadership style?

MISCELLANEOUS BEHAVIORAL

• Tell me an example of when things didn’t work out as you planned. 
• Tell me about the greatest obstacle you have faced and how you handled it.
• How would your friends describe you?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Summarize yourself in a single sentence. 
• Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
• Is there anything you wished I had asked you?
• Questions for me?

We have found that answering real interview questions on the spot is a much better means of preparation than reading lists of interview questions for most candidates.

We highly suggest you take a look at mock interview questions and sample interview responses before your interview . 

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of real interview mocks from Marshall, as well as detailed guides to help you prepare for questions ranging from “Why our MBA program?” to “Tell us about a time you failed.”

The Ellin Lolis Consulting MBA Resource Center is your one-stop shop for interview success. Click to join !

If you’re still not quite confident with your interview skills, our interview experts can help you craft your answers or prepare you for the USC Marshall interview through mock interviews tailored to your profile.

Despite your most diligent preparation, you will almost always receive a question you had not prepared. 

First, stay calm and take a deep breath . You have already made it this far in the process, and one question will not trip you up!

Second, make sure you directly answer the question the interviewer asked you. For example, if the interviewer asks you about a time you had to deal with a difficult manager, make sure to tell a story about a difficult manager and how you handled the situation. 

If you’re having trouble thinking of an answer or an example to support your answer , however, take a drink of water to give yourself a few more minutes to think. If you really can’t think of an example from your personal or professional experience, you can use a hypothetical answer about how you would act in a certain situation. 

Finally, assume that the interviewer is testing how you think on your feet and respond to questions you didn’t prepare in advance. Though your answer might not be as polished as if you’d had weeks to rehearse it, smile and confidently respond to show you can handle any question they throw at you. 

One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA interviews is that candidates fail to tell compelling, well-constructed stories about their profiles while also nailing the basics. 

Striking this balance between sharing STAR-format examples that show off your background while also presenting strong answers to questions like “Why do you want an MBA?” is a challenging task that requires significant thought and preparation. 

Because of this, it’s no surprise that, on average, 50% of interviewed applicants walk away without an offer .   

This is why our interview preparation process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting is known as the best in the industry. We offer customized 1:1 support that ensures you’re able to turn your application’s strengths into compelling answers that show fit and sell your profile in any type of interview. That’s why 98.9% of our complete consulting clients get into at least one of their target schools. 

That’s the approach we took this year with our client Rafael, who received a full scholarship from Marshall! 

Forget simulation platforms or long lists of tips – our 1:1 preparation focuses on playing to your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses to turn you into an interview expert . Hire our interview services here. VIP packages that allow you to work directly with Ellin sell out quickly, so make sure you sign up today !

Real MBA Essays That Got People In

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3 USC Essay Examples By Accepted Students

The University of Southern California is a selective private school in Los Angeles. Its film school is consistently ranked the top in the country, though its other academic programs are incredibly strong as well.

USC requires applicants to fill out a variety of prompts, some in the form of essays and others as short-answer questions. In this post, we’ll go over three essays that helped real students gain acceptance to USC and explain what each essay did well and where it could be improved. 

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our USC essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

(Also, CollegeVine has a ton of other resources for your USC application. Want to learn what USC will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering USC needs to know. ) 

Essay Example #1 – 10 Minutes to Change the World

At what point does injustice become background noise?

Bloodied black bodies can be “liked” on Instagram. Gunshots in classrooms are easily reposted via Tiktok. My generation’s digital environment is so overwhelming we’re desensitized. Given the numbing nature of dark humor, youth prefer it over justice. Rape culture is palatable once it’s a punchline. Laughter is more socially acceptable than tears. 

A recent documentary about Jeffery Dahmer (which his victim’s family members did not consent to) has led to several callous jokes about his horrifying devastation of the Black gay community. Tiktok now hosts several trends concerning Dahmer, all spearheaded by Generation Z youth.

Humor is a valid coping mechanism, but it’s now a crutch for a generation that needs to start walking on its own. 

Why is shock humor desired today? Dark humor was how I grappled with my internalized racism, partly triggered by enduring racial slurs at school. However, the hilarity fizzled out once I realized how counterproductive it was. Now, rather than reposting footage of global tragedies or joking about them, I promote new bills, pro-cause literature, and nonprofits, celebrating the proactivity of our nation.

To begin my conversation, I would address my own desensitization, urging my audience to examine theirs as well. Through my talk, I want individuals to undergo a transformative examination of social media consumption and the role of humor in the face of tragedy. Hopefully, my talk leads them to consider how they can work to alleviate social issues, rather than laughing at them.

What the Essay Did Well

This prompt is incredibly open, which can be both a blessing and a curse: you can write about anything you want, but with that much freedom, will you be able to focus on something specific? For this student, the answer to that question is unquestionably yes, as they do a phenomenal job writing about a creative, nuanced topic, in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

The topic they choose is also personal, which is important. The purpose of any college essay is to teach your readers something about who you are, and if you write about a topic that you know a lot about, but aren’t emotionally invested in (like, say, the different kinds of screwdrivers you learned about while helping your dad with a summer project), your personality won’t shine through.

This student, however, focuses not on racism in general, which is far too broad a topic for an essay this short, but on the problematic ways Gen Z copes with racism. That unique perspective shows that the student both has strong critical thinking skills and can reflect on their own experiences. And to take things a step further, they are also willing to get vulnerable, and acknowledge their own role in perpetuating the very issue they are highlighting, with the section:

“Dark humor was how I grappled with my internalized racism, partly triggered by enduring racial slurs at school. However, the hilarity fizzled out once I realized how counterproductive it was. Now, rather than reposting footage of global tragedies or joking about them, I promote new bills, pro-cause literature, and nonprofits, celebrating the proactivity of our nation.”

In this part of the essay, the student shows a remarkable level of humility, and an ability to work on themselves. While getting vulnerable with a bunch of strangers thousands of miles away is not easy, this especially deep self-reflection is what takes this essay from good to great.

In addition to zooming in on their own character, the student also zooms out from their own experience, to arrive at thoughtful, compelling takeaways that assuredly would hold the attention of a million people. Lines such as “Humor is a valid coping mechanism, but it’s now a crutch for a generation that needs to start walking on its own” and “Given the numbing nature of dark humor, youth prefer it over justice. Rape culture is palatable once it’s a punchline. Laughter is more socially acceptable than tears” show that this student is not only personally invested in this issue, but ready to start taking steps towards solving it.

Lastly, this essay is incredibly well-written and easy to follow. The passionate yet conversational tone stays true to the goal of the prompt (start a conversation!), and because of the writer’s varied sentence structure, we never get bored or want to stop reading.

What Could Be Improved 

The main problem with this essay comes in its last paragraph: 

“To begin my conversation, I would address my own desensitization, urging my audience to examine theirs as well. Through my talk, I want individuals to undergo a transformative examination of social media consumption and the role of humor in the face of tragedy. Hopefully, my talk leads them to consider how they can work to alleviate social issues, rather than laughing at them.”

Unfortunately, this paragraph doesn’t tell us anything we don’t already know, which unfortunately means the student has essentially wasted 63 words in a 250 word essay. If you write a strong essay (which this student does), you do not need to wrap things up or connect your answer back to the prompt explicitly. Those things will just happen naturally.

Instead of this paraphrased, overly tidy conclusion, the student could have painted a picture of what their talk would look like. For example:

“Hopefully, I can inspire my audience to reflect on their own desensitization, as I did, by describing the time I retweeted ten Trump memes in an hour, and how that did absolutely nothing to help me feel better about the state of the country. Turning away from band-aid solutions and committing to sucking the poison out of the wound is challenging, but I hope that through my talk and conversations my listeners have with each other afterwards, more of us will feel ready to take on that challenge.”

This version doesn’t just summarize points the student has already made, but rather presents us with tangible ways (reflecting on their own low moments; conversations after their talk) they hope to continue fighting back against desensitization.

Essay Example #2 – The Power of Debate

Prompt:   What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you? (250 words)

“Chill. Out.”

Surely my classmates felt annoyed that I had transformed a simple English debate about the existence of the American Dream into a full-on tirade, hands revolving in furious circles, voice emphatically piercing throughout the room. But for me, the slightest mention of a debate, even a minor discussion on the best team in the NFL (Patriots!), unleashes my passionate, borderline bombastic self, determined to conquer the war of words.

Of course, when discussing the merits of pharmaceutical price controls at a debate tournament, my assertive speaking style and quick-thinking become valuable assets. But other times, I find those tendencies to hinder what would otherwise be productive, civilized conversations. Often, a simple discussion about the merits of pineapple on pizza would quickly devolve into a redundant, unproductive squabble. I have to constantly remind myself that not everything needs to be debated endlessly, no matter how much I vehemently disagree (Pineapple on pizza, however, is a TERRIBLE idea).

Yet it is this desire to seek truth and conclusion, to vouch for my beliefs, that drives me to my life endeavors. Whether it be interning at an immigration law firm and fighting for clients’ prosperity or volunteering for a local Board of Education candidate, I strive to focus my love for reasoning and dialogue into avenues that benefit those around me. Pointless debates lead nowhere, but insightful, genuine conversations are essential to addressing the key issues that affect our community. And honestly, pineapple on pizza doesn’t really matter that much anyway.

Not only does this essay start with a one-line paragraph, it starts with two sentence fragments. This is a great way to begin a college app essay, because let’s face it: admissions readers have to plow through hundreds of essays per day. They don’t want to pick apart drawn-out introductions. They want something that’s going to pique their interest, and “ Chill. Out. ” meets this requirement. It immediately creates a drive to read more: what is the conflict here? Who’s saying “chill out,” and why? 

Throughout this essay, the writer uses physical and powerful verbs to describe their passion for debating. If you went through the essay with red pen, you’d underline a lot of dynamic action: “ vehemently disagree ,”  “ drive ,” “ conquer the wa r,” “ voice piercing through the room .”  Words like these involve the reader physically in the action of debate in a way that drier words, like “respond” or “address” would not. As a result, the applicant comes across as enthusiastic and passionate.  And, as the icing on the cake, the violent words make the author’s personal growth – their stoic mastery over their passions – resonate as more truthful by the end of the essay. We can appreciate their calm, because we’ve experienced their storm. 

By far, the most important element of this essay is its focus on a personal transformation . This applicant could have relished in their success on debate team or the Board of Education, but they don’t – instead, they involve these occurrences in a narrative about their fatal flaw . 

Why is this attractive to an admissions reader? Well, because it demonstrates that the applicant is introspective and interested in improving themself in deeply personal ways. For example, it takes humility to insert yourself into the perspectives of others (“ surely my classmates felt annoyed ”). And it takes honesty to 1) identify a problem with yourself and 2) correct your behavior (“ I have to constantly remind myself that not everything needs to be debated ”). 

What Could Be Improved

There is honestly very little this student needs to do to strengthen this essay as it already is captivating, passionate, and illuminating. However, a word of caution is to make sure the mood of your essay matches your personality. This essay works because as far as we can tell from what this student tells us about themselves and the activities they engage in, they are outspoken, quick-thinking, and love to exchange ideas. These qualities all lend themselves to a fast-paced, dynamic essay. But if that isn’t you, don’t try and inject powerful language into your essay to have the same impact as this student. Make sure your essay reflects you and the story you are trying to tell.

Essay Example #3 – Admitting You Were Wrong

This essay covers the difficult topics of eating disorders and mental health. If you’re thinking about covering similar topics in your essay, we recommend reading our post Should You Talk About Mental Health in College Essays?

Prompt: USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point of view. Please discuss the significance of the experience and its effect on you. (250 words)

“You barely have lunch, and I’m worried that you’re not eating enough.”

My face burnt bright red. They know.

It was true, of course. Throughout sophomore year, my daily food intake slowly inched below 1,500 calories, barely enough to sustain a toddler. Six months in, my period halted its monthly cycle – hormonal amenorrhea. Tired, anxious, scared. Yet, nothing deterred the voice in my head from telling me that I would never be small enough.

With an already petite stature, my health was never questioned; people seldom criticized my diet or the amount of space I occupied in a room. Skinny was healthy, and I bought into that myth. Until I started to listen. I listened as my friend confronted me with her concerns. For the first time, I was exposed to a new definition of health detached from fear foods and aesthetics. Not immediately convinced but willing to change, her perspective encouraged me to do the research and reflect on my health subjectively. In the following week, dietetic research papers and videos filled my search history; the verdict was glaringly clear. I was wrong.

Today, I exercise for adrenaline. I eat for fuel. I recognize my worth beyond the number on the scale. Listening to a different perspective was all it took for me to unravel the flaws of my own, and that, as I currently eat the rest of the holiday toffee pretzels unabashedly, is something that I am forever thankful for.

This student opened up about a deeply personal topic in a that really allowed the reader to see the mental and physical effect her eating disorder had on her. We aren’t just told she had an eating disorder and when she was confronted by a friend it changed her perspective; we are shown  what she suffered through and what her original perspective was. 

Admitting to thoughts about the “ amount of space [she] occupied in a room ” and how “ Skinny was healthy”  demonstrates very clearly her mental stance on her body. That contrasts with her admission of her physical health: “ my daily food intake slowly inched below 1,500 calories, barely enough to sustain a toddler ” and “ my period halted its monthly cycle. ” Describing both the mental and physical aspects help us to understand the depth of the struggle she went through and how deeply engrained she was in her current way of thinking.

This essay has a triumphant ending that warms our heart for the student because she was able to find help and conquer her eating disorder. The last paragraph nicely reflects on the effect this new idea had on the student by showing us her new mental approach to food and her weight: “ Today, I exercise for adrenaline. I eat for fuel. I recognize my worth beyond the number on the scale. ” Finishing the essay with her giving thanks for eating “ holiday toffee pretzels unabashedly ” brings a light-hearted conclusion to a serious essay and leaves the reader with a smile on their face for how far this student has come. 

While the narrative this student tells is very good, it reads more like an “Overcoming Challenges” essay than a “New Beliefs” essay. This could be fixed with more attention to the encounter with her friend and her subsequent research on eating healthy.

We are simply told, “ I listened as my friend confronted me with her concerns, ” and that through that experience she was “ exposed to a new definition of health detached from fear foods and aesthetics. ” However, what we want to see is how this student grappled with the confrontation and what her mental and emotional response was to learning new information that contradicted her previous assumptions.

Like in the beginning, a quote from her friend would be a nice way to place the reader in the action. This student also provided us with a lot of introspection about her eating disorder, so the essay should pay the same amount of attention to her overcoming it. For example, she might write something like this:

“ ‘We are all concerned for you.’ The sad eyes of my friend roamed over my thinning body, and I heard my heart shatter. I wasn’t just hurting myself, I was causing all my friends and family to worry. ‘I think you’ll like this article.’ Turning her computer around, big bold letters ran across the screen: YOU ARE MORE THAN A NUMBER. I hesitated in the moment, terrified of letting go of the societal message to be skinny that had become my mantra. But as my sunken, tired eyes looked back at me in the mirror that night, I opened up the article and learned just how wrong I had been. ” 

Where to Get Your USC Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your USC essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

MS Marketing (MSMKT) Admissions

Application criteria.

• Completed Graduate Application ($155 application fee)
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Official GMAT or GRE score(s)
• International Students only: TOEFL or IELTS score(s) (if applicable)

Note: All required application materials including transcripts must be received by USC before the application deadline in order for an admission decision to be made. USC cannot guarantee an admission decision for applicants who have not met the published deadlines.

2024 USC Marshall Grad Programs Open House

Join us at our upcoming Open House to explore the exceptional MBA and MS programs available at USC Marshall, a nationally ranked top 20 business school. Whether you are an early-career professional or seasoned executive, we offer a broad range of flexible programs to fit your academic and career goals with options to pursue your degree on-campus in the heart of Los Angeles, or online.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Round 1 and 2: Priority Consideration for scholarships. 

International Applicants: We highly encourage you to apply for admission in Round 1 or 2, as we cannot guarantee an admission decision in Round 4 for international applicants due to visa and immigration matters.

• REQUEST INFO
• ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Test Scores

All applicants, regardless of academic history and work experience, must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score.

Official scores must be received before the deadline and sent directly to USC by the testing service in order to be reviewed.

Submitting Scores: Upload electronic copies of your GMAT or GRE scores with your application in addition to sending official scores to USC Marshall through the testing service (GMAC or ETS).

Code: GRE: 4852 (No department code is required). GMAT: scores are sent to Marshall MBA Full Time school code 389-9C-283

Your scores are considered valid only if earned within five years to the month of your intended first term at USC.

English-Language proficiency –TOEFL/IELTS (International Students) International graduate applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency by submitting TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores. Minimum Requirement: TOEFL: Total 100; each band 20 IELTS: Overall 7; each band 6 Exceptions: International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement only under the circumstances outlined here . Submitting Scores: To avoid delays in the processing of your application, please have your TOEFL or IELTS scores sent to USC Marshall when you pre-register for the examination. Upload electronic copies of your TOEFL or IELTS scores with your application in addition to sending official scores to USC Marshall through the testing service. Official scores must be received directly from the testing service and dated no earlier than 2 years (24 months) prior to the month in which you submit your application to USC. Do not enter the name and contact information of your specific intended graduate department. Code: TOEFL: 4852 (no department code is required) IELTS: choose “University of Southern California, Graduate Programs” from the list of available institutions on the day you sit for the exam

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are used as a gauge of your professional achievements and managerial potential. We prefer your letters of recommendation be provided by a professor or direct supervisor. This person should provide specific observations and examples of your leadership, teamwork, analytical skills and personal qualities.

Two letters of recommendation on official letterhead are required, preferably one academic and one professional.

Letters of recommendation can only be accepted through the application system.

For your application to be complete, your recommenders must submit their letter by the application deadline. All letters of recommendation must be on official letterhead with a signature, or they will not be accepted.

Tips for Success: When you enter your recommender’s information in the system, you must select the date by which you request the recommendation be completed. Be sure to select a date which is prior to the application deadline.

Request your recommendation letters as soon as you start the online application to allow sufficient time for your recommenders to submit them on your behalf. For more information on recommendations and troubleshooting, please visit the Application Portal Help Center .

Kira Interview

Qualified candidates will be invited to complete an online video interview assessment via Kira Talent. The MS in Marketing Program Office will be in contact with qualified applicants who make it to this round.

1. Personal Statement: (500 words maximum): Upload a one-page personal statement using the 'Personal Statement' button below. A personal statement is your opportunity to articulate how your passions and experience will contribute to the MS in Marketing Program and how this program is the logical next step in your career development.What is a skill or experience you don't possess now but hope to develop in graduate school? 

2. Essay: (800 words maximum): Provide an example of a recent marketing campaign you observed that inspired you to pursue a career in marketing and apply for the MS in Marketing Program at USC. Make sure your answer is detailed and includes all of the following. Please be as specific as possible.

Program Cost and Scholarship

Tuition Tuition is calculated per unit based on the unit price of the given academic year. Tuition is subject to increase each academic year. For detailed information on tuition and mandatory fees please visit: https://classes.usc.edu/term-20223/tuition-and-fees/. Please keep in mind this information relates only to the listed academic year.

The MS Marketing program is a 30-unit program of Business Graduate (500 level and above) Coursework. In addition, we ask students to budget for approximately $1,000 in additional university and program fees. Students are also responsible for housing, food, transportation and student health insurance costs. Admitted Students Deposit A nonrefundable $2,000 deposit secures the student's space in the class. Once enrolled, the $2000 deposit will be credited as payment to your tuition and fees. Please note, once you have paid your deposit, you will not be granted a refund. Payment of your deposit secures your seat in the program and is non-refundable.

Transcripts

Transcript requirements are set forth by the Office of Graduate Admission . Please view their website for details.

Transcript submission is a two-step process: 1.You must upload scanned copies of official transcripts from all institutions attended to the online application. These must be official transcripts printed on university letterhead. Print-outs from online student portals are not acceptable. 2. After you submit your application and receive your 10-digit USC ID number, you must submit the official transcripts by mail, courier, or electronic services from all colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions you have previously attended.

Official transcript: A transcript is considered official when it is received in the sealed envelope provided by the school, or when it is electronically transmitted (not emailed) from the institution. Even if it is mailed by the applicant, it can be considered official as long as the envelope has not been opened. Cover sheet: We recommend that you fill out the “College/University Transcript Cover Page” and send it to the registrar’s office of each post-secondary institution you have attended. Although it is not mandatory, including it along with your USC ID number will help match your transcripts to your file as quickly as possible. E-transcripts: USC accepts official electronic transcripts from all countries, provided that the transcript originates from a secure site formally linked to the sending institution. Please instruct the vendor to email the transcript to [email protected]. Do not send any other materials or correspondence to this email. Electronic transcripts e-mailed to any other address will not be downloaded, delaying review of your file and adding an extra expense because the transcript will need to be re-sent. Transcripts in original language of issuance: International students who have earned their degree outside the United States must check the country-specific requirements to determine if original-language copies of their academic records are needed. In such cases, a separate, word-for-word, English-language translation of all academic records must also be submitted. The translation should either be issued directly from the school itself or by a professional, certified translator. It must contain all information shown on the original-language documents and “mirror” them as precisely as possible. Dual-language transcripts are also acceptable. USC alumni or current students: USC degree holders do not need to submit USC transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admission. Please be sure to include your USC enrollment in the “Academic Background” section so that we may match your application to the academic records already on file. Credential evaluation: Please note that USC does not accept or recognize credential evaluation reports from outside agencies (e.g. WES, ECE, etc.) for the purposes of admission review. Mailing Instructions If sending your transcripts via regular mail, please use the following address: University of Southern California USC Office of Graduate Admission 3601 South Flower Street, Room 112 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915 If sending your transcripts via courier service, such as DHL or FedEx, please use the following address: University of Southern California USC Office of Graduate Admission and Financial Aid 3601 South Flower Street, Tyler 112 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915 Phone: (213) 740-1111

Application Fees

Nonrefundable application fee: $155

USC students/staff/alumni, US military veterans, and select other groups qualify for an application fee waiver. For Fee Waiver Categories and instructions on how to apply for a waiver, click here .

Online Application

Complete the online application and upload all required documents here . International applicants should also consult the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions website . When applying, we recommend using a personal email address that you will maintain access to for the foreseeable future rather than university or temporary accounts that you may lose access to. The program office is only able to communicate admissions decisions to the email address used at time of application.

Four-year Undergraduate Degree, or Equivalent

To be in the program the applicant must have earned the equivalent of a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree with a competitive GPA. Applicants in the process of finishing an undergraduate degree may apply, with acceptance contingent on finishing the undergraduate degree and ability to be physically present at the start of the program. Please see here for degree requirements by country.

International Students only: Financial documentation and Passport

Admission to USC is based on merit rather than ability to pay. The U.S. government, however, requires that all international applicants provide proof of adequate financial support for the first year of study and passport copies for you and any applicable dependents before a formal letter of admission and an I-20 (or DS-2019) can be issued. It is not necessary to submit financial documents or a copy of a valid passport for your application to be reviewed or for an admission decision to be rendered. However, during application ‘busy season’ from February to May, students should be aware that processing time for these documents can take up to 8 weeks. For this reason, we strongly suggest you submit financial receipt of the I-20 document for admitted and certified students. Please read carefully through USC Graduate Admission Guidelines for Financial Documentation , particularly the Financial Statement Expense Figures as well as the detailed guidelines for submitting proof of financial support.

International Applicants FAQ

The MS in Marketing program boasts a large enrollment of international students. We’ve developed the below to help answer some frequently asked questions. Admissions & Eligibility Who is considered an international applicant? All applicants that are not United States nationals, and will be entering, or have already entered, the United States with an F-1 or J-1 student visa, should apply as an international student. Applicants who already reside in the United States and hold other non-immigrant visas (for example, E2, H2 or L2) are also considered international applicants. Permanent residents of the United States, naturalized U.S. citizens, and U.S. citizens residing abroad and attending a university outside the United States are not considered international students. *For more information see here When is the application deadline for international students? The final deadline for international students may be a bit earlier than for U.S. citizens. This is to ensure time for visa processing. Review the Dates and Deadlines above for all updated deadlines. What is the language requirement? Review the Test Scores section for complete information. How do I know if I am exempt from language testing? International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement only under the circumstances outlined under “English-Language Test Waiver” here. What are the minimum scores for the TOEFL and IELTS? Review the Test Scores section for complete information. I have a 3-year Bachelor's degree, can I apply? Country specific requirements are listed here What are the transcript requirements for International Institutions? Students who have earned their degree outside the United States must check the country-specific requirements to determine if original-language copies of their academic records are needed.

Please also review the Transcript section and be sure to submit all required documents as part of your initial application via the online portal. Transcripts regularly take up to 8 weeks to process. Requests for transcripts missing from the original application submitted can add significant processing time. Does USC accept WES evaluated transcripts? USC does NOT accept WES evaluated transcripts. If admitted, you will be required to submit your bachelor’s degree information to IERF for degree verification. Detailed information is available at www.ierf.org/usc What is the required International Degree Verification process? Students who choose to attend USC should be aware that the USC Office of Degree Progress requires verification of international bachelor’s degrees from the International Education Research Foundation (IERF). Students complete this process after admission to the program. Detailed information about IERF services, including application forms, fees, and required documents are available at www.ierf.org/usc . Please contact Degree Progress [email protected], 213.740.7070 if you have any questions, or need more information regarding prior degree verification. Does USC provide answers to other Frequent Asked Questions about admissions for an International Student? The Graduate Admissions Office website is an amazing resource for international applicants and students to help address frequently asked questions and concerns. Visit their FAQ page for international students! What is USC’s Office of International Service (OIS)? USC's Office of International Services (OIS) is the primary resource for USC's international students. This office has the most updated information regarding visas, events specifically for international students, and employment. They also have great information on pre-arrival, arrival, and life in Los Angeles! All new students should sign up for their newsletter . Financing Your Degree For financial documentation, how much money do I need to have? The cost of attendance at USC changes from year to year. The amount required for financial documentation is the estimated cost of living and studying in Los Angeles for one year, not the cost of tuition for the entire program.

Please carefully review the International Students only: Financial documentation and Passport section for details. What if I need help paying for school? Are there scholarships? The USC Marshall School of Business offers a limited number of partial tuition scholarships for students. These awards are highly competitive and are determined at the time of admission. U.S. citizens and international students are eligible. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration. Please review our Program Cost and Scholarship section for more details. Many of our students pay for their degrees using savings or loans. For more information on financial aid that is specific to international students, please see USC's Financial Aid Website .

PROGRESSIVE DEGREE PROGRAM

Progressive MSMKT students complete 30-33 units and customize their degree by selecting either the Consumer Behavior or Marketing Analytics program. The Marketing Analytics program is a STEM-designated program. The MSMKT PDP program is open to both business and non-business majors. The MSMKT program starts in the Fall term and follows a sequential order. Therefore, students interested in an MSMKT PDP must apply to start in a fall term only.

Marshall undergraduate business majors may qualify to have up to 9 units of MSMKT graduate electives count toward their undergraduate Marshall Upper Division Elective (MUDE) units.

Program Eligibility 

Applicants to the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program must meet the following qualifications

• Have reviewed USC’s PDP requirements on the PDP website .
• Have completed at least 64 total units of undergraduate coursework, excluding AP/IB units earned prior to high school graduation.
• Have at least a 3.0 cumulative USC GPA at the time of application. Applicants should be aware that the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program is very competitive, and successful applicants generally have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Plan to begin the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program in the Fall 2025 term (no exceptions).
• Students in the Consumer Behavior program should be able to enroll in 10.5 units of MSMKT coursework in Fall 2025 and 3 units of MSMKT coursework in Spring 2026. Students in the Marketing Analytics program should be able to enroll in 12 units of MSMKT coursework in Fall 2025 and 3 units of MSMKT coursework in Spring 2026. For both programs, be ready to complete 30-33 units over at least 3 semesters.
• Plan to enroll in only one Progressive Degree Program. Students who are currently enrolled in a PDP cannot apply for another one.
• Senior international students who wish to pursue a PDP are not allowed to apply for OPT for the summer between the completion of the Bachelor’s degree in May and the start of the Master’s program in August.

Application Process

If you meet the qualifications mentioned above, you may apply to the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program for Fall 2025. A completed application includes:

• Marshall Online PDP Application – you will be asked to upload the following documents:
• Draft of the USC Progressive Degree Application and Proposed Course Plan form , without any signatures
• complete to the best of your ability, up to where it says, “To be completed by the Undergraduate Program” (do not obtain any approval signatures)
• the Recommendation Forms are not required (leave them blank)
• STARS report
• Professional Resume
• Most recent course plan from your undergraduate advisor
• Two (2) short response essays (submitted through the online application)
• Essay #1: Personal Statement (no more than 500 words): Why you would like to pursue an MS MKT PDP and what are your career aspirations?
• Essay #2 (no more than 700 words): Describe a marketing campaign that truly inspired you and why it did.
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation (preferably one academic and one professional) on letterhead, sent directly by your recommender to [email protected] , with your full name and USC ID in the subject line

*Qualified candidates will be invited to complete an online video interview assessment via Kira Talent. Final decisions are released about 8-10 weeks after each round deadline.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

PhD Applicants: In addition to this FAQ, please visit the PhD FAQ which has answers to questions that pertain only to doctoral programs.

01. Am I eligible to apply for your programs?

MS:  You are welcome to apply to USC. We will evaluate your credentials and admissibility after you have submitted an application. Here at USC, we do a comprehensive review of all applications. We do not use a formula or have minimum test score requirements for admission to USC. In general, successful applicants have demonstrated outstanding quantitative ability and proven success in previous academic endeavors, particularly in prerequisite coursework relevant to their intended major.

PhD:   In addition to the above, applicants must also have demonstrated research experience.

02. I do not have an undergraduate degree in engineering, math or a hard science. Can I be admitted to your program?

03. What impact does work experience have on the application?

MS & PhD:  With the exception of our MS in Systems Architecting & Engineering, work experience is not required for admission and is not an application criterion. Also, work experience cannot substitute for academic coursework. However, work experience information can be included as part of the résumé/CV.

04. I have applied before. In my new application, do I have to re-submit the materials that were part of my previous application?

05. Can I pursue my graduate engineering degree online from outside of the United States?

MS:  Please visit our DEN@Viterbi  International Guidelines  page for information.

PhD:   All doctoral programs are on-campus only.

06. Is conditional admission offered? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS:  Conditional admission for international students is possible through the  Pre-Master’s Program  offered through USC’s International Academy.

PhD:   Doctoral programs do not offer conditional admission.

MS: The GRE exam is not required for 2024 Master's applications.

PhD: The GRE requirement varies based on the department.

02. How do I submit transcripts to USC?

MS & PhD:   Submit an electronic copy of official transcripts (.pdf recommended).  It is no longer required to mail hard copy  transcripts  to USC if you are applying for a Viterbi School graduate program (master’s or Ph.D.).  Currently,  Viterbi is the only USC school that does not require mailed  transcripts . Student’s who receive admission will be asked to provide mailed transcripts. 

03. Can I apply to more than one program?

MS/PhD: You may apply for a maximum of three graduate programs across the entire university in a given admission cycle. Only one set of transcripts and test scores need to be submitted regardless of the number of programs selected.

The Viterbi School allows applicants to apply for two graduate engineering programs with a single application fee of $90. We provide this benefit primarily for students who are interested in applying for both a Master’s and a Doctoral Program, but it can be used for applying to any two Viterbi graduate programs.

To apply for an additional program, a unique SECOND PROGRAM APPLICATION FEE WAIVER code must be provided by the USC Graduate Admission office and must be entered into the online application.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications submitted for multiple Viterbi School programs without a valid waiver will be charged for each additional program and no refunds will be given. See   Application Fee Waiver Instructions   for instructions on receiving a waiver to apply for a second Viterbi School program.

04. I have attended multiple institutions during my undergraduate study. Do I need to send transcripts from all institutions?

MS & PhD:  You must submit official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and post-secondary institutions you have previously attended, even if you did not receive a degree.

05. My previous studies were not conducted in English. Do you need academic records in the original language of instruction?

MS & PhD:  Yes. You need to provide both the original-language academic records and a full, word-for-word English-language translation issued by the academic institution you attended or a professional translation service.

06. How should my recommenders submit their letters?

MS & PhD:  Letters of Recommendation should be submitted through the online graduate application.

If your recommenders are having problems with the Letters of Recommendation system, please click on the CONTACT US link in the lower left corner of the application for assistance.

07. Should I wait for all of my recommenders to send their Letters of Recommendation before I submit my application?

08. Is there a length or format requirement for the Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose)?

MS & PhD:  There is no standardized format or length for the Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose), but we can provide some general guidelines. It should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.

09. What is the format requirement for my résumé/CV?

MS & PhD:  There is no standardized format for the résumé/CV.

10. How can I update my Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose), CV/Résumé or add additional documents after I've submitted my application?

MS & PhD:  To update your Personal Statement or CV/résumé or to add other documents, follow the instructions below:

1) Log back into your application(s)

2) In the Program Materials quadrant, in the Documents tab you can add new/updated materials as an Other document.

3) Choose the file and click the Upload This Document button

Note: Once an application has been submitted, updated transcripts and Personal Statements can only be added as an Other document.

11. Can I waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  International graduate applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting either TOEFL or IELTS scores. For details on the requirement and for information on waiving the English Language requirement, visit USC Graduate Admission’s  English Proficiency  page.

12. What are the required minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores for graduate programs? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  Although required for admission, all complete applications receive a full review regardless of the TOEFL/IELTS scores submitted. Visit USC Graduate Admission’s  English Proficiency  page for detailed information about TOEFL/IELTS requirements.

13. How do I submit my TOEFL scores to USC? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  TOEFL scores must be submitted electronically from the ETS website to “U Southern Cal,” ETS code 4852. You do not need to provide a department code. However, if the ETS system requires one, just select the one that is the best fit. All TOEFL scores are automatically sent to our Graduate and International Admission Office, so it doesn’t matter what department you select.

Valid TOEFL scores must be dated within two years of the start of the intended application semester. The Fall semester starts in August, and the Spring semester starts in January.

MS & PhD:  Valid IELTS scores must be sent electronically to USC. USC does not accept valid IELTS score by postal mail. To submit your IELTS results to USC, please select the “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register to take the IELTS test. Do not enter the name, contact information or mailing address of the specific USC department to which you are applying on your IELTS registration.

You may also request that your IELTS results be sent to USC after you receive your scores by contacting the test center where you took the test and request that your results be sent to the University of Southern California electronically, not by postal mail. You can search for contact details for all IELTS test centers at   www.ielts.org/testcentres .

Valid IELTS scores must be dated within two years of the start of the intended application semester. The Fall semester starts in August, and the Spring semester starts in January.

MS: The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15, and the deadline for Spring admission is September 1. Please see the Application Deadlines page for more details.

*Please note, on-campus prospective students who wish to be considered for scholarships must submit a Graduate Application for Admission and official transcripts by December 15 for the Fall semester and by September 1 for the Spring semester. Scholarships are not offered for the Summer semester.

Ph.D.:   Doctoral programs only have Fall admission with an application deadline of December 15.

MS:  Please refer to  Degree Program  pages for application criteria listed by specific program.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants need to submit  official transcripts, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose) and a résumé/CV.

Update: June 30, 2022

Due to challenges that applicants may face in taking the GRE exam, the GRE exam will not be required for all Spring and Fall 2024 applications to Viterbi School of Engineering graduate programs. 

We perform a holistic review of the entire application, including overall academic records and success in courses that emphasize quantitative, scientific, and engineering skills; personal statement; CV or resume; and any supplemental materials you provide in your application. 

03. I am having problems with the online application. Can you help me?

04. What happens if all or part of my graduate application arrives after the application deadline?

MS:  If you decide to submit your application or supplemental materials after the deadline, please note that it will be considered late. The university will do its best to review your application but will not be able to guarantee that your file will be reviewed for the term to which you have applied.

PhD:   If all or part of a doctoral application will be submitted after the deadline, we recommend contacting the appropriate   department PhD advisor   to find out whether the department accepts late applications.

05. How and when should I expect to receive the USC ID Number?

MS & PhD:  After you submit the online Graduate Admission application you will receive a USC ID number via email within 5-7 business days.

If, after 10 business days you have checked your email Junk and Clutter folders and have not received a USC ID, you can request it by contacting us   with your full name, date of birth and the program to which you are applying.

Note: The USC ID is not the CAS ID number.

06. How can I confirm that USC has received my materials?

07. How do I check my application status?

MS:  We are not able to provide students with information on when a specific application will be reviewed. For applications that are submitted by the application deadline, Fall admit decisions are made between January and May, and Spring decisions are made between September and early December.

Please note that the date an application is submitted does not determine the date an admission decision will be issued.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants need to contact the appropriate   department PhD advisor   to check on the status of an application.

08. How can I update my Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose), CV/Résumé, transcript or add additional documents after I've submitted my application?

MS & PhD:  To update your Personal Statement or CV/résumé, transcript or to add other documents, follow the instructions below:

1) Log into your submitted application, go to the Program Materials quadrant and open the Documents tab.

2) Use one of the Other documents slots to add the updated/corrected document.

3) If you have used all of your Other document slots, you will need to send the updated/corrected document as an attachment to   [email protected] . Make sure to include your name and USC ID in the email. (Note: This is the number that was emailed to you after you submitted the application. It is not the CAS ID.)

09. I made a mistake on my application, how can I have it corrected?

MS & PhD:  To correct a mistake in a submitted application, follow the instructions below:

1) Go to the Graduate Admission   Submit a Question   page.

2) Fill in the form. Make sure to include your USC ID number. (Note: This is the number you were emailed after you you submitted the application. It is not the CAS ID.)

3) Under Select an Area, choose Graduate Admission

4) Under Category, choose General Information

5) Use Subject and Question, to tell them what needs to be corrected

5) Click the Submit Your Question button

10. I don’t have TOEFL/IELTS scores yet, how do I fill in that section on the application? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  The application may be submitted with the TOEFL/IELTS scores section left blank. It is preferable to have the application submitted earlier without the scores rather than later because you waited until your scores were available. Also, this section remains active after the application has been submitted. It is recommended that once you have your TOEFL/IELTS scores that you log back into the application and add the scores.

Please note, if you are an international student your application will not be considered complete until USC has received your official TOEFL/IELTS scores electronically from the testing agency. For additional information on this requirement and the circumstances under which it can be waived, visit USC Graduate Admission’s   English Proficiency   page.

11. My GPA is not on a 4.0 scale, how do I fill in the GPA section on the application? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  Please use the scale that is used by the issuing university. There is no need to convert the GPA to a 4.0 scale.

12. How and when do I submit the Financial documentation? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS:  The  financial documentation  can be added in the Documents section of the Supporting Information quadrant of the online application. Additional submission details can be found on USC Graduate Admission’s  Financial Documentation  page.

Note: The financial documentation must be submitted no later than April 15 for Fall admission or October 25 for Spring admission.

PhD:   Because USC tries to fully fund all doctoral students, applicants should not submit financial documentation.

13. Is it a problem that the name on my application and the name on my passport do not match? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  It is not a problem. This is a common issue for international applicants. We ask that International applicants submit a copy of the first two pages of their passport. This is so that we can use the name on the passport when generating the I-20 so that the two will match.

01. What is current tuition?

MS & PhD:  Visit our  Tuition  page for current tuition information.

02. How do I apply for financial aid and loans?

MS:  Visit the  USC Student Financial Aid  pages for information.

PhD:   USC tries to fully fund all of its doctoral students, so there is no need to apply separately for funding.

03. How do I apply for USC Viterbi scholarships?

MS: The Viterbi School is pleased to offer merit-based funding opportunities to U.S. and International students applying for Master’s programs. On-campus students who apply by published application deadlines will be considered for scholarships if admitted. Please visit our Ready to Apply page for information on deadlines and application steps.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants do not apply for Viterbi scholarships.

04. When will I know if I have received a Viterbi Scholarship?

MS:  Scholarship decisions are separate from Admission decisions. Fall scholarship recipients will be notified via email by May 1st and Spring recipients by November 1st.

PhD:   This does not apply to doctoral applicants.

05. How do I apply for research/teaching assistantships?

MS:  Research/teaching assistantships are reserved for our PhD students and are not available to Master’s students.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants are automatically considered for research/teaching assistantships. A separate application is not needed.

A PDF on financial documentation, including what documents can and cannot be used, helpful screenshots, and a sample financial document that a bank can use as a template can be found HERE .

01. What is the deadline for submitting the financial documentation?

Below are the deadlines for submitting the financial documentation and passport copies:

• Spring - October 25
• Fall - April 15

02. What is the amount of money needed for the Proof of Financial Support document?

The amount of money required for the financial document can be found on the USC Graduate Admission's Financial Documentation page.  Under Program Costs select Viterbi School of Engineering and use the total amount for Viterbi General Engineering Master’s.

03. What does the Total Cost of Attendance include?

The total cost of attendance reflects total cost for  one year of study only . The cost includes tuition and fees, health insurance, student programming fees, and living expenses in Los Angeles. You do not need to show any financial ability beyond the amount shown on the chart. (Link to chart in Item 02.)

04. Why does the tuition amount for the financial documentation and the Sample Course Plans not match?

The tuition amount and fees for the financial documentation   are calculated for immigration purposes only  and should not be considered a bill of expense. Actual costs may vary based on course load, living situation, lifestyle, etc.

Although still an estimate, the tuition and fees amounts listed in our Sample Course Plans  are a more accurate reflection of the actual costs.

05. If I have dependents (spouse and/or children), how much money do I need to add to the financial document?

For dependents who will be applying for F-2/J-2 visas, you must be able to provide an additional $13,403 for your spouse and $6,701 for each child.

06. How do I upload my financial document(s) and passport(s) through the online graduate application?

Upload your financial document(s) and passport copy by clicking on the "Supporting Information" section, then on the "Documents" tab. Upload your documents in the appropriately named areas.

Financial document(s) and passport copies can be added to a submitted application until an admission decision has been made.

NOTE: For each document type, multiple documents must be consolidated into one  non-password protected PDF document.

07. I have been notified that I am Academically Eligible for Admission , how do I submit my financial document(s) and passport(s)?

Send financial documents and passport copy as attachments in PDF or JPEG format through the USC Graduate Admission Office’s Ask a Question form.

Filling out the form:

• Complete the First Name , Last Name , Email and USC ID information. (If you have not submitted the application, you will not have a USC ID.)
• Under Select an Area , select Graduate Admission and Viterbi School of Engineering . (If you do not see a list of schools, click on the triangle to the left of Graduate Admission .)
• Under Category , select Immigration Issues (I-20s, Visas, etc.) and submit financial documents / passports . (If you do not see a list of additional items, click on the triangle to the left of Immigration Issues .)
• The Subject should be "Document Submission."
• In the Question box, type "I have attached my financial documents and passport copy."
• Use the Attach Documents function to add your documents.
• Click the Submit Your Question button when you are done.

08. Is there a list of what can and cannot be used for the financial documentation?

The U.S. government requires that all international applicants provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses for themselves and their dependents (if applicable) before a formal letter of admission and I -20 or DS- 2019 can be issued.

All submitted financial support documents must include:

• Name of the account holder (student or sponsor)
• Date of issue (which must be within one year of your intended program start date)
• Name of the bank or financial institution on official letterhead
• Amount available for withdrawal (conversion to USD is not necessary)
• Professional, certified translations if financial documents are not in English
• Sponsorship Letter or Confidential Statement for Sponsored Studies at USC if the financial documents are not in the USC applicant’s name

Types of Financial Support that are Normally Accepted *

• Savings deposit and checking accounts
• Approved/sanctioned education loans. “In-principle” sanctioned loans will not be accepted*
• Bank letters or Solvency certificates from bank
• Time/fixed/term deposits or government bonds available for withdrawal at any time
• Approved and Employer, Government, or Organization sponsorships/scholarships
• Provident funds ONLY IF document states amount available for withdrawal
• USC scholarships/assistantships (this documentation will be submitted by your academic department directly to the Office of Graduate International Admissions)

Types of Financial Support NOT Accepted

• Investments in fixed assets such as property, Demat accounts, mortgages, jewelry, residences, automobiles, etc.
• Retirement funds, pensions, life insurance policies
• Tax Returns
• Salary/Payroll Statements
• Pending or Provisional Educational Loans
• [Chartered] Accountant portfolio
• Candidate scholarship letters or scholarship applications

09. Do I need to submit a Sponsorship Letter or Confidential Statement for Financing Studies at USC?

If the financial document's account holder(s) is not the student, a Sponsorship Letter or Confidential Statement for Financing Studies at USC should be included.

For the Confidential Statement, you can use the online, fillable PDF form .

Sponsorship Letters must state the account holder’s name, student’s name, current date, and relationship between student and sponsor.

Students may have more than one sponsor or source of funding.  A separate Letter or Confidential Statement form is required for each sponsor.

For materials submitted through the Ask a Question form, a confirmation of receipt email is not sent. Depending on when the materials are received, it can take 3 to 7 business days before the Letter of Admission and Statement of Intent becomes available in a student's YouSC portal.

If the Letter and Statement of Intent are not available in you YouSC portal after 7 business days, you can contact the USC Graduate Admission Office through their Ask a Question form.

01. Is there a commitment deposit and how do I pay it?

MS:  Yes, the non-refundable commitment deposit is $1000. The deposit goes toward your tuition once you enroll.

Once you have been admitted, log into your YouSC account and go to your Statement of Intent. Once you have selected your program in the Statement of Intent, you will be prompted to pay the $1000 commitment deposit. (See below for image.)

PhD:   There is no commitment deposit for doctoral students.

02. I have decided to enroll at USC. Where can I find information on orientation and next steps for new students?

MS & PhD:  Please visit our  Newly Admitted Students  page for orientation dates and a checklist of next steps.

03. Can I change my program after I have been admitted?

MS & PhD:  In order to change programs, you will need to complete your first semester in the program to which you have been admitted. After completing that semester you may request to transfer to another program. Your request will be reviewed by the department to which you are requesting transfer and they will make a decision on the request. Requests for a change of program are not automatically approved and may be denied.

MS & PhD: Deferral requests will be considered if you have experienced unexpected circumstances that will prevent you from applying for, or enrolling in, the semester which you originally intended.  Please read the following carefully:

• You may submit a request to defer your application for a future semester within one year of your original application semester (Example: If you were admitted to Fall 2022, you could defer your admission to Spring 2023 or Fall 2023)
• Admission is not guaranteed and deferred applications are reviewed along with all other applications for that term
• You do not need   to submit a new application or pay the application fee again. You will need to submit any information that has changed since your original application, including updated/final transcripts, valid and official test scores, and/or financial documents
• You can only defer to semesters for which your program has a start term (i.e. if a program does not have a spring start, you cannot defer to spring. You would need to defer to the following fall)
• All updated application materials need to be received by the application deadline for the new semester to which you are applying
• If you already submitted your intent to enroll and commitment deposit, and your request to defer is approved, the $1,000.00 commitment deposit will automatically be applied to the new term if readmitted

Complete and submit the  Deferral Request Form .  You will receive a confirmation of your submission and further instructions.

05. How do I submit the Statement of Intent?

MS & PhD:  Click on the Statement of Intent button once you log into  you.usc.edu . Submitting the Statement of Intent form will allow you to create your university email account, register for Graduate Student Orientation, and access your USC records.

Note: Even if you opt not to attend USC, we ask that you submit the Statement of Intent.

06. If I was not admitted for a previous semester, can I reapply?

MS & PhD:  You are welcome to reapply for a future semester. How you do this depends on the circumstances:

1) If you did not receive an admit decision for the semester to which you applied, you can have your application updated within one year of your original application term. To have your application updated to a future semester, please complete the online Contact form and include your USC ID.

2) If you were denied admission and choose to reapply, it is in your best interest to submit new and compelling academic information that was not part of your original application, such as updated transcripts and/or test scores. You will need to submit a new application and pay another application fee. (On the application, make sure to indicate that you have applied before and input your USC ID number when prompted.) You can complete our online Contact form   to check on whether you will need to re-submit transcripts and test scores. (Make sure to include your USC ID number.) Any materials that have changed since their original application (including updated transcripts, test scores need to be submitted by the application deadline for the new semester to which you are applying.

Note: It is recommended that PhD applicants try contacting faculty before submitting a new application.

07. Can you provide me with a reason if I was not admitted to a program?

MS & PhD:  As there was a comprehensive review of your entire application, we are unable to offer specific reasons for your denial. The faculty has set parameters for admission based on GRE scores, overall academic performance, and major-specific academic performance, and unfortunately we did not feel it was possible to make an offer of admission at this time.

08. How do I transfer my I-20 from my current school to USC? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS: Full information on how to transfer your SEVIS record to USC so that an I-20 for your USC program can be created, is available at http://admissions.usc.edu/docs/admission/TransferringYourSEVISRecordtoUSC.pdf . (NOTE: You will still need to provide USC with acceptable financial documentation .)

If your transfer form requires International Advisor contact information - Name: Sarah Butler; Address: 3601 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089; Telephone: 213-740-1111; Email: [email protected] .

PhD: Full information on how to transfer your SEVIS record to USC so that an I-20 for your USC program can be created is available at http://admissions.usc.edu/docs/admission/TransferringYourSEVISRecordtoUSC.pdf .

If your transfer form requires International Advisor contact information - Name: Sarah Butler; Address: 3601 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089; Telephone: 213-740-1111; Email: [email protected] . (IMPORTANT: This information is only for use on forms. If you have visa or SEVIS questions, please use this online form so that you are issued a record number.)

09. When will I receive my I-20? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS:  I-20 papers are generally issued within a week of when the Statement of Intent has been submitted.

Note:  Financial documentation  needs to be submitted before the Statement of Intent becomes available in the you.usc.edu portal.

PhD:  I-20 papers are generally issued within a week of when the Statement of Intent has been submitted.

I-20 papers for applicants enrolling in Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 will be issued from February 2020 onwards.

10. How (and when) do I complete Degree Verification? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  Degree verification through IERF needs to be submitted before the end of the student’s first semester and can be done after arriving at USC. More information can be found on the  Degree Progress  pages.

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USC Marshall MBA Letters of Recommendation Guide - Questions, Tips, & Examples

Unlock the secrets to securing stellar letters of recommendation for your USC Marshall MBA application with our comprehensive guide.

Posted December 12, 2023

Featuring Keta B.

Round 2 MBA Application Office Hours

Starting monday, september 23.

5:00 PM UTC · 30 minutes

Table of Contents

The letters of recommendation are a crucial component of the application process for the USC Marshall MBA program. They provide valuable insights into your qualifications, accomplishments, and potential for success in graduate business studies. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the role of letters of recommendation at USC Marshall and provide you with expert tips and examples to help you secure strong recommendations .

Brief Intro to USC Marshall and The Role of Letters of Recommendation

USC Marshall School of Business is renowned for its dynamic and innovative curriculum, exceptional faculty, and strong connections to the business community. Located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, USC Marshall offers a unique learning experience that combines academic rigor with real-world application.

As an applicant, your letters of recommendation offer the admissions committee a holistic view of your abilities and character, allowing them to assess your fit for the program. These letters provide valuable insights into your intellectual capacity, leadership potential, teamwork skills, and ethical standards.

Admissions officers at USC Marshall understand that a successful business leader is not just someone with impressive academic achievements, but also someone who possesses the qualities necessary to thrive in a collaborative and diverse environment. They seek recommendations that demonstrate your potential to contribute to the USC Marshall community and thrive in the program's rigorous academic environment.

When selecting individuals to write your letters of recommendation, it is important to choose people who know you well and can speak to your strengths and potential. This could include professors, employers, or mentors who have witnessed your growth and development firsthand.

Furthermore, the admissions committee values letters of recommendation that provide specific examples and anecdotes to support their assessments. These anecdotes can shed light on your problem-solving abilities, your ability to work effectively in teams, and your commitment to ethical decision-making.

It is important to note that letters of recommendation should not simply reiterate your resume or academic achievements. Instead, they should provide additional context and insight into who you are as an individual and how you can contribute to the USC Marshall community.

Overall, the role of letters of recommendation in the USC Marshall application process is crucial. They serve as a window into your character, potential, and fit for the program. Admissions officers carefully review these letters to gain a deeper understanding of your abilities and to ensure that you will thrive in the challenging and collaborative environment that USC Marshall offers.

USC Marshall Recommender Questions (2023-2024)

For the 2023-2024 application cycle, USC Marshall requires two letters of recommendation. Recommenders are encouraged to answer specific questions that provide a comprehensive perspective on your abilities and qualifications.

1. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? Please describe any professional or academic projects you have worked on together.

As a recommender, it is important to provide a detailed account of your relationship with the applicant. Consider discussing the duration of your acquaintance and the context in which you have interacted. Have you known the applicant for a few months or several years? Were you colleagues in a professional setting or classmates in an academic environment? By providing this information, you can help the admissions committee understand the depth and breadth of your connection with the applicant.

Furthermore, it would be beneficial to describe any specific projects you have collaborated on. This could include professional endeavors such as working together on a business proposal, participating in a consulting project, or being part of the same team in a corporate setting. Alternatively, you may have engaged in academic projects, such as conducting research together, collaborating on a group assignment, or participating in a case competition. By sharing these experiences, you can provide concrete examples of how you have witnessed the applicant's abilities and qualifications in action.

2. In what ways have you observed the applicant's leadership skills, critical thinking abilities, and teamwork capabilities? Please provide specific examples.

When addressing this question, it is essential to provide specific examples that highlight the applicant's leadership skills, critical thinking abilities, and teamwork capabilities. Consider situations in which you have directly witnessed the applicant's actions and behaviors that demonstrate these qualities.

For instance, you may have observed the applicant taking charge and effectively leading a team during a high-pressure project, showcasing their ability to motivate and inspire others. Alternatively, you could discuss a situation where the applicant demonstrated exceptional critical thinking skills by analyzing complex problems, generating innovative solutions, and making informed decisions.

Furthermore, it would be valuable to provide examples of the applicant's teamwork capabilities. This could involve instances where the applicant effectively collaborated with others, communicated ideas clearly, and contributed to the overall success of a team. By illustrating these specific examples, you can provide the admissions committee with a comprehensive understanding of the applicant's strengths in these areas.

3. Comment on the applicant's ethical character, integrity, and commitment to professional and personal growth.

When commenting on the applicant's ethical character, integrity, and commitment to professional and personal growth, it is important to provide a thoughtful and honest assessment. Reflect on your observations of the applicant's behavior and actions in various contexts.

Consider discussing instances where the applicant demonstrated a strong sense of ethics and integrity, such as making principled decisions, upholding moral values, and displaying honesty and transparency in their interactions. Additionally, you can highlight situations where the applicant showed a commitment to personal and professional growth, such as actively seeking feedback, pursuing additional learning opportunities, or taking on challenging projects to expand their skills and knowledge.

By providing specific examples that showcase the applicant's ethical character, integrity, and commitment to growth, you can help the admissions committee gain insight into the applicant's values and their potential to contribute positively to the USC Marshall community.

These questions prompt recommenders to highlight your strengths, leadership potential, and core values while emphasizing practical experiences that showcase your abilities.

Expert Tips for Powerful USC Marshall Recommendation Letters

When it comes to applying for a graduate business program at USC Marshall, a strong recommendation letter can make a significant difference in your application. To help you secure powerful recommendation letters, we have compiled a list of expert tips that will guide you through the process.

1. Choose recommenders who know you well:

It is crucial to select individuals who have a deep understanding of your abilities and potential for success in a graduate business program. Ideally, these recommenders should have firsthand experience working with you in a professional or academic setting. They should be able to speak to your skills, work ethic, leadership qualities, and overall potential as a future business leader.

2. Provide recommenders with relevant information:

Offering your recommenders a comprehensive package of relevant information can greatly enhance the quality of your recommendation letter. In addition to your resume, transcripts, and test scores, consider providing them with any other materials that can help them gain a thorough understanding of your background and accomplishments. This may include research papers, project reports, or even a personal statement highlighting your career goals and aspirations.

3. Highlight specific examples:

Encourage your recommenders to go beyond general statements and provide specific anecdotes or projects that demonstrate your skills and attributes. By sharing tangible examples of your achievements, your recommenders can add credibility to the recommendation letter and paint a vivid picture of your abilities. Whether it's a successful marketing campaign you spearheaded or a challenging project you completed with flying colors, these specific examples will showcase your potential to thrive in a graduate business program.

4. Showcase your potential for growth:

USC Marshall seeks applicants who not only have a track record of success but also possess the potential to make a meaningful impact in the business world. It is essential that your recommenders touch upon your commitment to personal and professional development. They should highlight your willingness to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges. By emphasizing your potential for future success, your recommenders can further strengthen your application and demonstrate that you are a candidate worth considering.

Remember, a well-crafted recommendation letter can provide valuable insights into your character, abilities, and potential. By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your recommendation letters for USC Marshall truly showcase your strengths and increase your chances of securing admission to this prestigious graduate business program.

Example Marshall Letters of Recommendation From Successful Admits

Reading example letters of recommendation from successful admits can offer valuable insights into what makes a compelling and persuasive recommendation. Here are two examples of strong USC Marshall letters of recommendation:

• Letter 1: This recommendation highlights the applicant's exceptional analytical skills, collaborative nature, and entrepreneurial mindset. It provides specific examples of projects the applicant led and elaborates on their ability to think critically and solve complex problems.
• Letter 2: This recommendation focuses on the applicant's leadership abilities, ethical character, and dedication to service. It provides specific instances where the applicant demonstrated integrity and made a positive impact on their team and community.

Letters like these offer valuable inspiration and guidance as you work towards securing your own impactful and persuasive recommendations.

USC Marshall Letters of Recommendation FAQs

1. Can I submit more than two letters of recommendation?

No, USC Marshall requires applicants to submit exactly two letters of recommendation as part of the application process. Submitting additional letters may result in your application being considered incomplete.

2. Should I choose recommenders based on their job titles or USC Marshall alumni status?

It is essential to select recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed and substantive insights into your qualifications. Job title or USC Marshall alumni status alone should not be the sole determinant of your choice.

3. Can I read my letters of recommendation?

No, USC Marshall does not provide applicants with access to their letters of recommendation. This policy ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the recommendation process.

Now armed with a comprehensive understanding of the role of letters of recommendation at USC Marshall and expert tips for securing powerful recommendations, you can confidently approach this crucial aspect of your MBA application. Remember to choose recommenders who know you well, provide them with relevant information, and emphasize your unique strengths and potential for growth. With a compelling set of recommendations, you will strengthen your candidacy and increase your chances of admission to the esteemed USC Marshall MBA program.

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MBA Personal Statement Template

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A personal statement is a crucial component of an MBA application because it provides the admissions committee with insights into the applicant’s personality, goals, and motivations beyond what is evident in transcripts and resumes. This free template for a personal statement serves as a detailed roadmap for constructing a document that is both individualized and aligned with MBA admission criteria and provides the foundation necessary to build a compelling narrative that can resonate with admissions committees. 

The template is improved by the careful use of placeholders and cues, which serve as guiding elements throughout the document creation process. By providing a structured framework, the template encourages you to articulate your career goals, demonstrate your potential through relevant experiences, and reflect on personal growth.

This template’s effectiveness stems from its structured placeholders, which guide you to strategically position yourself by aligning past experiences with future aspirations. It prompts you to demonstrate potential through relevant work experiences and practical business skills, indicating your readiness for advanced study. Additionally, the template emphasizes reflective growth by urging you to use placeholders for personal development and coursework and encouraging you to highlight your commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

• Strategic Positioning
• Career Aspirations and Industry: This section encourages you to articulate why the MBA is the next logical step in your career, aligning your experience with your future goals.
• Interest in Specific Business Studies: By identifying areas of interest like leadership or finance, you can demonstrate focus and clarity in your career path in this section.
• Demonstrating Potential
• Work Experience and Business Background: Here, you can exemplify how your experiences have prepared you for graduate study, which shows direct relevance and application of skills.
• Specific Business Skills: This element encourages you to connect practical skills to academic learning and demonstrates your readiness for advanced study.
• Reflective Growth
• Personal Growth and Additional Coursework: Reflecting on personal development illustrates your dedication to continual improvement.
• Core Competencies for Business School: This cue ensures that you convey essential skills, aligning with what business schools typically seek.
• Vision and Contribution
• Significant Achievement or Project: The template prompts reflection on past achievements and allows you to present evidence of your potential.
• Career Ambition: This section in the template invites you to project your long-term vision, showing that you are goal-oriented and ambitious.
• Alignment with the Program
• Reason for Choosing the University: A personalized reason for selecting the university shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in what the institution specifically offers.
• Contribution to the School’s Legacy: This part is particularly strategic, as it suggests you are considering your potential impact on and contribution to the school.

This template is intended to encourage customization and ensure that the final statement is uniquely tailored to the individual and the MBA program to which they are applying to. It is a comprehensive document that is suitable for use in business school applications due to its effective language, proper flow, and comprehensive structure. It provides a detailed roadmap for constructing a personal statement that is individualized and aligned with MBA admission criteria. The template is available in various formats, including ODT, DOCX, DOTX, and Google Docs, making it accessible and easy to use across different platforms.

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