usc marshall essays

USC Marshall School of Business Essay Tips and Examples

September 16, 2023

Jeremy Shinewald

USC Marshall 2023–2024 Essay Tips

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).

Quite simply, Marshall wants to know that you have a specific intention in mind and are not just applying to business school with the expectation of figuring everything out later, once you are enrolled in the program. Many MBA applicants have a long-term vision for their career, of course, but with this prompt, Marshall is asking you to prove you have really given thought to the necessary steps in between. Your goal in this short essay is therefore to demonstrate that you do indeed have a plan , not just broad ambition. The school’s other key concern is whether its MBA program is truly the right one to help you attain your stated goal and that you have done the necessary research to discover and confirm this for yourself. Marshall has very little impetus to admit you—and you have very little to attend it—if you will not ultimately be equipped or positioned to pursue your intended goal once you graduate! For example, if you aspire to work in a field or position for which Marshall is not known to have particularly strong courses, professors, or other offerings, or if you want to work for a company that has no recruiting history with the program, it might not be the best choice to get you where you want to go right away.

At just 100 words maximum, your response needs to be fairly straightforward. Avoid any generalities and vagueness. Do your research to ensure that Marshall can indeed position you to attain what you intend, and simply spell things out. Given that this essay involves at least one key element of a traditional personal statement, we encourage you to download a free copy of our mbaMission Personal Statement Guide , which provides advice on effectively addressing this topic in an essay.

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. .

As the admissions committee itself admits in the prompt, this is essentially a request for a personal statement, which typically covers (1) why the candidate feels they need an MBA, (2) why the MBA is necessary now , and (3) why they wish to attend the specific school in question. So, at the risk of sounding repetitive, we will start by encouraging you—again—to download a complimentary copy of the mbaMission Personal Statement Guide , which is available for free and includes detailed guidance on approaching and writing such essays, along with multiple illustrative examples.

Note the admissions committee’s acknowledgement that it already has a lot of information about you from the other parts of your application, including your resume, extracurricular activities, recommendations, short-answer question responses, academic transcripts, and GMAT/GRE score. You should therefore think first about what these elements convey about who you are as an individual and candidate, so you can determine which parts of your profile would best complement this information and the image it collectively presents of you. This does not necessarily mean that you cannot touch on anything mentioned elsewhere in your application but rather that you do not want to use up valuable word count repeating anything unnecessarily. Focus on supplementing the data the school already has. And despite the somewhat stuffy intro the school provides—“Dear Admissions Committee”—keep in mind that this is an opportunity for you to present yourself as a well-rounded, dynamic individual who would be a positive addition to the Marshall community, so do your best to infuse your essay with authenticity and personality, as well as information.

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

In general, we believe candidates should use a school’s optional essay to explain confusing or problematic issues in their candidacy, which this prompt does indeed allow. So, if you need to, use this opportunity to address any questions the admissions committee might have about your profile, such as a poor grade or overall GPA, a low GMAT or GRE score, or a gap in your work experience. Consider downloading our free mbaMission Optional Essays Guide , in which we offer detailed advice (and multiple annotated examples) on how best to approach the optional essay to mitigate any problem areas in your application.

That said, Marshall clearly leaves the door open for you to discuss any other information about your candidacy that you feel might be pivotal or particularly compelling—that you think the admissions committee truly needs to know to be able to evaluate you fully and effectively (and that might not have been appropriate for your required essay). We caution you against submitting a response to this prompt just because you fear that not doing so would somehow count against you, though (it will not). Remember that with each additional essay you write, you are asking the admissions committee to do extra work on your behalf, so you must make sure that the added time is warranted. If you decide to use this essay to impart information that you believe would render your application incomplete if omitted, strive to keep your submission brief and on point.

Essay #4 (Required for all candidates requesting a test waiver) – Test Waiver Essay – Please submit a brief statement that summarizes why you believe you qualify for a test waiver. (word limit: 200)

If you wish to receive a test waiver, you will need to make a compelling, well-reasoned, and persuasive argument as to why you do not need, or should not be expected, to take one of the exams that aspiring MBAs traditionally complete. Marshall, like all business schools, uses these tests to gauge applicants’ verbal and quantitative abilities (including their command of the English language) and their readiness for the rigors of the MBA curriculum. The school does not want to admit and enroll individuals in such an academically demanding program who will ultimately struggle to keep up; this would not be good for the student, nor for their classmates. So you will need to demonstrate clearly for the admissions committee that you already have the skills and knowledge base necessary to absorb and engage with the content and assignments Marshall will require. The school clearly states, “While professional experience can be included as a component of the waiver request, the Admissions Committee will most strongly consider two elements: 1) overall academic achievement; and 2) performance in quantitative coursework.” In your brief essay response, share all the evidence you have of times you have excelled academically in the areas the MBA curriculum is founded on.

2023-2024 Business School Essays MBA Essay Tips University of Southern California (Marshall)

Tags: business school essay MBA application essays optional essay USC Marshall

Upcoming Events

Apr 25, 2024 Assessing Your MBA Profile (Online)
May 19, 2024 Admissions Q&A with Booth, Fuqua, Sloan, Tuck & Yale (Online)

Upcoming Deadlines

Apr 12, 2024 UCLA Anderson (Round 3)
Apr 15, 2024 USC Marshall (Round 3)
Apr 29, 2024 Toronto Rotman (Round 4)
Apr 29, 2024 UNC Kenan-Flagler (Round 4)
Apr 30, 2024 Georgetown McDonough (Round 4)

Click here to see the complete deadlines

2023–2024 MBA Essay Tips

Berkeley Haas School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
BU Questrom School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Cambridge Judge Business School Essay Tips and Examples
Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Chicago Booth School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Columbia Business School Essay Tips and Examples
Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management Essay and Examples
Dartmouth Tuck School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Duke Fuqua School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Emory Goizueta Business School Essay Tips and Examples
Esade Essay Tips and Examples
Georgetown McDonough School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Harvard Business School 2+2 Deferred MBA Program Essay Analysis 2024
Harvard Business School Essay Tips and Examples
HEC Paris Essay Tips and Examples
HKUST Business School Essay Tips and Examples
IE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
IESE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
INSEAD Essay Tips and Examples
International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Essay Tips and Examples
Ivey Business School Essay Tips and Examples
London Business School Essay Tips and Examples
Michigan Ross School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
MIT Sloan School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
NYU Stern School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Ohio Fisher College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Oxford Saïd Business School Essay Tips and Examples
SMU Cox School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Stanford Graduate School of Business Application Essay Tips and Examples
Texas McCombs School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Essay Tips and Examples
The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples
Toronto Rotman School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
UCLA Anderson School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Essay Tips and Examples
UVA Darden School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
UW Foster School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management Essay Analysis, 2023–2024
Villanova School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Yale School of Management Essay Tips and Examples

Click here for the 2022–2023 MBA Essay Tips

MBA Program Updates

Berkeley-Haas
Boston University (Questrom)
Cambridge Judge Business School
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
Columbia University (Columbia Business School)
Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
Cornell University (Johnson)
Dartmouth College (Tuck)
Duke University (Fuqua)
Emory University (Goizueta)
George Washington University (GWSB)
Georgetown University (McDonough)
Harvard University (Harvard Business School)
IE Business School
IESE Business School
Indian School of Business
Indiana University (Kelley)
Ivey Business School
London Business School
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
New York University (Stern)
Northwestern University (Kellogg)
Notre Dame (Mendoza)
Ohio State University (Fisher College)
Oxford University (Saïd Business School)
Penn State Smeal College of Business
Rotman School of Management
Saïd Business School
Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business)
Stanford University (Stanford Graduate School of Business)
University of California Los Angeles (Anderson)
University of Cambridge (Judge)
University of Chicago (Booth)
University of London (London Business School)
University of Michigan (Ross)
University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
University of Southern California (Marshall)
University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
University of Virginia (Darden)
Vanderbilt University (Owen)
Villanova School of Business
Yale University (School of Management)

USC Marshall MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Crafting compelling USC Marshall MBA essays is crucial for your application.

Posted March 1, 2024

Featuring Andy P. and Geri T.

Applying to Top MBA Programs as a Consultant

Wednesday, april 24.

11:00 PM UTC · 60 minutes

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on USC Marshall MBA essays. In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the application process, the role of essays, and share expert tips along with examples to help you craft compelling essays that stand out . Whether you are a prospective applicant or just curious about the USC Marshall MBA program, this guide is for you.

USC Marshall Application and the Role of Essays

When applying to the USC Marshall School of Business, one of the key components of your application is the essays. The essays play a crucial role in showcasing your personality, experiences, and aspirations to the admissions committee. Through these essays, the committee gets a deeper understanding of who you are beyond your academic and professional achievements.

As you sit down to write your essays, it's important to remember that this is your chance to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Take the time to reflect on your experiences and think about how they have shaped you as a person. What unique perspectives and insights do you bring to the table? How have your past experiences prepared you for success at USC Marshall?

One of the essay prompts asks you to describe a time when you faced a significant challenge and how you overcame it. This prompt provides an opportunity for you to showcase your resilience and problem-solving skills . Think about a time when you encountered a difficult situation, whether it was in your personal or professional life. How did you navigate through it? What strategies did you employ to overcome the challenge? Reflecting on these questions will help you craft a compelling essay that demonstrates your ability to overcome obstacles.

Another essay prompt asks you to discuss your short-term and long-term goals and how USC Marshall can help you achieve them. This is your chance to show the admissions committee that you have a clear vision for your future and that USC Marshall is an integral part of your plan. Research the various resources and opportunities that USC Marshall offers, such as internships, networking events, and alumni connections. How do these align with your goals? How will they contribute to your personal and professional growth?

Furthermore, it's important to remember that the essays are not just about showcasing your accomplishments; they are also an opportunity to reveal your values and passions . What drives you? What are you most passionate about? How do these passions align with the values and mission of USC Marshall? By delving into these questions, you can create an essay that not only highlights your achievements but also demonstrates your alignment with the values of the USC Marshall community.

In conclusion, the essays are a vital component of your USC Marshall application. They provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of who you are as an individual and what you can bring to the USC Marshall community. Take the time to reflect on your experiences, goals, and values, and use the essays as an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities. By crafting thoughtful and compelling essays, you can increase your chances of being admitted to USC Marshall and embarking on a transformative educational journey.

USC Marshall Essay Prompts (2023-2024)

For the 2023-2024 application cycle, USC Marshall has provided the following essay prompts:

"Describe why you are interested in pursuing an MBA at USC Marshall, and how will the USC Marshall MBA program help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals?"
"Describe a time when you went beyond what was defined, established, or expected. Explain the impact this had and discuss the lessons you learned."
"Select one of these two topics: (A) A significant challenge you faced and the steps you took to address it. (B) An opportunity you identified and the actions you took to seize it. Describe the results and what you learned from the experience."
"Please provide any additional information that will enhance our understanding of your candidacy for the program."

Choosing to pursue an MBA is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. When contemplating why you are interested in pursuing an MBA at USC Marshall, it is essential to reflect on your career aspirations and how the program can help you achieve them. USC Marshall's MBA program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, equipping students with the skills necessary to excel in the business world.

By pursuing an MBA at USC Marshall, you will have access to a vast network of alumni and industry professionals who can provide valuable insights and connections. The program's emphasis on experiential learning through internships, consulting projects, and global immersion experiences will allow you to gain real-world experience and develop a global perspective.

Furthermore, USC Marshall's strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation provides a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies offers resources and support to help students launch their own ventures and turn their ideas into successful businesses.

As you consider your short-term and long-term career goals, it is important to articulate how the USC Marshall MBA program aligns with your aspirations. Whether you aim to advance in your current industry or transition into a new field, USC Marshall's diverse faculty and industry connections can provide the guidance and mentorship necessary to achieve your goals.

The second essay prompt asks you to describe a time when you went beyond what was defined, established, or expected. This prompt provides an opportunity to showcase your initiative, creativity, and ability to think outside the box. Reflect on a situation where you took the initiative to challenge the status quo and make a significant impact.

Perhaps you were working on a team project and identified a more efficient process that improved productivity and saved time. Or maybe you took the lead on a community service initiative and exceeded the initial goals, positively impacting the lives of those involved. Whatever the scenario, be sure to highlight the lessons you learned from this experience and how it has shaped your approach to future challenges.

For the third essay prompt, you have the option to choose between two topics: a significant challenge you faced and the steps you took to address it, or an opportunity you identified and the actions you took to seize it. Whichever topic you choose, make sure to provide a detailed account of the situation, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.

If you decide to discuss a significant challenge, consider discussing how you overcame adversity, demonstrated resilience, and learned valuable lessons along the way. On the other hand, if you choose to explore an opportunity you identified, discuss how your proactive approach and strategic thinking led to positive outcomes. Reflect on the lessons you learned from this experience and how it has contributed to your personal and professional growth.

Lastly, the fourth essay prompt gives you the opportunity to provide any additional information that will enhance the understanding of your candidacy for the program. This is your chance to highlight any unique experiences, skills, or accomplishments that may not be captured in other parts of your application.

Consider discussing any leadership roles you have held, community involvement, or significant projects you have worked on. Additionally, if there are any extenuating circumstances or challenges you have faced that have impacted your academic or professional journey, this is the space to provide context and explain how you have overcome them.

Remember, the goal of this essay is to provide the admissions committee with a comprehensive understanding of your candidacy and what you can bring to the USC Marshall MBA program.

Free trial!

From 92 top coaches

Access a library of videos, templates, and examples curated by Leland's top coaches.

Example essays.

Example Resumes

Application Prep

Video Courses

List of Expert Tips for Each Marshall Essay Prompt

Now, let's dive into some expert tips for each of the essay prompts:

Start by showcasing your passion for the USC Marshall MBA program and its unique offerings.
Connect your short-term and long-term career goals to what USC Marshall can provide.
Be specific in your aspirations and explain how USC Marshall aligns with them.
Choose a situation where you took the initiative to go beyond expectations.
Discuss the impact of your actions and the valuable lessons you learned.
Showcase your problem-solving skills and willingness to take calculated risks.
Select the topic that resonates with your experiences.
Clearly describe the challenge or opportunity and its significance.
Highlight the actions you took and the results achieved.
Reflect on the lessons learned and personal growth.
Use this essay to provide any additional information that enhances your candidacy.
Highlight relevant achievements, experiences, or circumstances.
Show how these aspects add value to your application.

MBA Essay Tips: How to Write Compelling Essays

Here are some general tips to help you craft compelling essays for your USC Marshall MBA application:

Start early to allow ample time for brainstorming, drafting, and revisions.
Understand the essay prompts thoroughly and answer them directly.
Show, don't just tell, by providing specific examples and anecdotes.
Be authentic and let your true voice shine through your writing.
Use a logical structure and ensure coherence throughout your essays.
Edit and proofread meticulously to eliminate any errors or typos.
Seek feedback from mentors, friends, or professionals to gain different perspectives.

USC Marshall Essay Examples From Success Admits — With Analysis

To further illustrate the application of the aforementioned tips, let's explore some successful USC Marshall essay examples:

Example 1 - Essay 1: [Provide Example Essay with Analysis]

Example 2 - Essay 2: [Provide Example Essay with Analysis]

Example 3 - Essay 3: [Provide Example Essay with Analysis]

Example 4 - Essay 4: [Provide Example Essay with Analysis]

USC Marshall Essay FAQs

To address any lingering questions you may have, we've compiled a list of commonly asked questions regarding USC Marshall MBA essays:

"How long should each essay be?" - Each essay should be around 500-700 words.
"Can I exceed the word limit?" - It's advisable to stick to the specified word limit for each essay.
"Should I use bullet points or paragraphs?" - Use paragraphs to maintain a cohesive narrative in your essays.
"Are there any specific formatting requirements?" - Follow the application instructions for formatting guidelines.

In conclusion, the USC Marshall MBA essays are an integral part of the application process. By carefully crafting your essays using our expert tips and analyzing successful examples, you can submit a compelling application that showcases your unique qualities and aspirations. Good luck with your USC Marshall MBA journey!

Browse hundreds of expert coaches

Leland coaches have helped thousands of people achieve their goals. A dedicated mentor can make all the difference.

Browse Related Articles

March 1, 2024

UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Get ready to ace your UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA application with this comprehensive essay guide.

March 2, 2024

Georgetown McDonough MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Looking to ace your Georgetown McDonough MBA essays? Our comprehensive guide provides an overview, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling and impactful essays that will set you apart from the competition.

UW Foster MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Learn everything you need to know about writing impactful UW Foster MBA essays with our comprehensive guide.

Berkeley Haas MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Looking to ace your Berkeley Haas MBA application essays? Our comprehensive guide provides an overview of the essay prompts, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling and impactful responses.

UVA Darden MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Crafting compelling UVA Darden MBA essays can be a game-changer for your application.

Duke Fuqua MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Discover everything you need to know about crafting standout MBA essays for Duke Fuqua.

Dartmouth Tuck MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Learn how to craft compelling essays for your Dartmouth Tuck MBA application with this comprehensive guide.

Michigan Ross MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Uncover the essential insights and expert tips for crafting compelling Michigan Ross MBA essays with this comprehensive guide.

Yale SOM MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Looking to ace your Yale SOM MBA essays? Our comprehensive guide provides an overview of the application process, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling and standout essays that can secure your spot at Yale School of Management..

CMU Tepper MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Looking to ace your CMU Tepper MBA application essays? Our comprehensive guide offers an overview, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling and impactful responses.

UT Austin McCombs MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Looking to ace your UT Austin McCombs MBA application? Our comprehensive guide provides an overview, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling essays that stand out.

Indiana University Kelley MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Crafting compelling essays for your Indiana University Kelley MBA application? Our comprehensive guide provides an overview, valuable tips, and real essay examples to help you stand out and secure your spot in this prestigious program.

We can improve your MBA profile and boost your candidacy. Gain insight into the review process and eliminate weaknesses from your MBA application.

Note: You must have javascript enabled to submit the form.

USC Marshall Application Essays for 2023-2024

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 2023-2024 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!

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

Professor Profiles: USC Marshall’s Pai-Ling Yin

Face Off: UCLA Anderson vs USC Marshall

$10M Trustee Gift to Boost Ethics and Leadership at USC Marshall

USC Marshall Application Deadlines for 2023-2024

Learn About Our All-In Service

Meet the sbc consulting team.

(323) 934-3936 info@StacyBlackman.com

Latest Blog Post

Mba applicants, listen up: perfection not required.

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” B-school candidate. It’s far more common for MBA applicants to have some form of “weakness” or “flaw” they must address head-on in their application. This might include: ... →

Which program are you applying to?

Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

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

Top MBA Program Essay Questions: How to Answer them right!

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

About Us Press Room Contact Us Podcast Accepted Blog Privacy Policy Website Terms of Use Disclaimer Client Terms of Service

E-mail & Password
Notification Settings
Global Settings
Applicant profile
Update status
My GMAT info
--> My Education -->