USC Marshall MBA Essay Prompts & Writing Guide 2025–2026

Marshall wants to see that you have already done the hard work of determining what comes next in your career; admissions officers are skeptical of candidates applying to MBA programs hoping to "figure it out" later. Your job in this essay is to convince them that you have a deliberate, thoughtful vision for what you want to accomplish in the next 3-5 years and beyond. Be specific. Include the actual position title or function you are targeting, the industry or sector, and ideally the types of companies or roles that excite you. Rather than saying "I want to move into finance," say "I want to transition into corporate development at a Fortune 500 technology or healthcare company, leading strategic acquisitions and partnerships." This level of specificity signals seriousness and self-awareness.

The bridge between your short-term and long-term goals must make logical sense. Marshall's admissions committee will evaluate whether your goals form a coherent progression. If your short-term goal is brand management at a consumer goods company but your long-term goal is launching your own tech startup, explain the connection: perhaps brand management teaches you consumer psychology and go-to-market strategy that you will later apply to a startup. Show that each phase builds on the previous one. Additionally, be explicit about why Marshall specifically will accelerate your trajectory. Reference real programs, centers, and opportunities at Marshall that directly support your ambitions. For instance, if you aim to enter consulting, mention Marshall's case competition training and connection to consulting firms; if you want to launch a venture, reference the Center for Global Innovation or Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab and the entrepreneurial ecosystem Marshall cultivates in Los Angeles. The essay prompt explicitly asks how "an MBA from USC Marshall" (not just any MBA) will help you succeed, so demonstrate that you have done your research and that Marshall is a strategic fit, not an interchangeable option.

Marshall emphasizes human leadership, technological fluency, and real-world impact alongside business fundamentals. Weave this into your narrative where authentic. If your goals involve leading diverse teams, managing organizational change, or addressing societal challenges through business, mention it. If you plan to work in a data-intensive field or at the intersection of technology and business, acknowledge how Marshall's emphasis on technology, data science, and AI will prepare you. You should also recognize the Trojan network and Marshall's position in Los Angeles as competitive advantages. The school's location in one of the world's largest global economies means access to entertainment, tech, startups, real estate, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors; if your goals align with any of these industries, note how Los Angeles and Marshall's deep ties to LA's business community position you for success. Finally, keep the tone measured and confident. Avoid hyperbole or clichés like "I am passionate about making a difference" without backing it up with concrete examples or goals. Show ambition and clarity, but let your specificity and reasoning do the heavy lifting rather than emotional language.

At USC Marshall, the concept of the "Trojan Family" is not just marketing language; it is foundational to how the school operates and how it selects candidates. When writing this teamwork essay, understand that Marshall is looking for applicants who demonstrate genuine collaboration, not just individual achievement wrapped in team language. The admissions committee wants to see how you function within a team setting, how you listen to others, and how you help others succeed. This means your example should showcase your interpersonal awareness and your ability to build trust with diverse teammates, which directly mirrors the inclusive, supportive culture Marshall has intentionally built.

Structure your essay using a clear narrative arc that emphasizes the team dynamic and the challenge you collectively faced. Start by setting the stage with specific details: who was on your team, what was the goal, and what obstacle or conflict stood in your way. Move quickly through the situation and into your actions, but here is the key: use "I" to describe your specific contributions while maintaining focus on the team's success. Instead of saying "we solved the problem," explain exactly what you did that moved the team forward, such as facilitating communication between people with conflicting views, asking clarifying questions that helped teammates see a new angle, or breaking down a complex project into manageable pieces that energized the group. Show evidence of listening, empathy, and problem-solving skills rather than just leadership authority. Data and concrete outcomes matter: if your collaboration resulted in a measurable result, include it, but also highlight the softer wins like improved morale, strengthened relationships, or a team member's professional growth.

Be mindful not to inadvertently tell a story that is really about your individual achievement or your heroic leadership. Marshall admits a diverse class of students with varied backgrounds and experience levels, so your example does not need to involve formal leadership or massive impact. A story from a project team, a volunteer effort, an athletic context, or even a community initiative can be just as powerful if it reveals your collaborative qualities. The story you choose should also reveal something authentic about who you are and how you approach working with others. If you found ways to build psychological safety where teammates felt comfortable sharing ideas, say so. If you discovered that someone on your team had expertise that was initially overlooked and you helped elevate their voice, that is compelling. Finally, connect the dots by reflecting briefly on what this experience taught you about collaboration and how that mindset will serve you during your two years in the Marshall community and beyond. Show that you are ready to be part of something larger than yourself.

Remember that you have 400 words, so be judicious with your language and avoid long-winded explanations. Use vivid, active verbs and specific examples rather than generic statements about "working well with others." Admissions readers have read hundreds of teamwork essays, so your distinctiveness lies in the specific human details of the story and the authentic reflection you bring to it. Choose an example where you can honestly showcase collaboration without overselling yourself, and trust that the admissions committee will recognize your fit for Marshall's collaborative culture.

This optional essay is genuinely optional for new applicants, but with a caveat: if you can provide meaningful, distinctive information that rounds out your candidacy and reveals something important about who you are, you should write it. The admissions committee has indicated they want to get to know you as a complete person, and they value authenticity and diverse experiences over a polished, flawless application. If you have something substantial to add that does not appear elsewhere in your profile, this essay gives you real estate to do that. However, be strategic. If you use this space, you are asking the admissions committee to do extra work, so only submit this essay if the content is truly essential to how they understand your potential fit for Marshall.

Focus on revealing an aspect of yourself that hasn't already been covered in your main career goals essay or resume. For example, you might explore a unique hobby, cultural background, or personal value that shapes how you approach leadership and collaboration. You could also explain an unconventional career pivot, discuss meaningful community involvement or volunteer work, or share a part of your story that illustrates your character and values in a way that connects to Marshall's emphasis on diversity, innovation, and authentic community-building. The key is to show how this dimension of your experience makes you a stronger candidate and a more valuable member of the Marshall cohort. Avoid repeating professional accomplishments already highlighted elsewhere; instead, think about what the admissions committee would not know about you without this essay.

Keep your tone genuine and conversational rather than overly formal. The prompt itself is warm and inviting, asking them to see you as a full human being rather than a resume. Use specific examples and concrete details to bring your story to life, but stay focused and concise within the 500-word limit. If you decide not to write this essay, that is entirely acceptable. A clean, strong application with two well-crafted required essays can be just as competitive. The choice depends on whether you have material that genuinely strengthens your case or simply adds unnecessary length to your file.

Note: This essay is truly optional for new applicants. However, if you are reapplying to Marshall, this essay becomes required. In that case, focus on concrete profile improvements since your last application such as a higher GMAT score, a promotion, expanded leadership responsibilities, or deepened engagement with Marshall's program through conversations with students and alumni. Demonstrate that you have taken action to strengthen your candidacy and that your commitment to earning an MBA at Marshall has only grown stronger.