How to Get Into USC Marshall School of Business MBA

Facts about USC Marshall School of Business

Located in Los Angeles, California, the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business is globally renowned for its world-class business education and state-of-the-art on-campus facilities. In fact, the Popovich hall, the main building of the USC Marshall School of Business, is one of the most technologically advanced business school buildings in the USA.

However, this is not the only reason that draws countless students to this business school. Apart from the quality infrastructure, distinctive course curriculum, and high rate of post-MBA employment, Marshall alumni swear by “The Trojan Network.”

The Trojan family consists of thousands of USC Marshall alumni in multiple countries who work as an important networking source for Mashall students. Networking within the Trojan family not only helps get job offers but also instils a sense of community among the members.

USC Marshall School of Business Ranking

The Marshall School of Business has consistently featured on the best B-schools ranking by major publications and business websites. You can see that the USC Marshall ranking is under 30 in all cases, which is pretty impressive considering the numerous US B-schools and the competition involved.

Types of USC Marshall MBA programs

USC Marshall School of Business has many MBA programs. The applicants can choose the programs as per their requirements. Following is a quick detail on each program to help you identify the best program suited to your professional goals.

Full-Time MBA at USC Marshall

The traditional two-year MBA program provides complete business education, from understanding the fundamental business concepts to specializing in a management stream such as marketing, human resource, etc. The course is suitable for young professionals with a few years of work experience.

The full-time MBA at USC Marshall is a two-year, in-person program designed for early-career professionals seeking to propel their careers forward. Held on weekdays on the USC campus, this program combines rigorous academics with a practical approach to learning, all within a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Notably, it boasts a STEM certification, highlighting its strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics within the business curriculum. This designation not only reflects the program’s commitment to offering a cutting-edge education but also opens up extended opportunities for international students in the U.S. post-graduation.

Executive MBA at USC Marshall

The course is well suited for professionals who can’t leave their job to pursue a full-time management course. The 22-month program follows a flexible hybrid schedule that consists of weekly virtual classes, bi-monthly on-campus sessions, and a 10-day international intensive.

The course allows mid-level executives or senior managers to pursue their MBA dream without disturbing their work-life balance.

The executive MBA at USC Marshall allows participants to continue working while they study. This part-time program combines online classes on weekday evenings with in-person sessions every other Saturday, providing a balanced approach to graduate education. While it does not carry a STEM designation, the curriculum is tailored for senior executives seeking to enhance their leadership skills and business acumen. Classes are held on USC’s historic University Park Campus in Los Angeles, alongside virtual sessions via Zoom, offering a dynamic and convenient learning environment for busy professionals.

MBA for Professionals & Managers (Part-Time) at USC Marshall

The three-year part-time program is suitable for early-career professionals and managers. The classes are held twice a week in the evening for three hours. Alternatively, students may select one six-hour class on Saturday. Apart from the above three courses, USC Marshall also conducts a one-year accelerated program called IBEAR MBA and an online MBA program.

The part-time MBA at USC Marshall is an exemplary program spanning 33 months, this part-time, in-person program is structured to fit the busy schedules of working professionals. A notable feature of this program is its STEM certification, highlighting a curriculum rich in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics principles. This focus not only prepares students for the complexities of modern business challenges but also opens up enhanced career opportunities in STEM-related fields. The program’s design demonstrates USC Marshall’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and flexible educational experience, making it a standout choice for those seeking to advance their careers without stepping back from their professional duties.

USC Marshall MBA Cost

Before discussing the admission process in detail, it’s vital to know the cost of pursuing an MBA from USC Marshall. The USC Marshall School of Business fees may vary depending on the program types. For now, we will focus only on the Full-time MBA and the Executive MBA program as they are the most sought-after ones by international applicants.

You can see from the above table that the USC Executive MBA cost is less compared to the full-time program. However, the actual costs may vary with each session. You should check the USC Marshall official website for the latest fee structure.

USC Marshall School of Business Scholarships

It must be clear by now that the USC Marshall School of Business fees are quite high, as expected from a top business school. However, there are many scholarship opportunities that you can avail of to bring down your USC Marshall MBA cost. You don’t require to submit a separate application for a scholarship.

All admitted applicants are automatically considered for various merit-based scholarships. The admission committee assesses each applicant on various criteria, such as merit, work experience, academic background, etc., to decide on awarding a scholarship. The business school informs the candidates about the scholarship decision at the time of admission.

Apart from this, two additional scholarships are available for applicants depending on their profile.

1. Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (CGSM) Fellowships
2. Schoen Family Scholarship Program for Veterans

USC Marshall Class Profile

The latest USC Marshall class profile shared below can give you an idea about where your application stands compared to the average MBA profile of the selected students.

USC Marshall MBA Deadline for Application

Marshall School of Business acceptance rate is 23 per cent, and the business school conducts as many as 5 rounds to complete its admission process. While there are 5 rounds, applicants (especially overseas applicants) are advised to complete their application within Round 1 and Round 2.

The USC Marshall MBA deadlines for 2023 have not yet been announced by the school. However, you can take a look at the previous year’s dates to get an idea.

Disclaimer: The dates have been retrieved from the official website of the school. Applicants are advised to check the latest application dates from the B-school’s website directly before applying as they may be subject to change.

As you can see from the table above, the Round 1 application deadline for 2023 admission should fall around October 2022. Keep checking the school’s official website to know the exact dates.

USC MBA Admission Requirements

The USC MBA admission requirements don’t differ much between the full-time and the executive program. You would require the following.

• A completed online application.
• A four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent. International students need to undergo prior verification of their undergraduate degrees (pursued outside the USA) from the International Education Research Foundation (IERF).
• Academic transcripts, with the complete record of your undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees. 
• A valid GMAT score. An ideal USC Marshall GMAT score can be 715 or more. 
• Mandatory and optional essays.
• A professional resume- typically one page.

The full-time MBA program at USC Marshall School of Business does not require any application fee. Another unique feature of the USC MBA application requirements is their policy regarding the letter of recommendation. Unlike most top US B-Schools, the full-time MBA program at USC Marshall does not want or accept any letter of recommendation. However, you must submit one letter of recommendation while applying for the Executive MBA program.

Navigating through USC MBA requirements reveals a comprehensive process designed to assess the holistic capabilities of applicants. For GMAT or GRE scores, candidates are expected to submit these unless a test waiver is granted or they’re applying under specific exceptions, such as USC medical students entering the MD/MBA dual program. The application includes two essential essays and an optional third to provide deeper insights into candidates’ goals and personalities, alongside a concise, professional résumé. International applicants may need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency, with specific conditions applying based on their educational background. Importantly, USC Marshall ensures an inclusive application process by waiving the application fee and not requiring letters of recommendation for its Full-Time MBA, simplifying the process and focusing on the applicant’s qualifications and potential. The submission of academic transcripts follows a detailed two-step process, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation. The approach to test scores is meticulous, with USC requiring uploads of unofficial scores during the application and official scores sent directly by the testing services, using designated institution codes. This streamlined yet thorough application process underscores USC Marshall’s commitment to attracting a diverse and capable cohort.

USC Marshall MBA Interview

Once the admission committee thoroughly reviews your application, you may be invited for an interview. Due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation, the admission committee is likely to conduct a virtual interview. The interview may be focused on your future plans, your overall career progression, and similar topics. One of the primary purposes of the interview is to gauge how strong your motivation is to join a USC Marshall MBA program.

Prepare accordingly and shine during the interview. The Marshall School of Business goes beyond providing a regular MBA degree. Instead, it helps you evolve as a global business leader ready to face the emerging challenges in the global business scenario.

The USC Marshall is an excellent choice for MBA applicants looking to advance their career prospects. Read this success story that helps you get the motivation to crack the USC Marshall MBA program.

USC MBA Interview Questions

Navigating the USC Marshall MBA Interview: Key Questions to Prepare For

The USC Marshall MBA interview is a critical component of the application process, designed to provide a deeper insight into your professional experiences, personal qualities, and overall fit for the program. As you prepare for this important step, understanding the types of questions you might face can greatly enhance your readiness and confidence. Here’s a breakdown of potential questions categorized into professional experience, personal qualities, and situational or behavioral segments, alongside tips for approaching each category.

Professional Experience-Related Questions

• Tell me something about yourself or Walk me through your resume.
• What are your short-term and long-term goals?
• Why MBA? Why now? Or why an MBA at this stage of your career?
• Why USC Marshall?
• What is your Plan B if your primary goal does not happen?

These questions aim to understand your career trajectory, motivations for pursuing an MBA, and specifically, why you’re considering USC Marshall. Be prepared to articulate your professional journey, how an MBA fits into your career plans, and how USC Marshall’s unique offerings align with your goals.

Personal Qualities-Related Questions

• What are your key strengths? Can you give some examples, please?
• What are your key weaknesses? Can you give some examples, please?
• How can you add value to the Class? Or why should we take you?
• Any reasons why we should not select you?

These questions delve into self-awareness, resilience, and your potential contribution to the USC Marshall community. Highlight personal attributes, experiences that showcase your strengths, and how you’ve worked on your weaknesses. Discuss how your unique perspectives and experiences would enrich the classroom and the broader USC Marshall network.

Interests and Hobbies Related Questions

• Why do you pursue your particular interests or hobbies, and what have you achieved or learned from them?

Use this opportunity to share more about yourself beyond professional achievements. This is your chance to show depth of character, passion, and how your interests contribute to a balanced life.

Frequently Asked Situational & Behavioral Questions

• What is your leadership style? Can you give an example of a project you led?
• What would you describe as your greatest achievement to date?
• Give me an example of a time you failed.
• Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict. How did you handle that?
• Give me an example of a time when you did not meet a client’s expectations. What happened, and how did you attempt to rectify the situation?

These questions assess your ability to lead, overcome challenges, and learn from experiences. Be ready with specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, and resilience.

Concluding the Interview – Questions for USC Marshall

• Do you have any questions for us, such as how international exchange students and schools are assigned or how club leadership is selected?

This is a crucial part of the interview that allows you to show your genuine interest in the program and learn more about aspects that matter most to you. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your research about USC Marshall and your desire to engage deeply with its community.
Preparing for these questions will help you convey your story compellingly and demonstrate why you are an excellent fit for the USC Marshall MBA program. Remember, the interview is not just about answering questions but building a connection and leaving a lasting impression that aligns with the values and culture of USC Marshall.

FAQs related to Stanford GSB MBA

What is the average package for an MBA at USC Marshall?

The average USC Marshall MBA salary for graduates from the program is highly competitive, with specific figures detailed in USC Marshall’s most recent employment report. The base salary was at $150,314 on average according to recent reports.

Does USC MBA require letters of recommendation?

Yes, at USC MBA letters of recommendation are a mandatory requirement for the application. Candidates should choose recommenders who can provide meaningful insights into their qualifications and potential.

How competitive is USC MBA Program?

The USC MBA competition is notably high, evaluating candidates on a comprehensive basis, including academic achievements, professional background, and leadership potential, to select a diverse and exceptional cohort. The acceptance rate for USC Marshall is 23%.

Is it necessary to have work experience to get admission to USC Marshall School of Business?

Work experience is not mandatory but highly recommended. The average work experience of the fall 2021 MBA class was five years. Working experience will help you get the best out of the MBA program.

What is the minimum GMAT score required by the USC Marshall School of Business?

There is no minimum GMAT score set by the college. The average GMAT score hovers around 710+ for the school. However, there have been many cases where applicants have been able to score admission into the school with a sub 675 GMAT score as well. Besides your scores, your overall profile, essay, and letters of recommendation also play an essential role in your admission.