195
Other
Other
Scholarship
Bocconi
MSc-IM
School Enrolled: Bocconi MSc International Management / CEMS MIM Double Degree (with scholarship)
Other Admitted Schools: Cornell SC Johnson MPS in Applied Economics and Management, ESADE MSc Finance
Background: 22 years old, senior majoring in Economics at a private university in Japan (GPA: 3.3), one year of exchange study abroad
Despite having an average GPA and test scores, I was admitted to multiple top schools, including my chosen program at Bocconi. I am truly grateful to Mr. Round for believing in me and supporting me persistently throughout the process.
The primary support I received focused on selecting target schools and developing an application timeline.
I mainly applied to Master in Management (MIM) programs designed for early-career candidates with less than two years of work experience. Compared to MBA programs, MIM programs have far less publicly available information, which made research challenging. However, Mr. Round presented an optimal application portfolio based on factors such as rankings, program length, and location.
He also proposed an application schedule that took into account my test preparation progress and university life. In my case, because my IELTS and GRE scores were initially low, the test preparation period was extended, and essay counseling began in late September. As a result, I was able to focus on test preparation for approximately six months, ultimately achieving application-ready IELTS scores in late July and GRE scores in early September.
I began working on essays in late September, holding weekly Skype sessions (2–3 hours each).
We first created my résumé. After organizing my past experiences and achievements together, Mr. Round provided valuable advice on how to present myself as a compelling applicant. Even as a university student without full-time work experience, I was able to turn my internships and volunteer experiences into professional, polished narratives.
I began writing essays in early October, once my résumé was completed. At first, I was unsure how to respond to the essay prompts and honestly felt anxious about whether I would even be able to apply. However, through discussions with Mr. Round about my background, achievements, and career plans, he provided precise, experience-based advice on which topics would resonate with admissions committees and how to structure essays effectively. As expected from his reputation, Mr. Round’s editing skills were outstanding, and I was extremely satisfied with how he refined my immature drafts into clear, coherent, and polished essays.
Similarly, when submitting applications and mini-essays, he carefully reviewed everything from start to finish, allowing me to proceed with confidence. Although the process involved many unfamiliar tasks, having constant support from a native English speaker was incredibly reassuring.
The essays we refined together passed the document screening stage at most schools, and I was also awarded a scholarship from Bocconi (50% tuition waiver).
Interview preparation began in mid-January 2022, once interview invitations started arriving. In addition to preparing for standard interviews, we also practiced recorded interviews using platforms such as Kira Talent. Because Mr. Round is deeply familiar with business school interviews, the Type B training included questions very similar to those asked in actual interviews (in fact, many of the questions asked during ESADE’s interview were almost identical to those used in training). After each session, I received detailed feedback sheets covering delivery, pacing, and topic selection, which allowed me to improve efficiently. Thanks to this interview training, I was able to approach the actual interviews with confidence.
Mr. Round also provided very prompt and thorough editing of emails to university admissions offices.
In addition, he supported me with career-related guidance. I hope to work in Africa after graduation, and he introduced me to a Round One client who is currently active in Africa.
One year has passed since I signed with Round One in February 2021. Looking back, it was an extremely challenging year, marked by test scores that did not improve as expected, pressure from completing my thesis, and moments of fear and stress where I wondered if I might not be admitted anywhere. However, there is no doubt that I was able to complete the application process with the best possible results thanks to Mr. Round’s tailor-made counseling, grounded in his extensive experience, and his warm encouragement. While Round One’s services are not inexpensive, I confidently recommend them to current university students and applicants pursuing non-MBA programs who are considering applying to top schools overseas.
