184
Healthcare
Medical
Sponsored
Oxford+Cambridge
Msc-IH+MBA
Year 1: University of Oxford (MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine)
Year 2: Cambridge Judge Business School
Year 1: The University of Edinburgh (MPH), University of Bristol (MSc Public Health), University of York (MPH), among others
Year 2: Cambridge Judge Business School, Oxford Saïd Business School, Warwick Business School, University of Oxford (MPP)
Year 1: University of Oxford (MSc in Global Health and Epidemiology), Imperial College London (MPH)
Year 2: University of Cambridge (MPhil in Public Policy)
Round One was introduced to me by a friend who had been admitted to a top MBA program in the United States. I am a physician, which is not a particularly common background among MBA applicants, and I also had an extremely low undergraduate GPA of around 2.6. In addition, my IELTS and GMAT score preparation was significantly behind schedule. Despite these disadvantages, I was able to gain admission, which I believe was entirely due to Round One’s careful and dedicated support.
From the outset, my goal was to obtain two master’s degrees in the United Kingdom. In my first year, I sought support for applications to public health–related graduate programs. Even though this was not Mr. Round’s primary area of specialization, he willingly assisted with information gathering to help me select target schools. He summarized the characteristics of each graduate program in Excel format, which was extremely helpful.
During my first year of applications, I was unable to meet the required IELTS scores for some target schools (the requirement was 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in each section, but I only achieved an overall 7.0), and I was also rejected by some programs due to my low GPA. Nevertheless, I ultimately received offers from multiple schools, including my first-choice program. In particular, at the school I decided to attend, I believe the content of my application materials resonated strongly with the program director. Even though my English scores were insufficient at the time, I am truly glad that Mr. Round encouraged me not to give up.
In my second year, I applied to MBA and MPP programs. Although I finally achieved an IELTS overall score of 7.5 (with Speaking at 6.5) right at the application deadline (and in Oxford’s case, even after submission), I was unable to prepare adequately for the GMAT and fell well short of my target score. Even so, I was able to gain admission to multiple programs.
Across both years of applications, I believe that carefully refined application materials—polished under Round One’s guidance to highlight my experience effectively—helped compensate for my disadvantages. In addition, during my second year, I was living in the U.K. and attending graduate school while applying, but by making full use of Skype and email, I was able to proceed with preparation smoothly and without undue stress.
Without Round One, I do not believe my admissions would have been possible. Thank you very much.
For most people, applying to overseas graduate schools is a first-time experience filled with uncertainties, and anxiety naturally increases as deadlines approach. During such times, Mr. Round’s ability to respond quickly and clearly to any question was a tremendous emotional support throughout the difficult application process.
In addition to résumés, recommendation letters, and essays, I received detailed advice and editing support even on how to complete online application forms, which allowed me to submit applications with confidence. Essay counseling was handled by Ms. Round (an INSEAD MBA), Mr. Round’s sister, beginning in September prior to submission. Starting from my drafts, she helped refine my writing through discussion, and the speed at which the essays were polished was truly professional. Weekly counseling sessions also served as an effective pace-maker, which was invaluable when balancing application preparation alongside test preparation and work.
When I needed to negotiate or communicate with universities, writing polite and appropriate English emails was difficult for me as a purely domestic applicant. However, once I prepared a draft, it was quickly revised into a flawless email, eliminating my anxiety about direct communication with universities.
I received extensive support, including help crafting “killer questions” to leave a strong impression on interviewers, as well as training with written feedback on how to improve my responses. I also received full mock preparation for the newly introduced video interview format for the Oxford MBA, which was extremely helpful.
The application journey often involves long and difficult periods, but both Mr. Round and Ms. Round were exceptionally kind, empathetic, and encouraging. Thanks to their support, I was able to see this long and challenging process through to the end. While it is natural to experience emotional ups and downs depending on test results, I came to realize that perseverance is the most important factor—and I am truly glad that I entrusted my applications to counselors who gave me strength and encouragement.
