164
Services
Consulting
Self-funded
INSEAD
MBA
Thanks to Round One, I was accepted to both INSEAD and IMD!
As a self-funded applicant in my 30s (and with a desire to live in Europe! Haha), I limited my applications to two one-year European programs. Thanks to Round One’s support, I was admitted to both. In particular, my planned destination, INSEAD (Class 19D), was a waitlist admission, and the two of them at Round One supported me right up to the very last moment.
I began searching for a counselor after finalizing my TOEFL and GMAT scores. Since I wanted to complete my essays and submit applications within about two to three months after obtaining a valid GMAT score, I was looking for a firm with a strong track record that could also provide quick and flexible support. That search ultimately led me to Round One.
Many people seem to work with Round One through personal referrals, but in my case, I found them online. So even if you have no prior connection at all, that is absolutely fine. However, to avoid any mismatch in expectations, I summarized my resume and application plan in writing, sent them in advance, and clearly explained what I was hoping to receive from Round One before formally engaging them.
For day-to-day consultations, I worked mainly with Mr. Round, while Ms. Round handled my essay counseling.
As the results demonstrate, I was extremely satisfied with the service. In particular, I would strongly recommend Round One to applicants who “think and act independently, but want objective advice in order to achieve results.”
Below are the aspects of Round One that I found especially valuable.
Round One explains that they intentionally limit the number of clients in order to provide attentive, individualized support, and I found this to be absolutely true. I consistently received same-day responses on both weekdays and weekends (excluding holidays), which made them extremely reliable as an advisor. During critical moments such as waitlist management, they even reviewed my email correspondence with schools word by word. This greatly reduced my anxiety, and since nuanced English communication often arises in business settings as well, it also helped expand my English vocabulary.
Through shared video and written materials combined with personalized counseling, Round One follows a structured methodology that progresses step by step from brainstorming to essays to interviews. This grounded, methodical approach allowed me to feel steady progress and gave me a strong sense of reassurance throughout the process.
In preparing for essays and interviews, they conducted sessions and provided feedback tailored to my individual circumstances. There are many things we tend to overlook or fail to notice on our own, and I was constantly reminded of the importance of having a professional review my application objectively.
Meetings were conducted primarily via Skype, which suited me extremely well.
First, there was the effective use of time zone differences (both counselors are based in Canada). I would work during the day, hold sessions late at night, complete my homework the same day, receive feedback the next day, and then prepare for the following session. Since I had only two to three months from contract to application submission, I often met twice a week (double the usual frequency) in the early stages. Without this setup, I would not have been able to refine my essays to a level I was satisfied with. As deadlines approached, this efficiency allowed me to proceed with a comfortable margin.
Second, being able to meet in a familiar and calm environment without the need for travel was a major advantage. Whether at home or in a conference room at work, I could stay relaxed and devote time saved on commuting directly to application preparation.
Finally, I found the overall work efficiency to be exceptionally high. In essay counseling sessions, the screen-based format allowed both sides to focus purely on the task without overthinking interpersonal dynamics. For example, in a 50-minute session, the first 10 minutes might be spent identifying key improvement points; during the next 15 minutes, while my wording was being edited, I would brainstorm improvement ideas; the following 10 minutes would be used to refine those ideas through discussion; and the final 15 minutes would be spent finalizing wording and structure. Every 50-minute session flew by. I think many people would be surprised by just how efficient this process is.
For interviews, notes were written directly on Skype and shared on the spot, making it easy to accurately capture key points. If you prepare an environment where your upper body is visible, you can also receive feedback on gestures and facial expressions, so I never felt uneasy about the lack of face-to-face interaction. I personally used an iPad.
For those working full-time in Japan or living overseas, Skype-based communication is highly recommended.
The counseling fees are by no means inexpensive, but considering the results and quality, I believe the effective hourly rate compares favorably with other counselors. Payment via PayPal was also easier than bank transfers once set up. And not having to pay consumption tax was a small but welcome bonus. (laughs)
Both Mr. Round and Ms. Round consistently respected my own ideas and decisions. They offered advice, but rather than saying “You must do this,” they would say, “Given these reasons, I think this approach makes sense—what do you think?” This suited me perfectly, as I prefer to think things through and act with conviction. Applicants who want to be pushed more forcefully might prefer a more aggressive counselor, though perhaps they were simply adapting to my style. (laughs)
For both INSEAD and IMD, I was introduced to alumni who had gone through Round One and studied abroad or returned home within the past one to two years. I had opportunities to learn about campus life and application tips directly from them. Although Round One limits its number of clients, it has built a strong network of alumni across many schools. Everyone I met had strong loyalty to Mr. Round and Ms. Round and spoke highly of both their character and service. I truly felt that I had joined a very positive community.
In short—Round One is highly recommended!
