163
Gen. Trading
Ops/Logistics
Self-funded
IMD
MBA
In my case, I was stationed in Singapore for one year, and as a result, there was a period—both before and after that assignment—during which I had to suspend my MBA application preparation. Even so, from my first contact in 2015 through 2018, Round One continued to support me over the long term. I truly cannot thank them enough.
I struggled greatly with the GMAT/GRE and English tests, and it took a considerable amount of time before I was ready to apply. In the end, I was unable to achieve test scores I felt satisfied with in either the GMAT or GRE. However, I felt I could not bring myself to abandon the MBA altogether without applying anywhere, so I decided—almost as a long shot—to apply to IMD.
In addition to low GMAT/GRE scores, I had an extremely low GPA, was over 30 years old, a self-funded applicant, and male—hardly an advantageous profile. Still, looking at the outcome, I believe that European schools can be surprisingly receptive if you have confidence in your professional experience, background, and communication skills. If anyone reading this is facing similar challenges, I may be able to offer some help—please feel free to reach out via Round One.
Ms. Round supported me with all aspects of my application (resume, essays, recommendation forms, etc.) as well as interview preparation, while Mr. Round provided admissions strategy guidance and a second opinion on interviews.
The three aspects of Round One that stood out most to me are as follows.
Selecting what to include and what to omit within strict word limits—while carefully considering structure and flow—is extremely difficult. There were times when I was genuinely impressed by how Ms. Round skillfully condensed drafts that were two to three times over the word limit into concise and compelling applications.
Communication was primarily conducted via Skype, but beyond their meticulous attention to every word in the application, the mock interviews were accompanied by extremely detailed feedback—often spanning six to eight pages. I was able to review these repeatedly when I attended the actual assessment in Switzerland, which proved invaluable.
I believe that even a single email exchange is enough to demonstrate how professional Round One truly is.
Over the course of roughly three years, I exchanged countless emails with Mr. Round. Many of these were related to my inability to clear the GMAT/GRE or English tests—areas technically outside his direct service scope—yet he repeatedly encouraged me with messages such as “Gambatte Kudasai!”
Ms. Round, while generally businesslike (and at times appearing slightly reserved), told me just before IMD’s Assessment Day, “It is my pleasure to have you as my client!”—words that gave me tremendous encouragement.
For me, the MBA application journey was far longer, lonelier, and more exhausting than even my university entrance exams. Being able to conclude it in the best possible way—with admission to IMD—and to embark on a new chapter in life brings me immense joy, and I am deeply grateful to Round One.
