132
Finance
Banking-Inv.
Sponsored
LBS
MBA
My long-held aspiration has been fulfilled, and I will be enrolling at London Business School starting in the fall of 2016. Throughout the application process, I made full use of Round One’s services. I would like to share my experience, focusing on the support provided by Round One.
Matriculated school: London Business School
Other admitted schools: Wharton, Kellogg, UCLA Anderson
TOEFL: 109
GMAT: 740
Background: 8 years at a city bank (primarily engaged in proprietary investment activities), company-sponsored study abroad; overseas experience limited to a six-month in-house trainee assignment in London
The most impactful advice I received in this phase was Mr. Round’s view that “the first round is not necessarily more advantageous.” Because I was able to secure my test scores relatively early, I initially felt inclined to apply to many schools in the first round, which is often said to be less competitive. However, based on this advice, I decided to split my applications between the first and second rounds.
While some of my first-round interviews did not go well, by repeating practice sessions and real interviews, I felt my interview skills steadily improve, and I was able to approach second-round interviews with confidence. In fact, the top schools I interviewed with in the first round resulted in rejections or waitlists, whereas I received offers of admission from top schools I interviewed with in the second round.
As illustrated above, Mr. Round was always willing to consult closely on application strategy and provided precise, thoughtful advice. I was fortunate to secure my test scores early and was therefore able to follow the ideal approach of “finishing tests first and then focusing on essays.” Many applicants around me struggled to balance test preparation and essay writing, but in such situations as well, I believe one can receive appropriate guidance from Mr. Round.
Ultimately, deciding on the topics to write about, the depth of school research, and how to explain fit with each program are responsibilities that rest solely with the applicant.
However, it is difficult to judge on one’s own whether goal essays and explanations of fit have reached a level of depth sufficient for business school applications. Having only experienced the Japanese admissions process, I relied heavily on Round One’s support in this area. I was advised that my initial ideas were still insufficient, and through repeated refinement, I was eventually able to reach a level at which I could apply with confidence.
In addition, when expressing these ideas in English, Round One’s essay counseling proved extremely helpful. On many occasions, text that I had struggled to write and worried might not convey my meaning became far clearer and more readable after receiving Round One’s guidance.
After Type A interview training sessions, I received written feedback spanning several pages. The feedback went far beyond the substance of my answers, covering details such as tone of voice and gestures. I reviewed this feedback repeatedly and practiced on my own.
In Type B interviews, feedback is provided orally after each question. I took Type B training tailored to each school, which helped me refine my overall interview skills as well as polish my answers to “Why that school?”
I had considered myself poor at interviews, but through repeated training sessions, I was able to build genuine confidence.
When it comes to both essays and interviews, I believe that one’s past experiences, enthusiasm for the school, and diligent practice ultimately determine the outcome. That said, Round One will help you present yourself to the fullest in the most efficient way possible. Best of luck.
