13
Technology
Consulting
Self-funded
Texas-McCombs
MBA
Admitted School: The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business
In August 2005, I learned about Round One through a friend who was heading to Cornell University ahead of me, and I signed up at the last possible moment. Although that year marked the start of a two-person structure with Mr. Round and his sister, Ms. Round, the number of clients they could accept was still limited. I vividly remember being told in Sangenjaya that I would be the final client they could take on.
I was a reapplicant. I began my preparations in January 2004, first enrolling in prep schools for TOEFL and GMAT test preparation. I also received essay editing and interview training there and applied to several schools, but the result was one waitlist and rejections from all the others. The MBA admissions process proved far more challenging than I had imagined—it was not something one could simply power through by sheer force. What truly “tuned me up” was working with Mr. Round and Ms. Round. Without meeting the two of them, I would never have been admitted to a top school.
The difference between who I was in my first year and who I became in my second year—that transformation itself represents the true value of Round One.
Mr. Round has worked with many applicants (likely well over one hundred) and has sent a large number of them to successful admissions outcomes. It is clear that he has systematized an effective approach to MBA admissions and understands exactly “what it takes to get admitted.” His precise advice, along with the R1 Gazette (published twice a month), was extremely helpful. In addition, he understands aspects of the United States—its cities and universities—that many Japanese applicants are unfamiliar with. Being able to consult him on school selection and on how to write “Why School?” essays provided added value that simply cannot be found elsewhere.
Have you ever tried submitting the same essay to multiple schools? I did during my first year. At Round One, however, every application component is reviewed meticulously. While ideas and formats may be reused to improve efficiency, nothing is ever handled with simple copy-and-paste shortcuts. Essays are tailored carefully to each school’s specific questions. I was even able to have emails sent to admissions offices proofread. Interview preparation was also far more than a single mock session: performance was evaluated using a structured checklist, accompanied by qualitative comments sent afterward. I was often amazed at how much detailed feedback they produced in such a short time. Small details accumulate, and without this level of care, those details could easily have become a major disadvantage.
The weekly deadlines—unavoidable and relentless—often reduced me to tears. In my case, the deadline was Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Determined not to waste my counseling fees, I had no choice but to keep writing essays, even through tears. If I complained, Mr. and Ms. Round would briskly respond with lines like, “Time management is the essence of an MBA,” or “Coffee is an essential item for MBA applicants (laughs).” Of course, some negotiation around deadlines was possible—but ultimately, having Round One every week and making steady progress little by little allowed me to meet deadlines and secure ample time to prepare for interviews.
As an added benefit, one of the greatest assets I gained through the MBA application process was the community of fellow applicants using Round One’s services. By exchanging information about GMAT, essays, and interviews, and by pushing one another forward, we were able to maintain high goals and strong motivation. Because our backgrounds and future schools varied widely, I am confident that our connections as members of the Class of 2008 will remain valuable and enjoyable going forward.
Finally, I would like to say a few words about the partnership between Mr. Round and Ms. Round.
My primary counselor was Mr. Round’s sister, Ms. Round (Emma). While she may have been relatively early in her counseling career compared to Mr. Round, she herself holds an MBA (INSEAD), has experience interviewing applicants, and clearly understands how admissions decisions are made. She is highly dedicated to her clients and, as deadlines approached, was even willing to accommodate last-minute appointments.
I am very satisfied with Round One’s services. When viewed as a one-stop MBA admissions counseling service (excluding test preparation), I believe it offers excellent value for money. MBA admissions outcomes vary dramatically depending on the strategy you choose. I strongly recommend that applicants partner with counselors like Mr. and Ms. Round, who deeply understand Japanese applicants, and challenge their target schools with confidence. I wish all of you the very best.
