137
Finance
Banking-Inv.
Self-funded
INSEAD
MBA
I believe that admission to INSEAD would not have been possible without Round One.
Initially, I was preparing to apply to INSEAD for the September 2015 intake, but I became ill and had to suspend my MBA application efforts for a period of time. Even so, I could not give up on INSEAD, and ultimately submitted my application at the very last minute for the January 2016 intake (4th Round). After that, I was waitlisted when results were announced in early October, and finally received an offer off the waitlist in late October. I could not have made it through such a turbulent application journey without Round One’s support.
In my case, since I was applying exclusively to INSEAD, I had decided from the outset to work with Round One, which had a strong reputation for INSEAD. My only concern was that the support would be Skype-based and that I would not be able to receive advice face to face. However, once counseling began, that concern proved to be completely unfounded.
To begin with, I had two opportunities to meet Mr. Round in person when he was traveling in Japan. The first was shortly after I started my application preparation, when we met for about an hour and he provided advice on the overall MBA application process. The second was later in the process, at a time when my GMAT score was stagnating, and I remember feeling greatly encouraged and relieved after speaking with him. Having had these in-person meetings and having come to trust his character, I had no difficulty communicating effectively via Skype.
Most Skype counseling sessions took place late at night or early in the morning Japan time. While this might sound demanding at first glance, for me—preparing privately for a self-funded MBA without informing my company—it was actually ideal, as it ensured zero interference with my work. For those with work or family constraints, these late-night or early-morning sessions may be demanding, but they can also be seen as a convenient option.
The primary reason I decided to work with Round One was its strength in INSEAD applications. Ms. Round is an INSEAD alumna and has also served as an interviewer for applicants, which meant that I consistently received highly relevant advice during essay counseling and interview preparation. Because INSEAD places strong emphasis on fit, guidance on how to frame the same content in ways that resonate more positively was critical. Advice from Ms. Round—who had both studied at INSEAD and served as an interviewer—felt decisive in securing my admission.
Interview training was also offered in several formats, ranging from mock interviews to practicing questions for campus visits, with training tailored to each situation. This support was invaluable. The interview preparation I received proved useful not only for MBA admissions, but also later during recruiting interviews while enrolled in the MBA program. I am grateful to have learned effective ways to present myself.
Finally, what cannot be overlooked in describing Round One is its flexibility and the personal character of Mr. Round and Ms. Round, both of whom consistently place themselves in the client’s shoes. As described at the outset, my MBA application journey was far from smooth. After temporarily suspending my application efforts, I asked—knowing it was a stretch—whether I could receive advice on brushing up my essays just one week before the 4th Round deadline, having decided to apply again. They readily accepted, saying that deciding to challenge myself again was a wonderful choice. When I was later placed on the waitlist, they analyzed the admissions email and advised me to submit an additional essay. One week after submitting the additional essay—revised with Ms. Round’s help—I received the off-waitlist offer. When I informed both of them, they were so genuinely happy for me that it came through clearly even over email, as if it were their own success.
Of course, it is ideal for the process to proceed smoothly, but in MBA applications, difficult situations often arise during test preparation or essay development. In such moments, advice from counselors who have guided many applicants can have a profound impact. From that perspective, the constant encouragement from Mr. Round and Ms. Round—always grounded in the client’s perspective—became a driving force that helped me keep moving forward.
I have written about several aspects above, but looking back, I truly feel that the reason I am now able to enjoy student life at INSEAD is because of Round One. I have nothing but deep gratitude for Mr. Round and Ms. Round.
To those who are about to embark on the application journey: MBA life, surrounded by classmates from diverse backgrounds, is an experience beyond compare. There will no doubt be challenging moments, but I sincerely wish you the very best of luck.
