146
Finance
Banking-Inv.
Sponsored
Oxford-Saïd
MBA
Matriculated school: University of Oxford, Saïd Business School
Background: Approximately 10 years in investment banking (IB) at a Japanese investment bank, company-sponsored
International experience: One year of undergraduate study abroad at a UK university
Counselor: Mr. Stephen S. Round
I ultimately received an offer of admission from my first-choice school, Oxford Saïd Business School. There were difficult periods when results were slow to come, but thanks to Mr. Round’s attentive and meticulous support, the outcome was extremely satisfying. My reasons for recommending Round One Admissions Consulting are as follows.
At Round One, the policy is to prioritize test score improvement, and from August onward I prepared my applications through weekly counseling sessions with Mr. Round (prior to that, communication was mainly conducted via email). Because my applications were company-sponsored, I was required to submit a large volume of applications—more than 10 schools—in order to secure at least one offer. Thanks to Mr. Round’s detailed follow-up, I was able to submit essays of a quality I was personally satisfied with to each school, despite a very tight schedule. In particular, even during the peak period from December to January when many applicants are submitting their applications, Mr. Round comprehensively supported the entire application process, allowing me to apply without any anxiety.
Mr. Round consistently offered encouraging words, enabling me to persevere without losing motivation until the very end. Even when I failed to achieve desired test scores or received consecutive rejection notices and felt discouraged, he always proposed alternative strategies while offering words that lifted my spirits. This allowed me to continue engaging positively with what often felt like a long and uncertain process. In particular, my offer from the Oxford MBA program came at the very final stage of the application cycle, yet Mr. Round even conducted last-minute interview training free of charge. I was truly supported by his generosity of character.
Each year, Round One consistently places applicants into top schools, and as a result, a deep body of know-how has been accumulated. Taking into account the unique characteristics of each school’s admissions process, I received a great deal of meaningful, tailored advice on how to demonstrate fit. This depth of expertise applied not only to Oxford, where I was admitted, but also equally to top schools in the United States.
For those who are planning to apply in the future, I encourage you to place 100% trust in Mr. Round and engage fully in the application process. There will inevitably be many moments of uncertainty during essay writing, interviews, and other stages of the application journey, but by trusting Mr. Round and maintaining a consistently positive mindset, I am confident that you will achieve results you can be truly satisfied with.
