154
Finance
Finance
Sponsored
Emory-Goizueta
MBA
Destination: Goizueta Business School (Emory)
Background: Finance (Banking), 7 years
I chose Round One as my counselor somewhat casually, thinking, “I’m extremely busy with work and don’t have much time to devote to MBA preparation, but if I go with Round One—which has a strong track record with senior MBA applicants—I should be fine.” However, now that I have completed the application process, looking back, I can say with confidence that choosing Round One was absolutely the right decision!! Though this is a modest account, I would like to share three key strengths of Round One—“the total package,” “a small-client model,” and “the personalities and track record of the Round siblings”—especially for those considering company-sponsored MBA study abroad. I hope this will be helpful for those currently choosing a counselor.
First is the “total package.” After meeting Mr. Round in Tokyo in April, I received comprehensive support from Round One in every aspect of the process: selecting target schools, drafting essays, interview preparation, completing application forms, and even handling email correspondence with admissions offices. Based on my test progress and target schools, they consistently scheduled one or two appointments per week, which served as an excellent pace-maker and allowed me to prepare for the MBA in a structured and systematic way. For working professionals who are constantly pressed for time, this kind of support is truly invaluable.
Next is the “small-client model.” At Round One, either Mr. or Ms. Round is assigned as the counselor based on each client’s target schools and background, and they provide consistent support for essays and interviews throughout the process. Because they limit the number of clients, they have an accurate grasp of prior discussions and each client’s personality. This makes it possible to work and discuss matters very efficiently, which is ideal for busy professionals with limited time.
Finally, there is “the personalities and track record of the Round siblings.” For MBA applicants living in Japan, I strongly recommend meeting Mr. Round in person, as he visits Japan several times a year. You will immediately sense his sincerity and integrity. Ms. Round, who was my primary counselor, is just as friendly and trustworthy as Mr. Round, and I felt completely comfortable relying on her support. Moreover, despite maintaining a small-client model, Round One consistently sends a large number of applicants to top schools every year, which speaks not only to their character but also to the high quality of the services they provide.
For company-sponsored candidates like myself, preparing for an MBA while working full-time often means struggling to secure enough preparation time amid busy workloads, and dealing with the pressure of needing to succeed. In such circumstances, the reason I was able to matriculate at the school where I felt the strongest personal fit is that Round One provided tailored support appropriate to each individual, allowing me to focus on what I truly needed to do. If you are unsure about which counselor to choose, I would highly recommend reaching out to Round One.
