160
Finance
General Mgmt
Sponsored
Penn-Wharton
MBA
Background: 35 years old, male, company-sponsored applicant, Japanese financial institution
Offers: Wharton, London Business School, Michigan Ross, UNC Kenan-Flagler, Washington Olin
As I write this in April 2018, it still feels almost unbelievable that I was able to successfully make it through the MBA application process and receive offers from top schools. Even now, looking back, I know that my MBA journey would have been impossible without the dedicated support of Mr. Round (whom I will affectionately refer to as Steve from here on). With his many years of experience as a study-abroad counselor for Japanese applicants, combined with his humble nature and the demeanor of a true gentleman, Steve remained the best possible partner throughout this demanding and grueling MBA application process. He consistently encouraged me with powerful words and showed me the path I should be following. From preparing application materials such as essays, to building my school portfolio, interview training, and even preparing for campus visits and handling detailed communication with admissions offices, I received truly hands-on, comprehensive support that reached every detail.
Looking back, I was informed by my company in April 2017 that I would be sponsored for overseas study, but at that time I had no understanding at all of what was required for MBA applications. I began studying for TOEFL without much direction, but soon found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks—TOEFL, GMAT, essays, school research, interviews—and the seemingly endless road ahead. It was precisely at this moment that I met Steve. While I had no grasp of the overall process and was consumed by anxiety, he provided clear and accurate advice on what I needed to do.
I first met Steve in person in mid-July at the Imperial Hotel, and I still remember how quickly his sincerity came across, even within a short conversation. At that point, all I had in hand was a single, unimpressive TOEFL score. Steve frankly told me, “This will be a tough battle,” but he also clearly laid out a perspective on score building and an overall timeline. At the same time, he reassured me with strong words, saying that he would fully support me with essays and interviews, so I should focus entirely on score improvement for now.
If I were to list all of Steve’s strengths, it would be endless, but one thing is absolutely certain: he takes the time to truly understand each client’s circumstances, hopes, and anxieties, and provides finely tailored, made-to-order support while staying closely aligned with the client. Especially in the early preparation sessions, he patiently listened to my halting English, accurately grasped my background and aspirations for an MBA, and skillfully drew out my strengths and experiences—elements that I myself had not yet been able to articulate clearly.
Commenting on Round One’s services more broadly, applying to MBA programs while working full time leaves you with virtually no free time. In that context, being able to receive flexible consulting sessions via Skype was extremely helpful. While there were moments when certain nuances were difficult to convey through words alone, in those cases we used Skype’s screen-sharing function, allowing me to receive support almost as if Steve were sitting right next to me.
When expanding and refining essay ideas, Steve never imposed his own views. Instead, he emphasized discussion and guided me skillfully. Even when I brainstormed vague and messy ideas in broken English, he carefully captured my true intent and consistently offered constructive suggestions, ultimately weaving everything into a beautifully polished story. I was truly grateful for his professional ability to do this. I applied only in Round 2, which made November and December an intense essay crunch period, yet even during this busiest time, Steve always responded accurately within 24 hours. His support was incredibly reassuring. In particular, whenever I reached out in desperation, labeling something an “urgent matter,” he would respond quickly and empathetically—often making me forget about the time difference altogether—and work with me to solve the issue.
The same can be said for interview training. Steve proposed multiple alternative ways of expressing the same idea more logically and clearly, providing exceptionally high value. I am also deeply grateful that he repeatedly accommodated my requests for additional training sessions when I felt anxious ahead of actual interviews. For schools like Wharton and Michigan that included group work exercises, he also coached me on the appropriate mindset to adopt, how to cut into discussions, and which phrases would be most effective when offering constructive input to the group.
During the MBA application process, countless questions and concerns—big and small—inevitably arise. In such moments, Steve never once showed irritation; he always listened openly, advised me on what was standard practice and what actions I should take, and consistently eased my anxieties. When unexpected situations arose during interview processes, he also provided strategic guidance on how to communicate with admissions offices, which was immensely helpful.
There are many things in MBA applications that are simply beyond one’s control. No matter how hard you try, you cannot change your past career or experience, nor can you suddenly become fluent in English. Under such constraints, deciding where to focus your limited time and effort—beyond just test scores—and determining which aspects of your background to spotlight is a strategic decision that differs from person to person. Completing this tough process entirely on your own is far from easy, and the presence of a counselor is extremely important. Although my writing cannot fully convey how invaluable Steve was to me as the best coach and an irreplaceable comrade-in-arms, I can state without hesitation that Round One’s services are truly exceptional.
If you are considering an MBA and struggling with choosing a counselor, I wholeheartedly and confidently recommend Round One.
