We began with résumé preparation. I first answered Round One’s structured questionnaire, which Mr. Round then translated into a résumé draft. We refined the details via Skype based on that draft. As this was my first time creating an English résumé and I was unfamiliar with standard formats, this process was highly efficient. Mr. Round carefully reviewed everything from the overall narrative to fine details, including what points to emphasize, how to phrase them, and whether subtle nuances were being conveyed accurately.

Regarding the essays, most of the application schools followed a similar structure: (1) professional experience, (2) reasons for pursuing the MSRED program, (3) reasons for applying to the specific school, and (4) post-graduation career vision. As this largely overlapped with the motivation statement used in my internal company selection process, much of the writing progressed smoothly. That said, I struggled particularly with item (3), which required in-depth research on each school and careful selection of points to highlight. Through detailed discussions with Mr. Round over Skype—reviewing university websites together and refining ideas—I felt I was able to produce sufficiently strong content.

As deadlines approached, Mr. Round sometimes spent up to three consecutive hours reviewing essays line by line with me. Despite the intensity, the quality never declined; he remained patient, meticulous, and supportive throughout, for which I am deeply grateful. The moment when I most strongly felt Mr. Round’s exceptional skill was during the preparation of UC Berkeley’s Personal History Statement. This essay required a deep reflection on my upbringing and the path that led me to who I am today. My initial draft was understandably unpolished, unfocused, and verbose. However, through Mr. Round’s revisions, it was transformed into a compelling and engaging piece—even to me as the author—which genuinely moved me.