208
Healthcare
Medical
Scholarship
UNC-Gillings
MHA
Admitted School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Other Admitted Schools: University of Florida, University of Pittsburgh, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of Michigan (conditional)
Degree: Master of Health Administration
Background: Physician (approximately 7 years), male in his 30s, domestically trained, self-funded study abroad
At first, I was undecided between pursuing an MBA and an MHA, but ultimately chose the MHA as it is more directly connected to clinical healthcare practice. Round One has a strong track record not only with MBAs but also with non-MBA programs, and through our meetings I felt that Mr. Round was just as trustworthy as his reputation suggested, which led me to choose his services. From July 2023, I received support for approximately eight months while balancing a demanding job and family responsibilities.
From building an application portfolio and scheduling document preparation and submissions, to essay development, recommendation letter strategy, scholarship application documents, email communication with graduate schools, the actual online submission processes (SOPHAS and individual university systems), interview training, and reviewing post-interview thank-you emails, I received careful and thorough support at every step. Being able to consult regularly about even minor concerns and questions during the stressful graduate school application process was extremely helpful. Although meetings with Mr. Round are conducted in English, he is very accustomed to working with Japanese applicants and listens attentively and kindly.
Prior to this process, I had never deeply reflected on the defining characteristics or strengths of my career. By carefully examining each experience and episode one by one, I was able to create competitive essays. Some universities provided specific essay prompts, but I feel I was able to produce consistently coherent writing across applications. In addition, having my essays reviewed by Mr. Round, a native English speaker, eliminated my concerns about the quality of my English, which was a great relief.
Through mock interviews, I received precise feedback on general interview etiquette and English communication (including expression refinement and appropriate response length). Mr. Round also advised me on anticipated questions from each university and on questions I should ask them (killer questions). For someone like me with limited interview experience, this training was extremely valuable.
Throughout the long application process, Mr. Round’s presence—as a professional counselor who is also kind and sincere—was a tremendous source of support. At the beginning, I was worried that I might not be admitted to any programs at all, but with his warm encouragement, I was ultimately admitted to multiple graduate schools. I was truly happy to be able to share that joy together.
Graduate school applications can be a wide-ranging and lonely battle. For someone like me applying independently, it was certainly not an inexpensive investment, but I am deeply satisfied to have been able to achieve one of my life’s dreams. Thank you very much.
