210
Finance
Banking-Inv.
Sponsored
Chicago-Booth
MBA
Matriculated school: Chicago Booth MBA
Other admitted school: MIT Sloan Fellows MBA
Background: 34-year-old male; Japanese investment bank (most recent 3 years working in the United States); company-sponsored
Test scores: GMAT Focus 615, GRE 319, EA 160
*These scores were admittedly not very competitive for targeting top schools.
Thanks to Mr. Round’s support, I was able to see the long yet fulfilling MBA application journey through to the end and ultimately decided to enroll at my long-aspired destination, Chicago Booth.
The application process was far more complex than I had imagined, and there were many moments when I struggled with how to proceed. However, Mr. Round consistently provided level-headed and precise advice, which allowed me to move forward with confidence until the very end.
Above all, he quite literally supported every aspect of the MBA application process—from organizing initial to-do items, determining the application portfolio, test preparation, essay writing, to interview preparation—enabling me to pursue the process with exceptional efficiency.
For someone like me, who faced the challenge of balancing long working hours in investment banking with the application process, I truly believe that achieving this outcome would not have been possible without meeting Mr. Round.
Many previous company-sponsored applicants at my firm had engaged Round One (R1), so I was aware of R1’s presence from the very beginning of my application journey due to its strong track record. In addition, I was encouraged by senior colleagues who had successfully gained admission to their first-choice schools with R1’s support despite demanding workloads.
In March 2024, I contacted R1 for the first time, signed a contract shortly thereafter, and then received support through March 2025.
Because Round One limits the number of clients it works with, Mr. Round is able to follow each individual’s MBA application process closely and in a timely manner. I have heard of other firms where applicants work with teams of multiple counselors, but I found R1’s approach—having one counselor accompany you throughout the entire process—to be far more efficient and better suited to me, as it allows for advice grounded in a deep understanding of the individual.
Support was provided for everything from test preparation scheduling, CV reviews, essay writing, and interview preparation to all other tasks required outside the formal application process. This ensured that I was able to execute everything that needed to be done in a truly comprehensive manner.
Tasks outside the formal application process turned out to be far more important than I had expected. Advice from Mr. Round regarding campus visits, participation in school events, and preparation for informal pre-interviews with admissions offices proved indispensable throughout the process.
In MBA applications, there are many situations that require urgent consultation. In such moments, the reassurance of receiving quick and appropriate advice was not only practically helpful but also a significant source of emotional support. For example, Mr. Round responded promptly and precisely even to detailed questions such as how to reply to admissions emails or how to write thank-you notes to interviewers.
The scheduling and format of essay counseling sessions (Skype meetings or email-based exchanges) were handled with great flexibility. There were occasions when my work commitments made it difficult to prepare adequately in advance, requiring schedule adjustments. In those cases, Mr. Round was flexible—shortening meeting times and increasing email-based communication—an accommodation for which I was extremely grateful.
From the outset, I recognized that my background as a company-sponsored applicant from a Japanese financial institution made me a fairly typical Japanese applicant, and that differentiation from other Japanese candidates would be essential. At the same time, from the broader MBA applicant pool, my profile—being in my mid-30s with investment banking experience outside my home country (in the U.S.)—was somewhat unique. Mr. Round’s approach was highly logical and efficient: he carefully dug into my career, values, and future goals, and then helped craft a narrative that logically and emotionally communicated “Why an MBA now,” “Why this school,” and “How I can contribute to the MBA community,” tailored to each school’s desired profile.
Thanks to Mr. Round’s professional yet warm personality, I felt comfortable consulting him about even the smallest details related to application preparation. He also provided invaluable guidance at key turning points when deciding on my application portfolio and overall strategy.
When I was struggling with whether to continue applying to two-year MBA programs in the 2nd Round after being admitted to the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA in the 1st Round, Mr. Round thoughtfully discussed the options with me, taking into account comparisons among schools and alignment with my own career aspirations. As a result, I was able to proceed confidently into the 2nd Round and ultimately gain admission to Chicago Booth.
MBA applications vary widely depending on each individual’s circumstances and goals, but there are still “proven patterns for success” and “critical points that must not be overlooked.” Mr. Round consistently showed me the path to executing these without wavering.
For those who wish to set priorities strategically and complete what truly needs to be done in an effective and efficient manner despite significant time constraints, Round One’s support will be an excellent fit.
Mr. Round’s consistently positive and steadfast presence will undoubtedly be a powerful source of support throughout the process. I strongly encourage you to reach out and make contact!
