60
Healthcare
Mktg/Sales
Sponsored
Harvard
MBA
School enrolled: HBS Counselor: Mr. Round
I believe that many of those reading this testimonial are already preparing for MBA applications, particularly studying for the TOEFL and GMAT. This is the moment to dig in. Please keep pushing forward—I sincerely encourage you. I still remember vividly how demanding it was to prepare for the TOEFL and GMAT while working full time.
In reality, however, the difficulty of preparing for the TOEFL and GMAT was not so much about the volume or content of the study itself, but rather the fact that it was a lonely battle that had to be fought alone. Even when studying early in the morning, late at night, or on weekends, haven’t you ever wondered whether you were truly heading in the right direction? In my case, those doubts became a subtle but persistent mental burden.
In that sense, preparing essays and interviews with Mr. Round—who was always there to support me—felt entirely different from preparing for the TOEFL and GMAT. He had precise advice for questions and concerns at every level, and he created an environment in which doubts and anxieties could always be resolved. My relationship with Mr. Round was extremely comfortable. In fact, my essay and interview preparation was so relaxed that people around me were surprised—but that was only possible because I had complete trust in Mr. Round. I am confident in this assessment, as my current supervisor (an HBS graduate) who strongly recommended Mr. Round to me said exactly the same thing about the sense of reassurance he provides.
To describe more concretely what I personally found exceptional about Mr. Round and Round One’s services, I would highlight the following points.
The strengths, weaknesses, and achievements you come up with on your own can often be surprisingly one-dimensional—and at times, even self-centered. Mr. Round is extraordinarily gifted at drawing out and articulating each client’s true strengths by carefully listening to their life story. Moreover, through his many years of experience, he has a deep understanding of the type of candidates each top school seeks. He explains how to frame each individual’s strengths in a way that aligns with the needs of the target school and translates naturally into compelling essays. Standing out and being properly evaluated by admissions committees—who read tens of thousands of polished, flowery essays each year—is extremely difficult. That is precisely why the guidance of a counselor with a special gift like Mr. Round’s is so valuable.
In addition to HBS, I interviewed at Chicago Booth and Kellogg, and fortunately, I was admitted to all three schools. The biggest reason for this success was that I did not feel nervous at all during the actual interviews—thanks to the multiple interview-training formats Mr. Round prepared specifically for each school. I am not a returnee or native-level English speaker, but because Round One’s interview training is so practical and realistic, by the time I faced the real interviews I already felt well accustomed to the process—down to my tone of voice, facial expressions, and even subtle body language. Despite interviewing in a non-native language, I was able to present myself calmly and confidently, which I believe significantly enhanced my evaluation. (Incidentally, early in the process Mr. Round shares a video resource that summarizes the “ABCs” of interviews—from how to greet an interviewer upon first meeting to how to say goodbye at the end. The content is remarkably thorough and practical. Frankly, it could stand on its own as a paid product.) Unfortunately, interviews at top schools are not something you can pass simply by memorizing sample answers and reciting them. The key is how effectively you can convey your unique personal appeal—beyond what is written in your essays—in a way that leaves a strong impression. Excessive nervousness or a lack of confidence is strictly counterproductive. There is no doubt that it was Round One’s realistic interview training that enabled me to carry myself in a way that would not feel out of place alongside the world’s top candidates.
This hardly needs to be said, but the MBA application process is extremely stressful. I personally felt at times as though I were simultaneously preparing for university entrance exams and job hunting—an unpleasant level of pressure. In such circumstances, having a counselor with the emotional capacity to accept any concern calmly and patiently is a tremendous psychological advantage. Mr. Round once said that Canadians generally have a relaxed and easygoing demeanor, but even among them, I believe he is exceptionally generous and broad-minded. In addition, counseling sessions with Mr. Round could be conducted via Skype from home—either before going to work or after returning—so I was always able to participate in a very relaxed state. This was another major factor in maintaining my mental calm. Furthermore, perhaps reflecting Mr. Round’s character, former clients are remarkably kind to applicants. During campus visits, despite their busy schedules, alumni took time to share meals with me and carefully explain their schools in detail. Alumni I met through Round One networking events were equally generous, providing thorough and candid insights into their schools and post-MBA career paths. In both essays and interviews, it is crucial to demonstrate a deep understanding of the school and a genuine desire to attend. The Round One “family” network—with Mr. Round as its figurative father—becomes far more powerful than one might imagine in the later stages of the application process. (And of course, if you visit HBS, please feel free to contact me anytime. I would be happy to help however I can.)
I have written these thoughts rather freely, but I hope they will be of some help as you prepare your own applications. I sincerely wish each and every one of you the greatest success in your admissions journey.
