“I was overwhelmed with joy. I couldn't believe my dream had come true,” Uyen recalled upon receiving the acceptance letter.

Uyen said she followed a plan to ‘hunt’ for scholarship to study abroad very early, with clear goals set for each period

To obtain scholarships, students have to excel academically, participate in research projects in their chosen fields, have passion for sports and music, and play sports regularly, and have hobbies that reflect one's personality. 

Uyen is also seeking certificates under the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in the 12h grade, targeting the maximum score.

Speaking about the VND8.5 billion scholarship, Uyen said her distinctive point was incorporating her love for adventurous sports, such as archery and scuba diving, into her main essay.

"I learned scuba diving at the age of 12 while vacationing with my family in Phu Quoc. Initially, it was challenging, but what fascinated me most was discovering a different world, previously unimaginable, beneath the sea. Since then, every time I go to the sea, I spend time diving and admiring the seabed," Uyen said.

These experiences were included in her essay, reflecting her journey of transformation from an introverted girl, with contrasting views of the terrestrial world and the vibrant, dynamic underwater world, to bravely stepping out and embracing new exciting experiences.

Uyen revealed that she had revised the essay many times before she was satisfied.

Her application also highlighted numerous achievements in scientific research and academic awards.

Uyen got 1,540 out of 1,600 score for SAT when she was in grade 10 and 8.5 in IELTS speaking when she was in grade 8.

In grade 10, Uyen won two international gold medals in science and technology for her outstanding works, including 3D printing in producing chips that mimic human physiological organs for use in laboratories and medical teaching.

This project surpassed over 600 contestants to win the gold medal at the "AI-JAM US" competition in Silicon Valley. 

Uyen likes playing music and she can play the traditional bamboo flute well. She learned to pay bamboo flute in childhood, and once reached the second round of an international music festival in Hong Kong (China).

In grade 11, she spent most her time on research and her school lessons. She participated in scientific and entrepreneurial competitions in Switzerland and Malaysia.

She also attended summer camps organized by two Ivy League universities, Columbia University and Yale University, and participated in a project on teaching Vietnamese to overseas Vietnamese.

Thuy Nga