A former valedictorian

Tien possesses an outstanding record rarely seen in a third-year student: the Special Prize with a “double gold” in Algebra and Calculus at the 2025 Student Mathematics Olympiad; second prize in Calculus and third prize in Algebra at the 2024 national competition; Outstanding Student of Phu Yen Province in 2024; second prize in Calculus and third prize in Algebra at the 2023 Mathematics Olympiad.

Earlier, at the 2022 high school graduation exam, Tien achieved 51.65 points, becoming the valedictorian of the natural sciences exam group in Phu Yen Province and the only candidate to score 10 in Chemistry. In addition to his strong foundation in natural sciences, he also has solid foreign-language skills, earning IELTS 6.5 while still in high school.

Born into a poor family in Hoa Hiep Trung Ward, Dong Hoa Town, Phu Yen (former administrative unit), Tien did not have the conditions to attend private tutoring classes like many peers. Most of his knowledge came from self-study. Throughout his school years, he consistently achieved excellent academic results. In ninth grade, he won first prize in provincial Mathematics, and in eleventh grade, he earned second prize. This persistent self-study foundation shaped his independent thinking, analytical abilities, and perseverance, the traits that later became major advantages in learning and research.

Tien once dreamed of studying Medicine, but due to family circumstances, he chose a more suitable path for himself. Four years ago, Tien received a full scholarship from the HCMC University of Management and Technology and decided to study Information Technology there.

Right from the first year, Tien actively participated in national-level academic playgrounds. These competitions were not only a place to test his abilities but also helped him train his analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and resilience under pressure. 

At the university, Tien continued to accumulate experience through applied projects, interdisciplinary assignments, and research topics with faculty members. Each project was a step forward, helping Tien perfect his analytical skills, deepen his critical thinking, and form a scientific work style.

During that journey, the faculty played a crucial role as an important support system for him. From suggesting ways to approach problems, supporting model construction, to providing specialized consultation, the guidance of his teachers helped Tien maintain his research pace, stay committed to his goals, and gradually shape his long-term academic path.

Winning PhD scholarship after fully convincing live interview

Being interviewed directly by a delegation of professors from the University of Houston was a rare opportunity for the Vietnamese excellent student. The reason Tien reached that interview was not luck, but meticulous preparation and the ability to seize the right moment.

During the meeting, Tien clearly presented his academic journey, the projects he had carried out, and his future research orientation. The biggest impression on the admissions committee was his mature thinking, his coherent way of analyzing problems, and his ability to communicate academically in English. Tien was assessed as an "applicant with the potential to contribute to the school's research community."

According to a representative from the University of Houston, the selection of Phan Vinh Tien was based on his solid academic foundation, clear research potential, and his convincing presentation during the interview in Vietnam. This achievement is the crystallization of the Phu Yen native's persistent pursuit of knowledge, continuous self-improvement, and effort to grasp scholarship opportunities.

Joining the University of Houston, Tien will enter an intensive research environment, access modern laboratories, work with leading professors, and participate in projects with real-world applications in computer science. This is an important opportunity for him to expand research capabilities and establish himself in the international academic community.

The University of Houston is a public research university founded in 1927, located in central Houston, the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the US. It is one of three public universities in Texas classified as Tier One by the Carnegie Foundation, representing the top group of research universities. It is also the second-largest multiethnic research university in the US.

Thuy Nga