A Grade 12 student from Thanh Hoa has earned a full scholarship worth US$444,000 to study at Wesleyan University, one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Le Thu Ha, a student in the English-specialized class at Lam Son High School for the Gifted, was among just 11 students across Asia selected for the prestigious Freeman Asian Scholarship. The award covers 100 percent of tuition, living expenses and airfare throughout her four-year undergraduate program.
According to the school, Wesleyan is currently ranked 14th among US liberal arts colleges by US News & World Report.
Beyond this achievement, Ha also received admission offers and substantial financial aid packages from several other well-known institutions, including Dickinson College, Denison University and DePauw University, with scholarships ranging from VND1.4 billion to VND1.7 billion (US$55,000 to US$67,000) per year.
A deliberate path from early on
Le Thu Ha has been awarded a full scholarship worth US$444,000 from Wesleyan University in the US. Photo: NVCC
Thu Ha (left) poses for a photo with her homeroom teacher. Photo: CVCC
Her homeroom teacher, Luu Cam Ha, who also teaches English, said the student had set her sights on studying abroad as early as Grade 10. Despite having the academic ability to compete in provincial and national competitions, she chose a different path.
With an IELTS score of 8.0 and an SAT score of 1510, Ha demonstrated strong academic capability. However, it was her personal essay - centered on a childhood friendship with an autistic peer - along with her confident performance during interviews, that ultimately distinguished her application.
“She is logical, sharp and incredibly hardworking. More importantly, she is resilient and determined. Her success reflects a journey of consistent effort over time,” her teacher said.
In addition to her academic achievements, Ha has been actively involved in extracurricular activities. She is known as a confident and engaging MC and regularly participates in volunteer work.
A family story of shared ambition
Thu Ha and her sister Ngan Ha both excelled in securing full scholarships. Photo: NVCCThu Ha poses for a photo with her parents. Photo: NVCC
Ha’s mother, Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Principal of Hoang Hoa Tham Primary School in Thanh Hoa, said the family was both surprised and overjoyed upon receiving the news.
She noted that success came not only from her daughter’s efforts but also from a measure of good fortune.
Ha’s older sister, Le Ngan Ha, had previously followed a similar path. A top student in the English track at the same high school, she won a full scholarship worth US$410,000 to study at Williams College, ranked first among US liberal arts colleges. She is currently in her third year of a doctoral program in the United States.
Despite the eight-year age gap, the older sister played a significant role in guiding and inspiring Ha’s journey.
“From secondary school, she had already dreamed of studying in the US, but the actual preparation began in Grade 10. Rather than pursuing multiple academic competitions, she chose to focus on standardized tests, extracurricular activities and community work,” her mother said.
She added that while scores like IELTS 8.0 or SAT 1510 are not uncommon among applicants, it was the authenticity and emotional depth of Ha’s essay that left a lasting impression on the admissions committee.
Combined with her communication skills and confident presentation during interviews, the application stood out in a highly competitive pool.
Vietnamnet.vn
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