Four factors that weigh down your US study abroad application

With a GPA of 3.5 or higher, along with a strong essay and impressive extracurricular activities, applicants can make a strong impression.

At the US study abroad seminar organized by American Study last weekend, many study abroad consultants shared and analyzed how to prepare an application package for top US universities.

According to experts, besides standardized test scores (SAT, ACT), the four factors that make up the weight of an application are grade point average (GPA); personal essay; extracurricular activities; and letters of recommendation.

Ms. Lien (far left) advises parents at a workshop on the afternoon of October 8th in Hanoi . Photo: Binh Minh

According to Ms. Nguyen Hong Lien, Deputy Director of the American Study educational organization, GPA is an indicator that assesses an applicant's ability in each subject, as well as throughout their high school education. She believes that applicants with a GPA between 3.5 and 4/4 (8.5-10) will stand out in the eyes of the admissions committee and have a better chance of receiving scholarships.

The second element is the essay. According to Tran Dac Minh Trung, a Master of Education graduate from Harvard University, the essay is where you can showcase your individuality and highlight your unique thinking, helping admissions officers remember who you are. The essay accounts for approximately 30% of the application's weight.

"I advise you to focus all your time and effort on the essay because this is what can change the admissions officer's decision," Mr. Trung said. According to him, a good essay often highlights unique cultural and family aspects. He was impressed by an essay about pho. The applicant described how, while cooking a pot of pho with their parents, they could feel every physical movement within the pot. They described the ingredients of the pho and why they blended together so well...

"This isn't just an essay; it's more like a documentary about people, with action and depth of content. It's a successful piece," he commented.

Similarly, John Schaefer, a former member of Harvard University's admissions committee, suggests that applicants should begin their essays early and demonstrate honesty.

"The essay needs to be clear, show passion, highlight life's interests, and tell a story related to that passion. The writing should also reflect personal growth," John shared.

Mr. Trung shared this at a seminar on studying in the US on the afternoon of October 8th in Hanoi. Photo: Binh Minh

Besides academics, American schools also consider applicants' extracurricular activities.

Ms. Lien stated that the strengths in Vietnamese students' profiles lie in their academic achievements and abilities, demonstrated through awards and medals at the national and international levels. However, applicants often struggle to showcase their unique qualities and individual characteristics.

"Vietnam's education system doesn't place enough emphasis on developing extracurricular profiles, leading to candidates having an advantage in terms of grades but lacking competitiveness in extracurricular activities," Ms. Lien said.

According to experts, some students participate in many activities but don't know where to focus, so they don't clearly define their career path. She advises that instead of chasing quantity, students should focus on quality. Extracurricular activities should be structured to be relevant to their major and their personality.

Mr. Trung, on the other hand, believes that admissions officers typically evaluate applicants' extracurricular activities based on their scale, persistence, relevance, attractiveness, and leadership potential. They will ask questions such as: When did this activity begin? How many people participate? Is it regular or boring and repetitive? Looking at the applicant's profile, admissions officers want to see if the activity is sustainable, if there are successors, or if it was just a one-time event to enhance the profile.

"Many of these activities are elaborate but not engaging. They might enrich your resume, but they won't be a valuable asset in the competition for admission to top schools," Trung said.

Admissions staff will also verify the applicant's website, attached photos, and videos to assess their credibility.

The final element to consider is the letter of recommendation. Letters of recommendation offer a perspective from those who accompanied the applicant throughout their high school years. Admissions officers believe that teachers' evaluations of this period indicate whether a student has the potential to continue excelling in a university environment.

Mr. Trung advised candidates to avoid submitting generic letters of recommendation that fail to highlight their personality, character, and unique qualities.

"A bad letter of recommendation will portray you as just an average student, nothing outstanding. If you're applying to a higher-ranked school, the mediocrity of the letter of recommendation can sometimes be a factor in rejecting the application," he said, adding that copying other people's extracurricular activities can also easily lead to your rejection.

Currently, it's college admissions season in the US. The first round of Early Decision (ED) applications typically has a deadline of November 1st or 15th. Applicants receive notification of results in early or mid-December.

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