Male student wins 6.3 billion VND scholarship to top US university

Tran Nam, 17 years old, was awarded a 6.3 billion VND scholarship by Rice University for his achievements in Mathematics and Physics, as well as his project on thyroid cancer screening for underprivileged women.

Nguyen Tran Nam, a 12th-grade student in Physics class 1 at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for Gifted Students, received his acceptance letter to Rice University in the US in mid-December. This university is ranked 17th in the US according to US News, with an acceptance rate of only 9%. In addition to his acceptance, Nam was also awarded a scholarship worth over $260,000, equivalent to 6.3 billion VND, for four years of study.

"The application process gave me many emotional experiences. I realized that you should dare to dream and work hard to make those dreams come true," Nam expressed.

Nguyen Tran Nam, 12th grade Physics 1 class, Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for Gifted Students. Photo: Provided by the subject. — Nguyen Tran Nam, 12th grade Physics 1 class, Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for Gifted Students. Photo: *Provided by the subject* .

This young man from Hanoi set his sights on studying in the US since 2018, when he participated in the finals of the WSC (World Scholar's Cup) competition at Yale University. Visiting renowned universities in the US and meeting international friends fueled and inspired Nam's dream of studying abroad.

"From then on, an American education became a clear aspiration in my mind, and I dedicated more than 100% of my effort to fulfilling that dream," Nam recounted.

In 10th grade, Nam began studying for and taking standardized tests. However, due to the impact of Covid-19, the SAT exams (a widely used test in US college admissions) were repeatedly postponed, prolonging Nam's preparation time. It wasn't until the end of the school year that Nam was able to take the test and achieved a score of 1,500/1,600.

Nam also self-studied for the TOEFL iBT English certificate, achieving a score of 109/120. His listening skills scored 29/30, while the other three skills ranged from 25-28 points. In addition, Nam participated in numerous academic competitions both domestically and internationally. This physics-specialized student won a gold medal at the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC), an outstanding achievement award at the 2023 Euclid Mathematics Competition, and a silver medal at the 2021 Asian Mathematical and Science Olympiad (ASMO)...

Besides academic competitions, Nam participates in many extracurricular activities. He is most passionate about LotusMed - a charitable project focused on raising awareness about preventing and combating thyroid cancer.

Nam recounted that his hometown is in a poor commune in Nghe An province, where people haven't paid much attention to healthcare and lack knowledge about common diseases. Through his research, Nam learned that thyroid cancer is a common malignant disease in Vietnam, but it is completely curable if detected early.

The LotusMed project was launched in September 2022 with the aim of supporting screening and early detection of thyroid cancer in disadvantaged women, while also raising community awareness about the disease. Nam is the founder and chairman of the project, and is also responsible for working with local authorities, sponsors, and hospitals to implement LotusMed's activities.

Earlier this year, the project screened and provided early treatment for thyroid cancer to nearly 100 underprivileged women in two districts of Nghe An province. LotusMed plans to expand its medical services to people in localities outside of Nghe An.

In his main essay for his application, Nam mentioned an event that helped him gain a deeper understanding of family love and the blessings of life. Nam said that this experience changed his perspective on his responsibility to society. This was also one of the motivations behind Nam's founding of LotusMed.

Nam at his study corner. Photo: Provided by the subject. — Nam at his study corner. Photo: *Provided by the subject* .

The biggest challenge for the physics student was the number of supplemental essays he had to complete. Typically, in addition to the main essay recounting a special story that marked a turning point in the applicant's life, many American universities require 2-5 supplemental essays. In this application period, Nam had to complete a total of more than 50 supplemental essays.

To complete his application on time while maintaining his studies, Nam had to create a strict schedule and adhere to it diligently. Working intensely, Nam often stayed up until 2 or 3 in the morning to write his essays.

"Fortunately, by sticking closely to the plan I had outlined, I completed everything efficiently," Nam said.

Nam believes his application paints a comprehensive picture of a candidate with strong academic abilities, a genuine interest in the community, and concrete actions demonstrating that commitment.

"I think that's a highlight of my profile, showing that I'm someone who can make a difference in my hometown or the place where I live," Nam said.

Ms. Tran Phuong Hoa, Nam's advisor during the study abroad application process, described him as intelligent, humble, and highly determined. Believing he didn't have a strong academic background, English proficiency, or leadership skills, Nam persevered in self-improvement, accumulating strengths to make his application more comprehensive.

"Perhaps this proactive spirit was more clearly demonstrated by Nam through his essay and interview with Rice, which helped him be chosen from among countless other outstanding candidates," Ms. Hoa said.

Nam will be going to the US in August 2024 to pursue a dual major in Astrophysics and Computer Science at Rice University. After his studies, Nam wants to return to Vietnam to work in both of his chosen fields and develop new community projects.

Thanh Hang

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