Nguyen Yen Nhi was born in Phu Rieng district, Binh Phuoc province. During her secondary school years at the “village school”, Nhi never had any intention of studying abroad.

Her parents moved from the North to the South to start a business with nothing. Seeing them both having to work hard at many jobs, from selling goods at the market to farming to make a living, Nhi was determined to study seriously.

Having a natural talent for English, in grade 7, Nhi was chosen by her teachers to participate in the provincial competition for excellent students with her 9th grade classmates. That year, Nhi won second prize. In grades 8 and 9, she won first prize.

Nhi's achievements were known to many people in the commune. Some parents came to her house hoping Nhi could tutor their children. From then on, Nhi became a tutor, earning extra income to help her parents.

As the second child in a family of 5 siblings, witnessing the hardships of her family, Nhi was given more motivation and determination "so that her parents would not have to sell their labor like that anymore".

Nguyen Yen Nhi is a former student of Ho Chi Minh City National University High School for the Gifted.

Also during this time, reading in books and newspapers, Nhi saw many seniors studying abroad and being very successful, so the female student began to research and self-study IELTS online.

In 10th grade, despite being the valedictorian of the English class at Quang Trung High School for the Gifted (Binh Phuoc), the female student still decided to study at the High School for the Gifted at Ho Chi Minh City National University because she knew this was a "training ground" for studying abroad.

“At that time, my parents discouraged me a lot because they were afraid that I would have difficulties being away from home, and partly because they were worried that the cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City was too expensive. But I told my parents that I only needed to rent a small room, I would spend frugally and take advantage of the time to work part-time.”

Having convinced her parents, Nhi officially embarked on the journey – what she calls “my 4-year dream”.

Studying at the High School for the Gifted at Ho Chi Minh City National University, Nhi took half a year to adapt because the curriculum was heavy. All of her friends had clear goals of studying abroad since middle school, so they prepared for the SAT and IELTS very early.

“I was shocked and pressured because I saw everyone like “war horses”, full of enthusiasm to win high scholarships,” Nhi recalled.

When Nhi was in grade 11, her brother also received news that he had been accepted to the National University of Singapore (NUS). Because he did not win a full scholarship and his parents could not afford the remaining tuition, Nhi's brother decided to study in Vietnam to give his sister the opportunity.

"That is pressure but also motivation for me to be determined to get the maximum scholarship, to fulfill your dream."

“Choose to be a small fish to know how big the ocean is”

Having determined her goal, the female student began to outline a list of schools that offered high scholarships for international students and that matched the criteria of learning environment, family finances and her own abilities.

To apply to American universities, in addition to the score requirements, Nhi also had to prepare extracurricular activities, recommendation letters and essays to send to the schools.

Nhi said that although she did not participate in many extracurricular activities, they were all activities that she felt passionate about. In grade 11, Nhi and her friends at school founded the “Nguon Project” with the aim of preserving and promoting cultural heritage values through traditional art programs. The water puppetry exhibition was one of many events in this project organized by Nhi’s group right at the Gifted High School.

In addition, Nhi also organized a number of fundraising projects to support orphans and disadvantaged children that she met at Catholic churches.

The essay is what Nhi feels most satisfied with and is also the reason Nhi thinks helped her convince the admissions committee.

In the essay, Nhi writes about her life and each door she has passed through. According to Nhi, each door is a turning point that brings her to the present.

“For example, in 10th grade, I struggled a lot about whether to study in Binh Phuoc or go to Ho Chi Minh City. At that time, I was the valedictorian of the province, but if I studied in Ho Chi Minh City, I would just be an ordinary student.

I thought: “Do I want to be a big fish in a pond or a small fish in the ocean?” At that time, I chose to become a small fish to know how big the ocean is.”

Through the essay, Nhi wants to prove to the admissions board her perseverance, constant efforts and strong desire to develop and experience new things.

Sincerity, according to Nhi, is the way to help the admissions committee "read" you and feel that you are suitable for the school instead of "showing off" a profile with high scores, many extracurricular activities but no clear direction.

For the interview round, Nhi believes that candidates need to thoroughly research the school, understand what the school is looking for in candidates, why they are suitable for this school and what values they will bring to the school... Only then can candidates give the most convincing answers to the admissions committee.

Thanks to careful preparation, Yen Nhi's application was accepted by 12 American universities. The student said she decided to study Economics and Psychology at Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania). Although this school is not among the top in the US, for Nhi, it is the most suitable school for her.

“I am always grateful to my parents for always encouraging me not to be self-conscious. I think that no matter where I am, success is not about becoming a star but about shining in your environment,” Nhi said.

Vietnamnet.vn