Unveiling the secrets to securing scholarships for Early Actions

Despite the intense competition of thousands of international applications during the early admission round, PennSchool’s outstanding students have proudly secured prestigious scholarships and their first “passports” to their dream universities.

Behind those impressive achievements is a journey of relentless effort, where our students conquered not only their academic goals but also their own limits.

With a total scholarship value of 19,293,700,000 VND from 6 top-tier universities in the U.S., Nguyen Bao Ngoc has become an inspiring role model for our student community. Reflecting on her scholarship journey, Bao Ngoc shared:

“The early admission process was one of the most memorable experiences in my study-abroad preparation. It wasn’t just about submitting applications; it was a journey where I learned to overcome pressure and truly grow.

The most difficult part was probably the essay writing – from the personal statements to the supplemental essays for each school. There were times when I sat in front of the screen for hours, not knowing what to write, deleting and rewriting constantly. I was under the pressure of deadlines while trying to find a way to tell my story in a way that stood out. Many times I felt discouraged, but in the end, I had to keep pushing myself because I didn’t want to miss the opportunity.

Then, the moment I received my first early acceptance letter – I still remember that feeling so clearly. It was a sense of relief after all the stressful days, and suddenly, all the previous hardships became “worth it.”

I realized that this journey isn’t just about the destination; it’s a confirmation to myself that I can go further than I ever imagined. Even though there are still uncertainties ahead, at least for now, I know that I was brave enough to start and persistent enough to never give up.”

Equally impressive is Truong Minh Truc – a talented student with an IELTS of 8.0, an SAT score of 1480, and an extensive portfolio of extracurricular activities. He has secured early admissions to 9 universities with a total scholarship value of over 7.5 billion VND. To achieve this ‘sweet fruit’ of success, Minh Truc went through an incredibly methodical and disciplined preparation process:

“The college application process was one of the most challenging but memorable experiences in my academic journey. I chose to apply to universities in the US and Australia for their top-tier education and opportunities post-graduation. I was really excited while researching schools, but also nervous about the requirements and application process.

Firstly, I spent a lot of time researching different universities, including their majors, location, campus environment, tuition, scholarships, opportunities for international students, and, most importantly, whether they would be a good fit for me. After finalizing my school list, I began working on my personal essay and over 30 supplemental essays required by the colleges I applied to. This was the most difficult part for me because I had to look back on my own experiences and turn them into a unique story that could tell the admission officers who I am. I went through countless drafts, changed my ideas several times, and learned how to express myself through a story that can’t be written by anyone else. Additionally, from Grades 9 to 12, I participated in multiple competitions nationally and internationally, while balancing extracurricular activities outside of school to get the experiences that strengthen my application. Academically, I also had to prepare for standardized tests, such as IELTS and SAT, along with maintaining good grades in classes. Besides, I had to submit documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, activity lists, financial documents, and application forms.

Managing all of these requirements while keeping up with schoolwork was stressful and overwhelming at times. There were moments when I felt burnt out, uncertain, and worried that my application might not be strong enough. I also found it difficult not to compare myself with other students. However, those challenges pushed me to become more organized, independent, and resilient. When I received my first offers, I felt a mix of happiness, relief, and disbelief. After months of hard work and waiting, seeing the acceptance letters made me feel that my effort had finally paid off. It was a proud and emotional moment for me because I knew how much time, effort, and hope I had put into the process. Thus, it was a pleasure to share the news with the school and my family and celebrate afterwards.

Looking back, the college application process was a journey that helped me understand myself, my goals, and my ability to keep going even when things felt uncertain. Through this experience, I learned that growth often comes from pressure and that every effort I made brought me one step closer to the bright future ahead.”

The journeys of Bao Ngoc and Minh Truc serve as vivid testaments to the spirit of embracing challenges, relentless effort, and the readiness to step out of one’s comfort zone within the PennSchool community. While each student possesses their own unique strengths, they share a profound commonality: perseverance and an unwavering belief in their chosen goals. These early acceptance letters not only open doors to world-class education but also stand as well-deserved recognition of their talent and courage.