Brian Jeffrey
She also received offers from two other universities in the United States, each accompanied by substantial scholarships. Before this, she achieved a score of 1,540 on the SAT and an 8.5 on the IELTS.
Linh attributes her standout application to its representation of her as a curious individual with a rich research background, which resonates with the ideals of a liberal arts education.
In her application, she underscored her involvement in school musicals and her research initiatives focused on Vietnam’s history, innovation policies, diplomacy, and economic strategies. She believes that combining her enthusiasm for research with her varied interests made her profile appealing to the admissions committee.
In her primary essay, Trang Linh expressed her passion for political and social topics, recalling how as a child she enjoyed listening to stories from local residents about various historical development phases.
Linh highlighted the significance of effective time management in her studies. “During class, I focus deeply to grasp the material from teachers and actively inquire about anything unclear. This way, I don’t need extensive review time for exams, freeing me up for extracurricular activities, competitions, or independent research,” she stated.
Through a disciplined self-study approach and a well-organized schedule, Linh maintained a high school GPA ranging from 9.6 to 9.8. She secured a Bronze Medal at the 2023 International Economics Olympiad as a 10th grader, a Silver Medal and ranked 14th nationally at the 2023 Vietnam Economics Olympiad, and earned the title of a 2024 Outstanding Student from Hanoi, among other accolades.
As part of a Vietnam-US integrated program, Linh and her peers have been attending a US high school since August 2024 for their final year of high school.
Although it’s a demanding experience that requires her to handle many responsibilities independently, Trang Linh views it as a strong foundation for her future college career.
Linh mentioned that she is contemplating a major in Political Science or Economics after her second year at Amherst College.
In addition to her studies, she has a passion for writing, online blogging, running, and reading.
Trang Linh expresses that she embraces new challenges. “I enjoy discovering new things, not just in academics but also in subjects that interest me or even stories online. I’m fascinated by a variety of topics and dedicate my time and focus to explore them,” she noted.
“Many believe that only those who lead projects or win major competitions can secure scholarships. However, I think the landscape has shifted. Institutions are now looking beyond grades and accolades to personal narratives—those who understand their passions and goals,” she added.
