Writing about her passion for dance in her essay along with impressive extracurricular activities, Dinh Tran Thuy Trang was successively admitted to 7 US universities.

In this year's university admissions season, Dinh Tran Thuy Trang (12G2) successively received admission letters from 7 US universities with generous scholarships and financial aid. In detail:

• New York University (#35 National Universities)
• Fordham University (#89 National Universities), financial aid of 37,4000 USD/4 years
• University of Washington (#40 National Universities)
• University of Connecticut (#58 National Universities), scholarship of 10,000 USD/4 years
• Drexel University (#98 National Universities), financial aid of 46,200 USD/first year
• Pennsylvania State University (#60 National Universities)
• Indiana University – Bloomington (#73 National Universities), scholarship of 10,000 USD/4 years

Scoring points thanks to essays and extracurricular activities

Right from her secondary school years, Thuy Trang had nurtured the intention to study abroad. However, at that time, all of Thuy Trang's plans were still quite vague as she had not yet determined which country or school she wanted to attend.

"I once had a month of studying in France to learn and try myself. However, I felt that I was not suitable for the relaxed and gentle environment here. At the beginning of 12th grade, I set a goal to study in the US because I love the dynamic and competitive environment in the land of the stars and stripes" - Thuy Trang shared.

Starting preparation from September 2023, Thuy Trang only had 4 months to research schools and submit applications. But before that, Thuy Trang had a clear plan with good academic achievements (IELTS 7.0, GPA for 3 years of high school are all 9.0 or higher). She also actively participated in extracurricular activities at school in many different roles. At GFS, Thuy Trang can comfortably choose clubs (CLBs) in many fields, from art to soft skills training.

She is the President of the B6 Dance Club; Vice President, Head of Communications Department of the Student Council; Head of Press Department of the Humans of Greenfield Club; Head of Organizing Committee of Onirique - Greenfield Club Fair (Club Fair Day), Back to school 2023; member of the Greenfield Volunteer Club; MC of liveshow "Nang 1 & 2" (community project to donate books and school supplies for children in mountainous areas through charity music nights)...

In addition to activities according to her interests, Thuy Trang focused her time on activities related to the majors she wanted to pursue. She is the Content Team Leader of the Beyond Beauty Project - an art exhibition exploring diverse perspectives on the beauty of modern women; Head of Human Resources Department of Around the World on Five Wheels - a project to convert regular wheelchairs into electric wheelchairs to support people with disabilities; member of the Finance Department of 1000 Meals - a project to support meals for difficult circumstances.

Regarding the essay, Thuy Trang did not spend too much time brainstorming for the main essay as well as answering questions in the supplementary essay. According to Thuy Trang, to have a quality essay, the writer must have real experience, show personal identity and inspire others. "I chose to write about my passion for dance and the time I spent in the Dance Club, because there I had unexpected, interesting things and grew up," Thuy Trang shared.

Thuy Trang recounted that when she was active in the Dance Club, she and another friend had a conflict in coordination and management, leading to a "cold war" for a long time. When the school year was about to end, Prom Night quickly approached, she weighed her own pride with the honor of the group and decided to actively reconcile with that friend to bring the best performance. She herself learned a lesson about group coordination and the role of a leader. Those are also the skills she is preparing for the future.

Sweet fruit after many efforts

With her story, Thuy Trang received invitations to study from 7 US universities. Among the emails from the schools, Thuy Trang remembers clearly the day she knew the results of New York University (ranked 35th among National Universities in the US). According to 2023 admission data, the admission rate of New York University for the New York campus is 8%.

New York University's email was sent at exactly 3 am on Thuy Trang's 18th birthday. "When I opened the result, I read it over and over again ten times because I couldn't believe I was accepted. I found this to be the most meaningful and touching gift. New York University is the school I love and have high expectations when applying, but I myself also understand that the applications submitted to the school are very strong. Maybe I have shown my passion throughout and suitable for the school - where they want and welcome a diverse student community," Thuy Trang shared.

Thuy Trang believes that her greatest luck is to be trusted and absolutely supported by her family in all her choices. She is allowed to decide from participating in extracurricular activities to studying abroad and career. Besides that, Thuy Trang believes that studying in the Global Citizenship Bilingual System is an important stepping stone for her to reach 7 "golden tickets". "The teachers always create conditions and support us to optimize our personal strengths. Studying with excellent friends in the class makes me strive more, step out of my comfort zone and reach for big dreams."

Knowing that Thuy Trang was admitted to 7 US universities, Ms. Ngo Huong Thom - homeroom teacher of 12G2 also did not hide her joy: "The day Thuy Trang announced the news of being admitted to 7 prestigious US universities, I was extremely happy for her. Throughout the teaching and accompanying process, Thuy Trang always made teachers believe that this result would definitely come. The 4 years of university in the US in the near future will be a time for her to continue to explore, develop and challenge herself."

During this time, along with preparing for the high school graduation exam, Thuy Trang is also busy with plans and ideas that she will bring with her to the US. "When the Admissions Committee gives me a golden ticket, they also expect me to create something new to contribute to building the image and position of the school. Therefore, I also need to be fully prepared to prove to the school that they have made the right choice," Thuy Trang said confidently.

At 18 years old, for Dinh Tran Thuy Trang, the journey seems to have just begun and is full of aspirations. Carrying many memories and experiences from GFS, the school believes that Thuy Trang will continue to reap many successes and happiness on the next journey!