Vuong Nguyen Thuy Linh - freshmen of Dartmouth University'22: "Studying abroad is not everything"

Post by: trangtrang | 07/02/2018 | 2734 reads

In the recent Early Decision (ED) US college application period, students at the Hanoi High School in Amsterdam once again crowned their school with many getting admitted to prestigious universities. Today, Ams Wide Web has the honor to interview Vuong Nguyen Thuy Linh - freshman of Dartmouth University, class of 2022

Reporter: Firstly, on behalf of the Ams Wide Web, I would like to send my deepest congratulations to your success and thank you for taking the time to participate in this interview. So why did you choose Dartmouth as your destination for your college years?

Thuy Linh (TL): I chose Dartmouth because I really want to find a tranquil place for my study time. I want to wake up and see a vast green space instead of concrete buildings and bustling streets. In addition, the student population at Dartmouth is not high, so the student community here is closely knit, and the small size of classes gives me more time to interact with professors.

Of course I did not choose Dartmouth just because of the location. The main reason for my decision to file early is because the school has a D-Plan system that allows you to choose a course abroad. You can take advantage of the opportunity to explore the art culture directly in the native country rather than in one place throughout four years of college. This is perfect for me, since I have started learning German since the beginning of 12th grade to be able to learn German and Austrian art.

Vuong Nguyen Thuy Linh - English Class course 15 - 18 (left)

Reporter: Which major did you choose to pursue at Dartmouth and why? And how did you find the right one for you?

TL: I chose Studio Art and Linguistics, a strange combination. I was determined to study Studio Art ever since secondary school, and my original intention was to pursue an Art school rather than a National University. When I was in high school, my passion for drawing was brushed aside, giving way to studying and applying for university. Yet in the end, amidst huge pressures from studying, I found my passion for art revitalized again as a form of recreation. As for Linguistics, I have only been into it for a year, but I'm equally passionate about it.

Reporter: During the application process, what was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?

TL: I once lost my own passion. At the beginning of the 12th grade, my lifestyle proved detrimental to my health. I had to spend a few days to rethink about everything and eventually realized that studying abroad is not the most important thing: around us are still family and friends, and I could not give up the elements that made up my being. In light of those problems, the appropriate distribution of time between on-the-job learning, extracurricular activities and profile preparation plays an indispensable role in my success. In addition, the ability to stay calm under stress is also a very important skill in the future.

Thuy Linh participated in the Advisor - Advisee event that assists Amsers in studying

Reporter: Standardized test scores play a crucial role in the application process. What is your secret to achieving high scores in these tests?

TL: Actually, I had a lot of struggles studying for the SAT, especially the Math section, which most people find easy. Math is the part that I have to retake many times.

Achieving high standardized test scores requires you to work hard and find the right materials to practice, all while maintaining a stable mentality. As the exam approached, I made a thorough plan to practice well, doing assignments within a certain timeframe to meet the required duration of study at school. With respect to practice materials, I only worked on the official tests and did practice exercises on the Khanacademy website to fully grasp the true mindset behind the design of questions. I was fortunate to have met excellent teachers too, so my SAT score has improved a lot.

Reporter: In addition to test scores, universities also require individual essays. Can Linh share some of your experience in writing essays?

TL: From my perspective, there is no particular method to writing an essay, because it is the story of each individual. You can talk about anything important to the formation of your character. My only advice is to be yourself. My personal statement is a combination of many subject matters (family, art, and self-awareness), and my supplementary essay is about the influence of French colonization on Vietnamese language, so I believe people do not have to pressure themselves to pick a certain topic.
Before I finish the draft for my main essay, I keep a journal of my observations and past experiences. Continuous writing helps to recall meaningful memories that might otherwise have been forgotten, such as memories with teachers and friends or family moments. Everyone has something important to help shape their personality and passion. Take the road to self-discovery, and you will be amazed at what you find.

Thuy Linh and other members of the board of Hanoi Food Rescue (2nd from right)

Reporter: Last question, do you have any message to give those planning to study abroad in the future?

A: No matter how difficult the preparation process is, remember that you will always have your family by your side to help you overcome challenges. Make your best efforts, express yourself as vividly as possible in your profile. Let the admissions officers see you as a distinct personality but still suited to their environment. Whatever the outcome, remember that the value of one's self does not depend on those results, but on the environment and on the people around us. That's what made up your own being - the one and only in the world.