From Student Council President To Multi-University Scholar Worth 16 Billion VND

By Nguyễn Long Huy 11.3

After highschool, going straight to university is the path that’s almost certain for us international school students, but that doesn’t mean it’s not hard to achieve. It truly takes a lot–high grades and good extracurriculars is only a small part of it all; you have to stand out. So what do you need to do to earn yourself 16 Billion VND worth of scholarships across 6 universities? Current Wellspring senior Trần Ánh Hằng, Hannie, found the answer to this seemingly impossible-to-answer question.

Trần Ánh Hằng during 2023-2024 Student Council debut day

Who is Trần Ánh Hằng?

Trần Ánh Hằng

Ánh Hằng describes herself as “passionate and extroverted” and she “love[s] using [her] voice to create change and bring positivity to those around [her].” She says that she values the small, fleeting moments in life. However, being a senior is difficult, she often found herself battling self doubt, comparing herself to who she used to be. Life is one big constant learning process, and through time, she’s learned that growth is about “embracing the whole journey, learning from setbacks, and becoming a better version of [herself] every day.”

Reaction to the Scholarships

Ánh Hằng received a impressive scholarships of $43,200 per year at Union College, $17,500 per year at Fordham, $11,000 per year at University of South Florida, $29,700 per year at Drexel, $15,000 per year at Lehigh University, and $40,000 per year at DePauw. Personally, I would faint on the spot if I received a fraction of the value of any one of these. But for her, having done her research, she says she was “both surprised and not surprised at the same time. I had already predicted which universities would likely grant me scholarships based on their admission patterns, so in a way, I was prepared. (…) That being said, (…) I felt deeply grateful and proud. They were a reflection of all the hard work, late nights, and effort I had put into my application.”

Regrets

Applying to universities and applying for scholarships is a complicated process, especially for kids at the age of high-school students. Nobody really knows for sure what to do, it is everyone’s first time after all, and the best we can do is learn from people who came before us. As for Ánh Hằng, these are what she regret not doing differently:

“First, I regret not thoroughly researching the universities I applied to. At the time, I was overly focused on rankings, rather than considering factors like location, internship opportunities, and whether the school truly aligned with my interests. Location, in particular, is something many students overlook, but it plays a massive role in shaping your college experience. The city you live in affects your career opportunities, networking, and even your lifestyle.”

“Second, I regret applying to too many universities during the Early Action round. While it’s true that applying early can increase your chances of scholarships, I spread myself too thin. (…) I wasn’t able to craft the strongest possible essays or refine my extracurricular profile. If I had waited until the Regular Decision round for certain schools, I could have used that extra time to strengthen my application, whether through a more compelling personal statement or by participating in additional projects related to my major.”

“Lastly, and this is something I hate to admit, financial aid plays a huge role in admissions, especially for international students. Many universities offer scholarships based on two factors: academic performance and financial need. Some schools try their best to meet students' financial needs, but not all of them do. As an international student, applying for financial aid can sometimes hurt your chances of getting accepted. (…) As unfair as it may seem, international students who can afford to pay full tuition do have an advantage in admissions. That’s not to say it’s impossible to get into top universities with financial aid. It just means you have to be strategic. If I could do things differently, I would have applied to more need-blind schools (where financial aid does not affect admission) or sought out external scholarships to reduce my reliance on university funding.

Advice for Students

For those who are applying for universities and or scholarships: “be different. Having a high GPA, impressive extracurriculars, and strong recommendation letters isn’t enough. What sets you apart is your story: your passion, your unique perspective, and how you connect with the university on a deeper level. When applying for scholarships, remember that you must first get accepted into the university. Scholarships are usually awarded to students who stand out in the admission process. So instead of just listing your achievements, show who you are.”

Trần Ánh Hằng

And for any and all students in general: “I want to share a quote that truly changed my perspective: “If you give up on your dream, then you will have nothing left.” (…) There are so many external pressures, such as family expectations, job security, societal norms. But no matter what, never let go of your dreams. Even if you have to take a more practical path, find ways to integrate your passion into your journey. (…) Whatever you do, whatever university you choose, whatever major you pick, make sure it’s a step toward the life you truly want. Keep pushing forward, and never stop chasing what sets your soul on fire!”

And as a bonus tip, she says that “one of the best ways to increase your chances of receiving substantial scholarships is to apply during the Early Action round. Since this round has an earlier deadline than the Regular Decision round, universities often automatically consider applicants for merit-based scholarships. If you meet their criteria, you’ll be awarded scholarships without having to submit a separate application.”

Goals for the Future

In the near future, Ánh Hằng says she wants to learn to appreciate failures and see them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks, and to make the most of her teenage years. “Academically, I aim to excel in university and gain experience through internships, ensuring that whatever path I take, it aligns with my passions and long-term goals. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I plan to spend a few more years studying to obtain a master’s degree.” Further down the road, she wants to travel the world, meet new people, and build meaningful connections.

Answering the Impossible Question

This interview was an eye opening one for many who are in the process of applying to their own universities. The path ahead is often unclear, filled with unexpected twists and challenges. Thus, it is comforting to hear from our seniors who have experienced what we are about to face. Whether you haven’t started your university applications yet, are just beginning to, or are waiting for results, the story of Trần Ánh Hằng will continue to inspire WISers to pursue their dreams and ambitions.