Difference drives success: Hien Trang and her “against the current” essay that won U.S. admissions

Once struggling with self-doubt every time she stepped on stage, Nguyen Hien Trang – a 12A student – turned her fear into fuel to reach her dream of studying in the U.S.

Beyond her excellent academic record, Trang stood out to admissions officers at prestigious universities with multi-billion VND scholarships per year, thanks to her deep thinking and strategic vision for the future:

– Oberlin College (#55 National Liberal Arts Colleges, U.S. News 2025) – $59,000/year

– Furman University (#45 National Liberal Arts Colleges) – $54,000/year

– Dickinson College (#45 National Liberal Arts Colleges) – $47,000/year

– Depauw University (#50 National Liberal Arts Colleges) – $36,000/year

– Carroll University (#32 Regional Universities Midwest) – $28,000/year

Trang also received many other offers from reputable U.S. universities.

One of the highlights of Trang’s application was a bold and thought-provoking personal essay. Instead of listing her accomplishments, she wrote about her fear of performing and challenged a popular belief:

“People often think that starting from zero gives you the greatest motivation to work hard and succeed.” Trang shared: “At first, I was confident I could shine on stage, but over time, I lost interest and began to struggle.”

Rather than telling a typical story of triumph over adversity, she went deeper to question that very narrative: “I realized not everyone climbs steadily from the bottom. Even those who’ve succeeded can fall — and sometimes, they must start over again.” This level of reflection and maturity helped her stand out from thousands of applicants.

Trang’s passion for Economics didn’t come from following trends or chasing high income. It began with inspiring Business classes at SenTia, everyday stories from her father – a businessman – and her desire to better understand society and contribute to meaningful change.

Her journey to study abroad started in the summer of Grade 10 — a smart move that gave her ample time to prepare. “Throughout the process, I learned so much and gained many valuable skills,” she said.

Beyond academics, Trang actively engaged in sports, volunteering, and leadership roles in and out of school. As President of the SenTia Student Council (SSC) in 2023–2024, she developed vital life skills: “I learned how to manage tasks, lead an organization, and more importantly, how to deal with people. I now know how to solve problems — not just in work, but also in relationships.” These skills enriched her college application and laid a strong foundation for her future in Economics — a field where communication, negotiation, and leadership are essential.

Looking back, Trang expressed deep gratitude for her learning environment at SenTia: “SenTia helped me a lot, especially academically. The teachers were always there to support me with the knowledge I needed.”

Drawing from her experience, Trang shared this valuable advice for other students planning to study abroad: “Start as early as possible and define your goals clearly. Choosing your major is very important — it shapes your school list and entire application strategy. That’s also a form of planning.”

From a girl who once lost confidence on stage, Hien Trang today shines not just through her achievements, but through her resilience and clear vision. At SenTia, we believe her journey will go far — not only in Economics but in the way she spreads meaningful values in her community and beyond.