Escaping "her older sister's shadow," female student wins prestigious global scholarship.

Tran Phuong Thao (born 2007, Hanoi), a former student of class 11 Literature 1, High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), is currently studying at United World Colleges Changshu High School in China (UWC).

In March 2024, Thao received a full scholarship from UWC Changshu worth 2.5 billion VND for two years of study.

UWC is known as a global network of schools, comprising 18 campuses across four continents. The UWC scholarship is considered one of the most prestigious and competitive full-time high school scholarships in the world, with an acceptance rate of just under 5%.
 

Tran Phuong Thao, former student of class 11 Literature 1, High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) (Photo: Provided by the interviewee).

In addition, Phuong Thao has received numerous scholarships from the United States, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.

Not only that, Phuong Thao also excelled, ranking in the top 7% of global students to win scholarships from the Immerse Education Essay Competition in the United Kingdom.

With her older sister, Tran Phuong Linh, a second-year student at the University of Alberta (Canada), Phuong Thao is often asked by people: "Doesn't it feel stressful living in your sister's shadow?"

Instead of feeling pressured or overshadowed by her talented older sister, Thảo shared that she feels completely at ease and not burdened as many people think. This is because she believes in her own abilities and unique qualities.

Thảo said that her older sister was both a great source of motivation and a role model for her to constantly study and improve herself. Thảo still remembers the days when her sister sternly reminded her for missing application deadlines or the calls urging her to write essays despite the time difference between the two countries. Therefore, after winning the scholarship, the person Thảo is most grateful to is her sister.
 

Phuong Thao takes a stroll in Wukang, Shanghai (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)

I almost gave up after receiving over 100 comments from my sister.

Phuong Thao began her scholarship hunting journey in 10th grade. Thao confided: "I once failed to get a 100% scholarship from Canada and always felt insecure when facing interview rounds with school representatives."

Moreover, opening the file every day with over 100 comments and suggestions from my sister sometimes made me want to give up. However, I quickly regained my spirits and learned from my failures."

Thảo said that "challenge" is the word to describe the arduous journey she undertook in winning the scholarship.

"I still remember the day UWC opened applications; it coincided with the day I was training with the Literature Olympiad team. At the time, I was hesitant about whether to apply or not. But when I thought about my dream of studying abroad, I decided to continue," Thao said.

Thao said that at UWC, she had the opportunity to experience new activities she had never tried before, such as rowing and mountain climbing. Being immersed in nature made her happier. Besides that, she also made friends with many students from all over the world who shared her interests, helping her learn many valuable lessons.

Phuong Thao realized: "After all, my greatest success is achieving my goal of seeing the world and freely exploring and doing the things I've always wanted."

My dream of studying abroad became even stronger when my older sister won a scholarship.

Thảo's dream of studying abroad began in her childhood, when she was fascinated by exploring the world through movies and books. That desire grew even stronger as she matured, especially after her older sister won a prestigious university scholarship. Therefore, starting in the 9th grade, Thảo began building her personal profile, gradually realizing her dream.

Phuong Thao celebrated Christmas in China (Photo: Provided by the interviewee).

Entering 10th grade, Phuong Thao tried her hand at larger-scale, more fiercely competitive competitions. "Thanks to that, I discovered my true passion: working in the field of education."

"I've always believed that 'a clear and strong passion' is the key to achieving my dreams. At the same time, I also aspire to become an inspiration to young children in the future," Thao shared.

Phuong Thao said that the scholarship application process required her to balance preparing her application, studying in class, and preparing for English proficiency exams. Simultaneously participating in the school's literature team made effective time management even more crucial.

"I've documented and categorized specific tasks in a notebook, and also created a to-do list on my phone to track progress. To optimize my time, I prioritize completing class assignments, and at home I dedicate time to researching materials and focusing on writing essays," the student said.
 

Thao joined the English Club (Photo: Provided by the interviewee).

Phuong Thao shared: "I believe that the decision to study abroad will be a crucial turning point for those who are nurturing their dreams. This is not only an opportunity to develop oneself but also a journey to strengthen one's willpower. No matter how difficult the challenges ahead, all efforts will be rewarded with valuable experiences."

According to Dr. Pham Hai Linh, a literature teacher at the High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities (Hanoi), during the team selection period, although Thao was busy with submitting her study abroad applications, she still managed her time effectively and demonstrated independent and sharp thinking skills.

"When I first met Phuong Thao, I felt she was a diligent, intelligent, and serious student. Thao was always ready to listen and accept feedback from teachers and friends to improve herself," shared Dr. Pham Hai Linh.

According to Rui Li (English teacher at UWC), Phuong Thao is a dedicated and energetic student who always strives to improve and develop her strengths.

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Admission Plan for Grade 10 at the Specialized High School for Social Sciences and Humanities in 2025
Format of the entrance exam for 10th grade at the High School for Social Sciences and Humanities in 2025