Benefits of Studying at a Top U.S. University
In recent years, although the number of Vietnamese students studying in the U.S. has increased, the number of students getting into top high schools and universities remains limited, with even fewer getting into the top 20 universities. On this issue, we spoke with Mr. Dinh Gia Bao, Academic Director of New England Elite Education Consulting (NEEC), about the path to the best universities in the United States.
Parents attending the seminar “How to Get into the Best High Schools in the U.S.” organized by NEEC at Bitexco on August 18, 2018
Could you share some information about the top schools in the U.S. to help students and their families prepare well for studying abroad?
According to statistics, there are 4,600 colleges and universities in the U.S., of which about 2,800 have four-year programs or more. At NEEC, we focus on helping Vietnamese students get into the top 100 boarding schools and the top 300 universities in the United States. These schools offer the best living and learning environments for students. Most of them are private, non-profit institutions with a strong academic reputation, operating independently. They are self-sufficient in all activities, so when students are accepted into these schools, they have the potential to receive financial aid if needed.
Studying at these schools offers students not only the advantage of modern facilities and an exceptional academic environment but also an invaluable asset: the relationships with professors and peers who are outstanding individuals. For example, Phillips Academy Andover, a top boarding school, is known for training future students of Yale, Harvard, MIT… If you attend Yale, you will follow in the footsteps of famous graduates like Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, George Bush Sr., Meryl Streep, Oliver Stone, Claire Danes, or Jodie Foster…
Of course, not everyone who attends top schools will become a world-class figure, but getting into these schools provides a strong foundation for future success. Vietnamese people are very intelligent and hardworking, and with a good living and learning environment, they can maximize these qualities.
So, in your opinion, what do Vietnamese students need to prepare to get into the top U.S. schools?
Observing the application process for top schools among NEEC students, I have noticed that successful applicants share a common trait: they have a passion and a strong desire to pursue a dream and see academics as a means to achieve what they want. In addition, they must prepare for grades, test scores, language skills, knowledge of the academic environment, and the necessary skills for studying at universities in the United States. However, depending on their circumstances, each student will have specific preparations within their capabilities. It is important for students to seek accurate information from reliable sources to prepare effectively for successful integration into the academic environment.
At NEEC, we apply a comprehensive cognitive assessment method, personalize the study abroad plan, and provide training programs in life skills and study habits to help students succeed abroad. This includes career development guidance for the long term, not just the sole purpose of getting into prestigious schools. Over the past few years, we have worked closely with many parents and students to help them build a suitable study abroad plan, leading to success in their studies and future careers.
Can you elaborate more on this preparation process?
Top schools select students through a very rigorous review process with specific criteria. Students must have strong English skills, top grades, and top SAT I and possibly II scores. The essays prepared for the application must reflect the individual’s unique thinking and style. Essays that capture attention and express personality well in the interview are the key to success. Teacher recommendations are also important, highlighting the student’s abilities, aspirations, and spirit. All these elements need to be built into a process that makes the student’s application truly stand out and shine in the selection rounds. It should also be noted that top U.S. schools admit students through a review process rather than an entrance exam; while grades and test scores are important, they are not everything—the overall qualities of the student are the deciding factors.
Mr. Dinh Gia Bao interviewing a group of students who recently returned from a five-week summer study trip at Phillips Academy Andover—the best boarding school in the U.S. in 2018, organized by NEEC
From NEEC’s perspective, the most important thing in preparing students for studying abroad is not just preparing the application but selecting the right major and school, including career guidance that aligns with the student’s talents, interests, and potential for future development. School selection depends on the student’s abilities, family wishes, and financial conditions. I believe students and their families need to clearly understand their study abroad goals and then build a study plan and career development path. This is the key to a student’s success, not only in the initial stages but throughout their life.
In addition to the student’s efforts, what should parents do to prepare their children for admission to top schools?
To prepare their children for studying abroad, especially at top U.S. schools, parents need to carefully plan a study abroad path. Beyond academic and language abilities combined with the student’s prominent talents and interests, parents need to work with their children to set clear career goals and future development directions. Lastly, but equally important, families need to prepare their children mentally to integrate into a new social environment. Most Vietnamese students are still shy in communication, lack initiative in their work, and are afraid of being different from the crowd. This may be due to cultural influences, rigid education systems, and a focus on theoretical learning over extracurricular activities.
In my opinion, one way to overcome this is to give students the opportunity to experience learning at boarding schools or participate in summer study abroad programs at prestigious institutions for a few weeks. By participating in these programs, in addition to improving English skills, students have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the international and multicultural learning environment, mentally prepare themselves, and set clear future goals to compete with global peers in the race to enter top universities. Additionally, they can join extracurricular activities or go on exploration trips…
For example, last year we organized a 4-5 week summer study abroad program at some of the top schools in the U.S., such as Phillips Academy Andover, Hotchkiss School, Boston University… After just a few weeks of living and studying at these schools, families were surprised by their children’s maturity, thoughtfulness, and motivation in their studies. I believe that carefully planning a path for their children will help parents realize the value of getting into one of the best schools in the U.S.
Thank you!
Source: https://doanhnhanplus.vn/loi-ich-khi-du-hoc-truong-hang-dau-tai-hoa-ky-374589.html
