Duy Anh is one of 100 students in the world accepted into the prestigious summer research program of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA.
"I was very nervous. I spent a lot of effort on my application, so it's a shame that I failed," Khuc Dang Duy Anh, a grade 11 student at Reigate Grammar School Vietnam, said after receiving the letter of acceptance on February 28. Although the world university rankings on many criteria change every year, MIT is always recognized as the number 1 school in Engineering.
Research Science Institute (RSI) - the program Duy Anh was accepted into is highly competitive, only recruiting 80-100 high school students from around the world each year (about 5% of applications). MIT will waive tuition fees, cover travel, accommodation, field trips, labs, and materials for students to access research fields such as Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Humanities.
During the six weeks, students read the latest literature in their chosen field, take intensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) classes with professors at the school. Then, each student conducts a personal project under the guidance of experienced scientists. Finally, students present their research projects and receive letters of recommendation from MIT to apply to American universities.
Khuc Dang Duy Anh. Photo: Character provided
Duy Anh learned about the program through an acquaintance and decided to join because of his passion for Biochemistry research. He started applying in October 2023.
The program requires six essays, each about 500 words long. The student believes it is important that applicants demonstrate a passion for research in their chosen field.
Duy Anh demonstrated this by sharing his thoughts, reasons and experiences with the subject. Since grade 10, the male student has participated in a research project on arthritis with some friends, under the guidance of a professor at the University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. For about three months, the research team studied antibacterial substances from jasmine plants to treat arthritis. The experience gave him knowledge and professional skills such as separating substances, taking cells... The project won a gold medal in the Prix Eiffel science competition in France, 2023.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Khuong, an independent consultant in the US, helped Duy Anh prepare his application and edit his essays. Mr. Khuong said that the 6 essays have 6 questions. Unlike the US university application essays that can be written freely and creatively, the essay for this MIT program needs to be more detailed.
"Duy Anh took a week and a half to write 6 essays. He writes well and quickly," said Mr. Khuong.
According to Mr. Khuong, the program requires candidates to have a solid foundation in Science and Mathematics, targeting students with experience in scientific research or who have participated in international competitions such as IMO (International Mathematics Olympiad), IPhO (International Physics Olympiad), IChO (International Chemistry Olympiad). Duy Anh is in the first case, with a lot of research experience, despite being only 17 years old.
In addition, the male student has good academic achievements. Duy Anh took the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) exam, achieving A+ in 6 subjects and an A in one subject. In addition, he has an SAT score in the top 1% in the world - 1570/1600 and an IELTS English certificate of 8.5.
Duy Anh also shows rich experience in extracurricular activities, with long-term career goals. He has participated in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, researching and discussing issues of interest in the world. He also tutors, teaching science subjects in English to 6th and 9th graders.
With future plans, the male student outlined his career path in 10 years. After graduating from university, he wants to continue studying for a doctorate, specializing in Food Science or Medical Science in the US. Duy Anh will stay and work for a while to gain experience, before returning to Vietnam.
After receiving the news of his admission, Duy Anh eagerly prepared for his experience in the US. He will fly to the US on June 23.
"I hope to learn more research skills and about Biochemistry," Duy Anh said.
Dawn
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