Using her passion for writing and her hobby of scuba diving as metaphors to tell her journey of self-discovery and overcoming ADHD, Lam Uyen conquered Dartmouth University with a scholarship of about 8.5 billion VND for 4 years.
Phi Ngoc Lam Uyen - 12th grade student at Olympia High School - Photo: NVCC
Phi Ngoc Lam Uyen, a 12th grade student at Olympia High School, was accepted to Dartmouth College in the early admission round in mid-December 2024. This is one of the eight elite universities in the US.
Detect your own syndrome
Lam Uyen (17 years old) applied to Dartmouth University in the early admission round with an impressive profile with an excellent predicted IB score; since grade 10, she achieved 1,540/1,600 SAT (standardized test for students applying to American universities), in the top 1% in the world.
After moments of bursting happiness because of being accepted early into her dream school, Lam Uyen shared about the proud journey she just went through.
Lam Uyen confided that she accidentally discovered that she had symptoms of hyperactivity and attention deficit when she was in 7th grade - when she read a story by an American author.
At that time, Lam Uyen felt that the main character had experienced symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that were very similar to what the female student was experiencing. This made the female student wonder and worry whether she was suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder like the female lead in the story?
"After being examined and diagnosed with ADHD by the doctor, I began to research this disease thoroughly and found ways to overcome it and overcome obstacles in many different ways, including my passion for writing stories, diving, sports...
During my studies and daily activities, because I have more difficulty concentrating than others, whenever I feel like I can't concentrate, I won't try to force myself but will temporarily switch to doing something else and then come back to it later," Lam Uyen said.
Lam Uyen shares her experience in preparing study abroad documents at an event - Photo: NGUYEN BAO
In her main essay for early admission to Dartmouth College, Lam Uyen used her writing interests and passion for scuba diving to convince the school in her main essay.
"In fact, writing stories or diving are just a small part of the process of discovering myself, like a metaphor for diving into my own world, escaping the bubble of my comfort zone. However, in the end, I still have to surface to return to real life, bravely stepping out into the world with beautiful things waiting," Lam Uyen said.
Study psychology to help people… like you
Lam Uyen said she wants to pursue biochemistry at Dartmouth College, because she is very interested in the field of psychology, the study of the human brain.
According to Lam Uyen, currently, in Vietnam, there are many young people suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, difficulty concentrating at work or being hyperactive. However, not everyone understands what problem they are facing and what support they need.
"When I go to university, when I have more support from the school and professors, I want to research psychology directly, research the human brain, to be able to help people who have the same syndromes as me," Lam Uyen said.
According to the plan, Lam Uyen will go to the US in August 2025 to study at Dartmouth College. While waiting for admission, the female student will continue to maintain the in-class study program to ensure academic results.
In addition, the female student plans to improve her life skills and practice sports and possibly learn some other foreign languages such as Spanish and Japanese, to give herself an advantage when studying in the US.
Lam Uyen presents the project to the teachers - Photo: NVCC
Achieved IELTS 8.0 since grade 8
To apply to Dartmouth College to study biochemistry, in her junior year, she participated in a research project on the effects of fertilizers on the chemical components of basil essential oil. The research was then published in a prestigious Q2-level scientific journal.
In 2023, Lam Uyen participated in AI - JAM US, Lam Uyen's team competed online and won the gold prize with research on applying 3D printing methods in the production of chips simulating human physiological organs for use in medical laboratories and teaching.
Regarding extracurricular activities, Lam Uyen said she used to be the leader of a group writing Vietnamese language books for overseas Vietnamese.
Ms. Le Thi Dieu Linh - Lam Uyen's advisor during the process of preparing her study abroad application - said that right from the end of secondary school, Lam Uyen started researching and planning to hunt for scholarships to study in the US. Since grade 8, Lam Uyen has achieved 8.0 IELTS.
"Lam Uyen is proof that students do not necessarily have to pass the entrance exam to a specialized school or study at a top international school to conquer elite American universities," said Ms. Linh.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/trung-tuyen-dai-hoc-dartmouth-hoc-bong-8-5-ti-dong-bang-cau-chuyen-doi-mat-voi-hoi-chung-tang-dong-20250128234244621.htm
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