Hanoi high-schooler gets into top-tier US computer science university with self-developed app

Her acceptance to the Georgia Institute of Technology, commonly known as Georgia Tech, came in late March after she submitted a personal essay about her passion for photography and a portfolio featuring an AI-powered skincare assistant app.

Despite having already been accepted to six other universities, the news left her thrilled. “My dream has come true,” Dieu Anh shared, recalling how she ran around her house screaming with excitement.

Georgia Tech ranks among the U.S.’s premier public institutions. Its computer science program, the field Anh plans to pursue, is ranked fifth in the U.S. alongside Princeton University, according to the 2026 Best Colleges Rankings by U.S. News.

While Georgia Tech’s overall acceptance rate hovers around 9%, admission into highly competitive majors like computer science is estimated to be 6% to 7%.

A passion for tech and community

Anh’s interest in technology blossomed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Observing the surge in demand for IT skills during periods of remote work and social distancing, she felt motivated to apply for the specialized IT program at Hanoi-Amsterdam.

Once enrolled, she began strategically building her academic and extracurricular profile for overseas university applications.

She actively participated in her school’s programming and robotics clubs. She also dedicated her time to volunteering with Friends of Vietnam Heritage, a nonprofit focused on preserving and promoting Vietnamese culture.

Additionally, Anh served as the president of her school’s photography club, a leadership role that shaped the personal essay she submitted to nearly 20 American universities.

Truong Dieu Anh (2nd, R) attends a workshop organized by the Friends of Vietnam Heritage. Photo courtesy of Anh

The essay journey

The essay-writing process was a four-to-five-month endeavor. Anh went through nearly 40 drafts and made at least three major directional shifts. On several occasions, she would finish a draft she believed was complete, only to rewrite it entirely after receiving feedback from her advisors.

Although she intends to study computer science, Anh deliberately avoided forcing the subject into her main essay. Instead, she chose to focus on photography, which she felt had strongly shaped her personality and mindset.

“This is a personal statement. I had to look into the deepest part of myself and portray who I really am,” she explained. “Photography helped me do that best.”

Her initial drafts focused on her activities within the photography club. However, after deep reflection, she decided to explore the true roots of her passion: a camera her mother had purchased for her using an entire month’s salary.

Through this narrative, she reflected on how the camera was more than just a tool for capturing memories. It became a means of expressing her self-worth and identity. The story demonstrated that she is an individual who lives wholeheartedly, treasures every moment, and takes nothing for granted.

Academic excellence and innovative projects

Academically, Anh maintained excellent grades throughout high school while deeply studying competitive programming and artificial intelligence.

She earned perfect scores of 5/5 in both Computer Science and Calculus in the Advanced Placement (AP) program. Administered by the College Board, these college-level courses allow high school students to earn university credit, skip introductory classes, and stand out on international applications.

Beyond the classroom, Anh’s innovative mindset earned her a spot among the top 30 participants in the Future Blue Innovation competition, organized by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Hanoi.

Her competition entry was an app concept designed to turn organic waste into eco-friendly dishwashing liquid. Utilizing computer vision technology, the app allows users to photograph items like orange or kumquat peels. It then evaluates whether the waste is suitable for conversion and suggests appropriate recipes.

She also independently developed an AI-assisted skincare app after witnessing a close friend struggle with severe acne.

By analyzing daily facial photos, the app tracks skin conditions over time and evaluates the effectiveness of treatments. It even factors in local weather conditions, such as temperature and humidity, to recommend personalized skincare routines.

“Although it was only a personal project tested on a small scale, I included it in my supplemental essay for Georgia Tech to demonstrate my passion and mindset,” Anh noted. “To me, the essence of technology is helping people. I want to study it deeply so I can create practical technological solutions.”

Vu Thi Hong, director of Hola Academy and one of Anh’s mentors, described her application profile as diverse and personal.

“That individuality, combined with her intelligence, adaptability, and determination, helped her win over such a selective university,” Hong said.

As Anh awaits the start of Fall 2026 classes at Georgia Tech in late August, she is studying AP Statistics to waive additional introductory university credits.

She is also looking into exchange and research opportunities at Georgia Tech to ensure she is fully prepared for her student life in the U.S.