At 6:30 a.m. on March 27 An, a 12th-grade student at Delta Global School in Hanoi, checked his emails for messages from various Ivy League schools.
The first three emails he opened were all rejection letters.
When he reached the Princeton message, the word “Congratulations” made him break down in tears.
He says: “I was very surprised. After three rejections, I had almost stopped hoping.”
Princeton ranks No. 1 in the latest U.S. News rankings, and has an acceptance rate of around 5%.
Le Duy An in a photo he provided. |
An first considered studying abroad while still in seventh grade, influenced by two older brothers who studied in the U.S. and Canada, and began preparing applications seriously while in 10th.
He plans to major in operations research and financial engineering, largely inspired by his father, an economics PhD and public policy expert who runs a consulting firm in Hanoi.
To show he could handle Princeton’s demanding coursework, An chose challenging advanced placement classes that matched his interests.
By the time he applied he had completed six AP exams, including calculus and statistics.
He also aimed to finish standardized tests early, spending about two weeks preparing for each. With his strong English skills and solid academic background, he quickly achieved an IELTS score of 7.5 and a SAT score of 1530 out of 1600.
He then shifted his focus to other activities, especially scientific research.
He says his teachers encouraged him to pursue research as early as in eighth grade, and he actively sought opportunities in professional environments.
He interned at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, worked on research projects under lecturers from the Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Phenikaa University, and attended SSP International, a well-known science summer program in the U.S.
By the time he submitted his application, An had completed four research projects in aerodynamics, astrophysics and particle physics.
A paper on aerodynamics that he worked on at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology was published in Applied Sciences (MDPI).
The application essays gave him the most trouble. Princeton requires one main essay and six supplemental responses.
In his main essay An wrote about how his thinking matured as he coped with the loss of his mother. He once believed science could explain and solve everything. After her death, he realized poetry and literature also offered comfort and helped him move forward.
For the supplemental essays, he spent the most time on a question about life experiences that shape a person and what perspective they would bring to the Princeton community.
He described two experiences that changed his outlook: learning roadside motorbike repair and meeting custom bike enthusiasts.
He saw mechanics use simple tools in creative ways, while enthusiasts showed deep knowledge of engines and machinery.
These experiences led him to see that engineering does not exist only in academic institutions or advanced labs, but appears everywhere, from roadside repair shops to racing bikes.
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Le Duy An (front) takes a selfie with his friends in an activity at school. |
While studying, conducting research and preparing his application, he stayed active in extracurriculars. He played several sports, with basketball as his main passion. He even played in the U19 Hanoi Open Cup and the National U16 Championship.
He founded the Math and Computer Science Club at his school, organizing activities and small projects for other students.
Despite his exacting schedule, he said he never felt overwhelmed because everything stemmed from genuine interest.
Christopher Segur, a teacher at Delta Global School, calls the result outstanding for a student from the school’s first graduating class. Drawing on seven years of experience in U.S. college admissions, he says An fits what Princeton looks for.
“His effort, integrity and strong sense of self will contribute to Princeton’s environment. He is also a role model for younger students.”
An says he has not made detailed plans for the coming academic year, but wants to finish ongoing projects, support school clubs and spend time in Hanoi with his father and friends.
He also hopes to keep playing basketball before leaving for the U.S.
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