Nguyen Thi Bao Chi, a 12th-grade literature student at Chu Van An High School for the Gifted in Hanoi, received her acceptance letter to New York University (NYU)'s media studies program in mid-May. According to the 2025 THE university rankings, NYU is the 19th best university in the US and 33rd globally.

Chi applied to NYU early in the year and was placed on the waitlist in March. Waitlisted applicants are considered potential candidates whom the university may accept in later rounds. However, the acceptance rate from the waitlist is often low, sometimes just a few percent.

Despite the slim chances, Chi sent a monthly email expressing her interest and updating the university on her achievements. "I wanted them to see my genuine passion for the program and my eagerness to share more about myself. I also reaffirmed my commitment to attend if accepted," Chi explained. Eight hours after sending her final email, she received the good news.

Nguyen Thi Bao Chi in her yearbook photo at Chu Van An High School for the Gifted. Photo: Provided by the subject.

Chi's decision to pursue media studies stemmed from her love of literature. She aspires to use media to tell compelling stories that connect people.

"I'm passionate about writing, but with the rapid advancement of AI, I believe writing skills alone are insufficient," Chi acknowledged. This realization led her to seek a dynamic learning environment that fosters comprehensive development and aligns with societal needs.

After careful research, Chi chose NYU for its program's blend of traditional and digital media, which includes training in programming, data analysis, and AI. The university's central location near numerous media companies was another draw.

Chi began preparing her application in mid-11th grade. With only eight months until the deadline, she divided her preparation into two phases: focusing on the IELTS and SAT from March to August, then dedicating herself to the national gifted student competition.

"Since the national competition only happens once, I wanted to complete the standardized tests beforehand to reduce pressure," she said.

Chi's application included her transcripts (9.7/10 GPA), documentation of her achievements and extracurricular activities, a recommendation letter from her competition tutor, and essays.

Chi won second prize in the city's gifted student competition in 9th grade, a bronze medal in the Northern Delta and Coastal Region Olympic in 10th grade, and first prize in the city and second prize nationally in her final year.

She also participated in various projects, including research on stream of consciousness in "The Sorrow of War" with literary critic Mai Anh Tuan, a study of contemporary Northeast Asian literature, and fundraising for children in mountainous areas. The literary research projects provided her with valuable analytical skills and diverse perspectives, enabling her to craft relatable stories.

"Even pain, when conveyed effectively, can be healing for both the teller and the listener," Chi observed.

Chi carried this message into her NYU essay, analyzing Nguyen Minh Chau's "The Boat on the River." The story features a resilient, 40-year-old fishing woman who endures an abusive husband while protecting her children and grappling with shame. However, in court, when advised to divorce, she surprises everyone with her insightful compassion for the man who shoulders the family's burden. Both husband and wife carry hidden sorrows, demonstrating that situations are often more complex than they appear.

Drawing from the characters, Chi argued that "help should address the recipient's true needs" and "some sorrows remain hidden beneath the surface." Through her essay, Chi aimed to demonstrate her ability to transform vulnerability into empathy and her desire to learn how to share such stories on a global platform, preserving Vietnamese identity while adapting it to new and digital media at NYU.

"The university's requirements were straightforward, but the challenge lay in highlighting my strengths and conveying my personality to the admissions committee," Chi said.

Based on her experience, Chi advises applicants to prepare early, define their narrative, manage expectations, and be ready for any outcome. "If rejected, I would have accepted it as fate, perhaps I wasn't the right fit. Even if accepted, fitting in might have been difficult," she reflected.

Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Thi Huong Thuy, Chi's literature tutor, describes her as calm, determined, and reliable. "Given the opportunity, Chi shines, embracing every role, from student union secretary to academic advisor for Literature Day and even MC, with professionalism and meticulousness," Thuy commented.

Bao Chi plans to begin her studies in the US in September. She hopes to connect with international peers and explore the city's vibrant life.

Hai Yen