Le Minh Ngoc, 22, from Hanoi, was a talented undergraduate chemistry student at the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. On 12/7, Ngoc received her honors degree with a GPA of 3.63/4.

Ngoc expressed satisfaction with completing her undergraduate program in 3.5 years while conducting scientific research, participating in three exchange programs in Japan, Singapore, and Canada, and securing a full doctoral scholarship in chemistry in the US.

Ngoc's future academic home for the next five to six years is the University of Massachusetts Amherst, ranked among the top 26 public universities in the US by US News & World Report. The scholarship covers all tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses and research, totaling approximately 77,000 USD per year.

"I've wanted to study abroad since secondary school, but the Covid-19 pandemic led me to pursue my undergraduate degree in Vietnam," Ngoc shared. "I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to study abroad three times in four years, and soon, a fourth time."

Le Minh Ngoc during her exchange program in Canada in February. Photo: Provided by the subject.

As a former specialized chemistry student at Chu Van An High School, Ngoc had a solid foundation for continuing in this field at university. Focusing on quality over quantity, she achieved good results from the first semester and proactively accelerated her studies.

Instead of the usual 18-20 credits per semester, Ngoc took up to 27 credits during her first two years. She maintained this pace in her second year while engaging in scientific research on organic chemistry topics, such as the antioxidant properties of Tan Cuong tea.

The most challenging period for Ngoc was early in her third year. She juggled demanding general courses in mathematics and physics alongside specialized courses, research, and English proficiency tests. During this time, she also applied for exchange programs and researched American universities to prepare for studying abroad.

"I was under a lot of pressure, but fortunately, everything went according to plan," Ngoc said.

In her third year, Ngoc was one of three chemistry students to participate in a two-week exchange program at Ibaraki University, Japan. Witnessing advanced technologies and equipment firsthand alleviated her stress.

In the following semester, Ngoc secured another exchange opportunity at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. This experience gave her a realistic glimpse into the life of a research student, living independently and participating in research activities in a foreign laboratory. She focused on organic synthesis, a direction she continued in her undergraduate thesis.

Ngoc (right) during her exchange program in Japan in 2023. Photo: Provided by the subject.

Upon returning from Singapore, Ngoc completed her remaining coursework, worked on her thesis, and prepared applications for American universities. With excellent grades, an IELTS score of 7.5, research experience in Vietnam and abroad, and strong recommendations from her professors, Ngoc focused on her essays, highlighting her Singapore experience to demonstrate her suitability for a doctoral program in chemistry.

She submitted her applications in late December, and by mid-January, the University of Massachusetts Amherst offered her admission. At that time, Ngoc was preparing to defend her undergraduate thesis.

"I thoroughly researched many universities and chose Massachusetts Amherst because I'm interested in biochemistry, and the university excels in this field," Ngoc explained.

Despite achieving her goal, Ngoc continued to apply for and secured a four-month exchange scholarship at York University, Canada, in February.

Dr. Pham Van Phong, a lecturer in the Faculty of Chemistry who taught, mentored, and wrote a recommendation letter for Ngoc, praised her diligence and planning.

"What's most impressive is her dynamism and strong will," Phong said.

Ngoc will travel to the US in late August. She will have the opportunity to work in three different laboratories before choosing a research direction.

"Having experienced short-term study abroad three times, I feel less apprehensive about going to the US," Ngoc stated.

Duong Tam