Instead of beginning her journey with ready-made answers, Nguyễn Trần Uyên Khang chose to “go slow”—taking time to experiment, explore her interests, and discover what truly inspires her. This thoughtful approach helped her build a strong, authentic profile that was accepted by nearly all the U.S. universities she applied to.
A student at the International School of Ho Chi Minh City – American Academy (ISHCMC–AA), Khang has recently completed the university application process with outstanding results. She earned admission offers from prestigious institutions such as Purdue University, University of Maryland (ranked top 4 in Information Science nationwide), University of Washington Seattle, several highly regarded University of California campuses (UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Davis), as well as Penn State, Rutgers, Ohio State, Michigan State, and many others.
What makes her journey unique is that Khang didn’t start out with a single favorite subject or a clear career dream. She admits: “I once felt pressured, as if I was moving slower than others.”
However, instead of rushing to force herself to find an immediate answer, Khang chose to listen to herself through each experience—from conversations with teachers, seeking advice from her family, to trying out new activities. The open learning environment at ISHCMC–AA, where students are encouraged to voice their own perspectives and grow in their own way, created the conditions for her to confidently explore and better understand herself.
Instead of rushing, she chose quality over quantity in extracurriculars. She joined ESTV, an education project promoting sustainable tourism, where she worked on campaign ideas, communications content, and student engagement activities. She also contributed to ƯƠM—a fundraising program in collaboration with social organizations to support primary students in northern Vietnam. During the summer, she volunteered as an SAT tutor on the global learning platform Schoolhouse.world.
“Each time I joined an activity, I asked myself: What did I learn here? What did it help me understand about myself?” Khang reflects. This selective yet steady approach helped her naturally shape her passions.
Not only in social activities, but Khang’s academic journey also reflects a strong spirit of taking on challenges. Mr. Zach, her History teacher, encouraged her to try AP World History in the Advanced Placement (AP) program, even though she had never studied the subject in depth before. This became the foundation for her to continue challenging herself with other advanced courses in the AP curriculum. Thanks to the structured AP teaching methods and the dedicated, highly experienced faculty at ISHCMC–AA, Khang was able to successfully complete her AP courses.
In addition, Mr. Ryan, her Computer Science teacher, recognized Khang’s potential in the field and encouraged her to pursue it further. At the same time, her older brother, an ISHCMC–AA alumnus now studying International Relations abroad, also inspired her with his research and broadened her social perspectives. The support and motivation from both her teachers and family gave Khang the confidence to better understand her own interests and abilities, allowing her to develop along her own unique path.
After her journey of exploration, Khang realized that she was drawn to both psychology and technology. When she discovered the field of Information Science—particularly the research area of Human-Computer Interaction—she understood that she no longer had to choose between what once seemed like two separate passions. Information Science became the perfect intersection, allowing her to create technology experiences that are more accessible, effective, and human-centered.
It was Khang’s clarity of purpose, along with her consistent academic identity, that helped her gain acceptance from numerous prestigious universities in the United States. What matters most, however, is that Khang knows exactly where she is heading and why. After her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in UX Research and hopes to return to Vietnam to contribute to the country’s technological development—promoting greater equity in user experiences across Asia compared to the West.
Looking back, what Khang is most proud of is not only her university admissions results, but also the way she has grown—step by step—from a student who “didn’t know what she truly liked” into a young person who understands herself and knows the value she wants to create for society. For Khang, maturity does not come from having ready-made answers, but from the very journey of seeking those answers with perseverance, courage, and the confidence of youth.
