It has only been a few days since 2021 started, but Amerigo Class of 2021 seniors have marched in the new year with a bang as more top university outcomes roll in, not only in the US but from all over the world! Tram Vu, a senior graduating from Red Bank Catholic High School in Amerigo New Jersey this summer, has been accepted to University of Toronto in Canada and University of Melbourne in Australia. Both are ranked within the Top 50 Best Universities in the world (QS World University Rankings® 2021). Tough choice for Tram to choose between these two amazing institutions!
Tram Vu joined Amerigo New Jersey campus in her 11th grade. Tram has been an extremely active member of the Amerigo campus as well as Red Bank Catholic High School, joining both the school’s Student Council and dance club while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in her classes. For her contributions to the student community, Tram was elected as an Amerigo Star Student Ambassador in 2020. She also made the best of friends while studying abroad, frequently joining all campus activities and trips in New York and San Fracisco. In her free time, Tram enjoys studying Chinese, Korean, drawing and editing videos.
Tram has been very committed in her university application process as she participated in the Amerigo University Guidance Program as a Honors Track student. Students who successfully apply to be in the Honors Track program receive additional support for their university preparation, including individual consultation with Amerigo Director of University Advising, exclusive access to unlimited, personalized SAT/ACT test prep, seminars and essay/resume writing, and preferred access to summer programs. Amerigo also offers Honors Track students who enrolled at a Top 50 U.S. University $15,000 tuition scholarships.
For Tram, what she did not expect when starting the US university application process was how complicated it was, especially for international students. “Applying to universities includes many processes and aspects that most international students would not be able to comprehend or complete on their own. It’s wonderful to have Amerigo University Advisors and staff, who sat with me for hours to explain each process. And I am extremely grateful that they read my college essays (lots of them) and edited them so I can send a polished application to the universities,” Tram said.
Another challenge she faced was time-management during her 11th and 12th grade. “Almost all colleges ask for essays and I also have to do homework for my classes. During the period before applying to colleges, I would use most of my time to do homework, participate in extracurricular clubs, or focus on my hobbies. But the essay writing part of college was very time-consuming, so I didn’t not have as much time for other activities. Thankfully all of my friends and campus staff were very understanding and helped me throughout the process.”
All the hard work did pay off. Tram applied to universities in the US and all over the world, such as New York University, Boston University, Boston College, University of Texas, University of Hong Kong, Trinity University… So far she has been accepted to University of Toronto (#1 in Canada and #25 worldwide) and University of Melbourne (#41 worldwide). Tram chose to apply to these colleges and universities as they offer amazing Art & Communication programs for undergrads, which is what she wants to major in college. “I try to see myself in fifteen years, where I stand, what I’ll be doing, then choose a college major that best fit my interests. Then I would look up universities that offer that major and if they offer a campus to my liking (considering their course offerings, student life, and location),” Tram said.
A big lesson Tram learned from her university application success was how important extracurricular and leadership activities are in a student’s porfolio. Her advice is to participate in what you can excel most and to participate because you are passionate about it, not because you want to build up a resume. “I believe American colleges want to see the personality behind the activities, not the activities. When you don’t enjoy what you do, it is unlikely that you will perform well. I think that when applying to colleges, it is best to be transparent and be yourself, after all, what college professors value most are truthful students.”
After joining the Amerigo boarding program, Tram notices that she became more mature and sympathetic when living with friends from different countries at the Amerigo New Jersey residence. “Maybe it is being in a Catholic school where everyone loves and forgives each other, maybe it is the diversity of backgrounds in the Amerigo family, maybe the American culture has a great influence on me,” she said. The campus staff members are also very helpful and supportive of Tram during her high school year. “I cannot describe how grateful I am for the Amerigo program. I’m well supported in the Amerigo community. Amerigo staffs are always ready to hear my ideas and encourage me to do what I am passionate about. They always know when I feel unwell physically or mentally, and immediately find ways to help me get through hard times.”
Overall, Tram strongly believes she made the right decision to join Amerigo and study abroad in the US for her high school education. Coming from a small town in Vietnam, she never thought that she could travel, let alone live so faraway from home. She appreciates the opportunity to have access to the American high school education system. “After all, the U.S. has one of the best educational systems in the world, to have access to this system was one of the best experiences of my life.” Tram also enjoys living in a culturally diverse environment, where she is encouraged to explore her potentials and passions. “The education I received granted me a new view of things in the world. Overall, I felt accepted and welcomed while studying here.”
Last but not least, Tram wants to express her gratefulness to Ms. Katie Blue, Amerigo Director of University Advising, who was her university counselor on the Honors Track Program. She also loves the Amerigo New Jersey campus staff members who were with her since the very first day and supported her through every challenge during her study abroad years.
