Academic achievement is the foundation—but personal identity is the true competitive edge. This was the key message throughout the seminar “From Passion to a Ticket to Top Universities” held last weekend at The Dewey Schools Cau Giay.
“Top universities are not looking for the best students, but the most suitable ones.” — shared by James Abdey, Associate Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), offering parents fresh perspectives on building a strong application profile.
A successful application to Tier 1 universities requires a combination of outstanding academic performance and an impressive extracurricular portfolio. Academically, universities place strong emphasis on subjects relevant to the chosen major—for example, Mathematics for Economics, Management, and Finance, or Chemistry and Biology for Medicine. At the same time, families should adopt a smart application strategy. Instead of focusing solely on “dream schools,” a balanced selection across tiers increases admission chances while still aligning with long-term goals.
What truly sets candidates apart, however, is a unique personal story. As admission standards become increasingly competitive, differentiation must come from authenticity. Overused narratives like “this has always been my dream” are losing value, replaced by expectations of independent thinking, deep subject understanding, and genuine personal experiences.
Having successfully earned a scholarship to British University Vietnam for the 2024–2025 academic year, Dewey alumnus Nguyễn Phan Nhật Anh emphasized that extracurricular activities were a key advantage in his application. Guided by career counselors, he had opportunities to organize a student business competition, intern at various organizations, and participate in contests related to Economics and Finance—his intended field of study.
From a parent’s perspective, Đỗ Khánh Vân highlighted the importance of early self-awareness development:
“Fortunately, my younger child is quite strong in self-awareness. At Dewey, students regularly engage in self-reflection exercises in class, which feels very natural. My older child, studying at another school, hasn’t had this experience and is still working to develop it.”
At the seminar, Ngô Ánh Tuyết, Head of Career Counseling & University Guidance at The Dewey Schools, also analyzed upcoming changes in 2026 admission policies. Her insights emphasized that building a strong application is no longer something students can start in their final year. A meaningful and consistent personal profile requires early, structured career orientation.
At The Dewey Schools, career guidance begins as early as Grade 6 through a comprehensive process. Students follow personalized pathways grounded in research, gain hands-on experiences, and receive 1:1 counseling to build university and scholarship applications aligned with their strengths. This foundation has empowered Grade 12 students to confidently gain admission to top universities such as University of Sydney (#25 QS), Grinnell College (#13 Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S.), and Monash University (#36 QS), with total scholarships reaching nearly 107 billion VND.
