Pham Gia Nguyen, a 12th-grade physics major student at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, has gained acceptance to Columbia University, one of the eight prestigious Ivy League schools in the US. The student also secured spots at several top-50 US institutions.

“Columbia’s acceptance rate is low this year, so I didn’t put too much hope on it. When I received the acceptance letter, I was overjoyed, but I am still waiting for results from the University of Pennsylvania before deciding where to go to this autumn,” Gia Nguyen shared.

With a father working in interior design, Gia Nguyen said that both his parents wanted him to pursue this field. But Nguyen soon realized that he had no talent for art. At the beginning of 10th grade, the family had to sit down and analyze Nguyen's strengths and weaknesses, and orient his study and career path.

During this period, his physics teacher and robotics club advisor, Pham Vu Bich Hang, suggested he join the club. This opportunity completely reshaped Nguyen’s career direction.

“I can find joy in 3D design, machining, and assembling robots. My passion kept me researching day and night without fatigue. My first competition was the World Robot Olympiad in 10th-grade summer. That award spurred me to dive deeper into robotics,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen’s engagement in robotics club surprised Hang. Within less than two months, from learning theory to practice, with his determination to design and optimize robots, Nguyen led his team from zero to the national top four.

“After the competition, Nguyen was elected deputy head of mechanics by club peers, managing training and organizing events,” Hang said.

In 2024, Nguyen and his team competed at the FIRST Tech Challenge. During the time the team prepared the robot for the competition, the school board created conditions for them by opening the lab from 6am to 11pm. However, during the final stage, Nguyen's team almost ate and slept at school to make the robot.

"There were the days when the whole team worked until 3-4am. However, I didn't feel tired, on the contrary, I was very happy and felt that this was a memorable experience," Nguyen said.

At the event, Nguyen’s team won the Vietnam championship with their programmed mechanical robot but wasn’t selected for the world round in the US. However, Nguyen and his teammates were big gainers as they could improve skills, become proficient in 3D designing and mechanical engineering thinking.

This year, Nguyen took on a new role in the competition. He was a coach who guided younger students for the international round in Texas, US. His team secured second place among over 250 national teams worldwide.

To date, Gia Nguyen has joined five major robotics competitions. He’s a Samsung Membership member and won second place in the 2025 Solve for Tomorrow national award.

His passion for robotics easily showcased who he is in the dossiers applying for US universities.

“Many peers pursue diverse activities, while I can find my passion in technology and robotics. I have devoted 100 percent of my strength and dedication to it. My application’s diversity came from activities tied to this passion,” Nguyen said.

In his main essay, Nguyen wrote about a special friend who faced bullying due to difficulties in social communications, but excelled academically. The friend once competed at Road to Olympia, a famous TV show organized for high school excellent students nationwide, and earned a national academic award.

“When I met him, I gradually changed my perspective on many issues. For example, when playing basketball, I always pursued perfection, meaning I had to be the best. When I failed, I collapsed. But thanks to him, I realized that each person has their own strengths and weaknesses. To live happily, I don't focus on my weaknesses but need to use my strengths to help others move forward,” Nguyen said.

Hang feels proud of her student. She praised Nguyen’s scientific approach, creativity, and exceptional persuasion and debating skills beyond his robotics passion.

Nguyen credited his success to clear goals, dedication, and commitment to his plans.

“I hope to pursue mechanical engineering in the US. After graduating, I’ll explore a new field, like management, to test uncharted skills, such as administration. It’ll be an exciting journey,” Nguyen said.

Thuy Nga