Vietnamese student secures Cornell admission with essay on 9 years hiding scars

By Khanh Linh   March 19, 2026 | 04:33 pm GMT+7

An essay about wearing long pants for nine years to hide a leg imperfection became a highlight that helped a Hanoi student secure a place at Cornell University, one of the eight Ivy League schools in the U.S.

Luu Tien Minh Nghia, a 12th-grade student at True North International School in Hanoi, received early admission last December to Cornell, currently ranked 12th among 436 national U.S. universities in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

"I knew many applicants were extremely strong, some even with research experience, so I didn't expect much. I was surprised to be admitted," Nghia said.

According to Crimson Education, a global university admissions consultancy, Cornell's acceptance rate in recent years has ranged from 7% to 10%, from roughly 65,000-70,000 applications annually.

The early decision rate for this year has not yet been released. Last year's rate stood at more than 18%, according to IvyWise, a college counseling and admissions consultancy.

The most challenging piece in Nghia's application was his main personal essay. In it, he described forcing himself to wear long pants for nine years, from first grade onward, to hide scars on his legs caused by a childhood skin condition.

"One day, when I finally switched to wearing shorts, I realized the only person truly judging those scars was myself," he said. He likened the long pants to a barrier that had prevented him from accepting himself. Over time, he learned to let go of both the pants and his insecurity, seeing the scars as part of his identity.

Nghia said the essay did not tell an extraordinary story, but it helped the admissions committee understand who he truly is. While the core idea came quickly, he spent considerable time refining its structure and wording, seeking feedback from teachers even during school holidays.

Luu Tien Minh Nghia in a photo provided by his parents.

Nghia began considering studying abroad early on, as several of his relatives had moved overseas for education. Family trips abroad helped him see international study as an opportunity to explore new knowledge and cultures.

Toward the end of 10th grade, he began preparing seriously for that goal, focusing on standardized tests and Advanced Placement courses, college-level classes offered to high school students that provide academic challenge and the opportunity to earn university credit. The program is administered by College Board.

Nghia struggled at first with unfamiliar test formats, the demands of self-study, and limited English proficiency. He practiced test questions daily while improving his language skills with teachers at school. After about a year, he achieved a score of 1560 on the SAT and 8.0 on the IELTS.

During 11th grade, he devoted much of his time to preparing for exams. Studying for six AP subjects placed him under intense pressure. He studied from morning until late at night, sometimes starting at 4:30 a.m. In return, the courses strengthened his college applications and may allow him to skip certain credits at university.

Alongside academics, Nghia was active in extracurricular activities. One notable initiative was Zero Waste, a project promoting food safety and reducing food waste.

At school and during a summer camp in the mountainous town of Sa Pa in northern Vietnam, Nghia noticed many students leaving food uneaten after meals. The sight reminded him of disadvantaged children he had seen begging for food along the way.

"I wondered why some people have nothing to eat while so much food is thrown away. I felt we needed to raise awareness about the issue," he said.

He organized communication campaigns encouraging classmates to reduce food waste and partnered with a Hanoi-based food company to collect edible leftover food at school for donation to charities.

Nghia and his peers also used food scraps to grow plants in the school garden. The initiative helped True North reach the final round of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, an award established by the Government of the United

Arab Emirates to recognize innovative sustainability solutions.

Nghia also led Iron Teen, the school’s running club, where teachers mentored him not only in running techniques but also in leadership and decision-making in difficult situations.

He recalled a race in Hanoi when the team feared they might have to withdraw because their race bibs were missing. Nghia decided to ask organizers to allow the team to run first and search for the bibs afterward. In the end, everyone finished the race together, and the bibs were later found.

He said his activities grew from a desire to contribute to the school community and address real-world problems. Only while preparing his college applications did he realize these experiences had become a competitive advantage.

These experiences inspired two supplemental essays for Cornell. In one, he described how mentorship from teachers in Iron Teen motivated him to guide younger club members. In another, he wrote about poor children in Sa Pa, connecting the experience to his ambition to study food science and develop nutritious meals that remain affordable.

Luu Tien Minh Nghia during a marathon race. Photo provided by his parents

Gerald Schoen, principal of True North International School, said Nghia's journey has inspired students across the school. He praised the student's leadership in community initiatives, from maintaining the school garden to encouraging classmates in academics and sports.

"Nghia has grown remarkably in every aspect—physically, intellectually, and emotionally. We look forward to seeing how he will turn his passion for science into valuable 'nutrition' for the world in the future," Schoen said.

Looking back, Nghia said he is proud to have become a more complete version of himself—someone able to create opportunities, lead others, and inspire people to contribute to the community.

In the near future, he plans to further develop the school's vegetable garden and possibly build a hydroponic system. Once at university, he hopes to pursue internships or research opportunities to continue expanding his knowledge and skills.

"I have to proactively seek opportunities and make use of my experience to help others and do my job well in the future," he said.