Alumni – Edison Schools

Hello Minh Son, can you tell me about your feelings when you knew that you are offered the scholarship?

I received the official email notification from the University of Adelaide during break time yesterday, and my friends all were the first ones to share the news to me. I took a screenshot and sent it to my parents, informed my teacher. I didn’t know what to say, just that I was really happy.

What are the requirements for the scholarship?

– A minimum IELTS score of 7.5;

– A minimum of GPA (Grade Point Average) of 9.0;

– SAT scores will be an advantage.

Can you share something about your learning journey?

I got an IELTS score of 6.5 in 11th grade, and 7.5 before submitting my university application in 12th grade.

I spent a lot of time preparing for the IELTS and SAT exams. The SAT exams often coincided with Edison School’s assessment weeks. I had my own goals, so that period of time was quite challenging due to the workload. After returning from school, I spent time preparing for the SAT online class, studying continuously for 3 hours, taking breaks, and then reviewing the lessons for the school exams. My average grade in 12th grade was 9.2, exceeding the scholarship application requirements. During that time, I had trouble sleeping because I always felt that my study efforts were insufficient. Fortunately, I achieved good results after all.

So what is your secret to studying IELTS?

Hard-working, that’s all. IELTS is a test that students can practice on their own. The lessons at Edison schools also helped me to achieve that score. I received a lot of support from the teachers. Teacher Daniel helped me practice speaking daily in class as well as discussing various topics. Ms Van, our homeroom teacher, was always ready to help. Before I took the IELTS exam, she even continued to review and correct my essays.

What is your strategy for the SAT exam?

SAT is a comprehensive test that includes Math, Reading, and English. Math is not too difficult for me because the English Math curriculum at school aligns closely with the SAT. However, the reading section poses a significant challenge. Compared to IELTS, SAT has more reading passages, with more complex vocabulary, and the question format is also very different. IELTS reading passages usually provide enough information to answer the questions, while SAT requires more inferential reasoning. Additionally, SAT reading passages may include historical texts, and the language usage can differ significantly from contemporary language. Therefore, there is no other way but investing time and effort.

What is your advice to younger students?

Make decisions quickly and take action immediately. Do your best in every test, and don’t hesitate as I did.

Who has the most influence on you?

There are many, I would say. First and foremost are my parents. They instill motivation in me, and my mom, in particular, always prepares food ready for me between my lessons. My teachers at Edison schools also have had a significant impact on me. They facilitate me a lot, for example, time to prepare SAT, and always encourage and support me, like my current homeroom teacher, Ms. Van.

I remember Mr. Hao, my homeroom teacher in 8th grade. At that time, our school was newly established, and I had transferred from another prestigious private school in Hanoi. Mr. Hao’s physics classes didn’t involve copying from the board or taking notes. He just explained, and we had to take our own notes. I was surprised because I had never experienced that kind of learning before. But I found it fascinating because the notes I took on my own were my own understanding of the subject.

In 9th and 10th grades, I was quite rebellious. I violated the school’s rules several times, didn’t focus on studying, and didn’t care much. The person who held onto me was Ms. Thuy. She gave me a lot of love and care. Even now, with any achievement, my mom and I still send her messages, and she’s always there to share and congratulate me.

My SAT prep teacher is also the one whom I always look up to. He is one of the most committed people I’ve met. He is very serious about his work, inspiring us and sharing his experience when approaching the SAT. I feel so lucky and grateful when I can meet dedicated teachers like them.

So, what are your goals for the next stage?

I’m going to study abroad. Oh no, first, I will try applying to universities in Vietnam and complete the graduation exam. After that, I’m going to study in Australia, live on my own, be financially independent, and live independently without anyone preparing meals for me. I think there will be lots of challenges and require me more discipline. But it will be a new chapter in my life.

Do you have any regrets about the past few years of studying?

Let me think. Is there anything that makes me regret?… No, I think! Whether it is good or bad, everything is beautiful memories, steps that have helped me become a better person.

So, if you could say one thing to your parents, what would it be?

A big thank to my mom and dad. I appreciate your always being by my side on my journey. I promise not to let you down. Definitely.

Have you ever said this to your parents?

(Hesitates) No, I haven’t!

I will help you convey that thank you through this interview. What about the teachers? What would you say to them?

I also want to express my gratitude to all the teachers. Every year, if possible, I will visit our school to see everyone.

With your friends?

I will tell my friends directly. (Laughs)

And what about your siblings who are still studying at Edison School?

I wish my siblings will have a long-lasting connection with the school. Try your best to achieve good results for yourself and for the school as well.

I don’t know what else to say, thank you, and wish you a new journey filled with efforts and happiness!

The interview felt like a heartfelt conversation between a teacher and a student. We laughed together over the minor details, selected photos, and commented that this one was not as good as another, sharing moments of our emotions. Oh, I also chided him for not joining the school’s media photography team back then.

Minh Son remains the same; he is always reserved and speaks little about himself. Before each answer, he carefully considers his words. There were times when he exclaimed, ‘Why do you know everything about me?’ I laughed and replied, ‘Because all the teachers care about their students.

There is one last thing I want to reveal to the Edison teachers. When I asked, ‘Which teacher impresses you the most?’ Minh Son covered his face and said, ‘Oh, can I not say? Because there are many, if I mention one, I’m afraid it will make other teachers sad.

That’s it, and I know those who read this are probably smiling!

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