Honouring RGSV Students for Their Achievements in UKChO and USABO2025: Golden Advantages for International University Applications

The year 2025 has seen remarkable progress for RGSV students participating in prestigious international science competitions such as the UK Chemistry Olympiad (UKChO) and the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO). These competitions, known for their academic rigour, not only serve as premier scientific platforms but also offer valuable advantages that significantly enhance university applications to top-tier global institutions.

UKChO – A Launchpad for Aspiring Chemists

The UKChO is a prestigious Chemistry competition organized by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), designed to challenge students' logical thinking and their ability to apply knowledge beyond the standard school curriculum. In 2025, the competition saw participation from 1,502 schools—an increase of 79 schools compared to 2024—with 16,216 students submitting their papers, setting a new record over the 14,915 submissions the previous year. Only 8.2% of participants were awarded the Gold Medal, underscoring the highly competitive nature of the exam.

Outstanding UKChO 2025 Awardees:

- Anh Duy Dang KHUC (Year 13 – A-level): Gold Medal

- Hung Quoc LE (Year 13 – IB): Gold Medal

Earning a Gold Medal in the UKChO demonstrates exceptional proficiency in Chemistry and is considered a strong asset when applying to leading STEM programs at top institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

USABO – A Gateway to Research and Innovation Opportunities in the US

The USABO is a rigorous Biology Olympiad known for its depth and breadth of scientific inquiry. It also serves as the selection platform for the Research Science Institute (RSI) hosted by MIT—one of the most prestigious research internships globally for high school students. In 2025, the competition attracted 11,900 participants, with 8.8% receiving awards.

Outstanding USABO 2025 Awardees (Asian Round):

- Jihu KANG (Year 11 – IGCSE): Asian Silver

- Anh Ha Tran Nguyen (Year 11 – IGCSE): Asian Honorable Award

- Minkyu KWACK (Year 12 – IB): Asian Honorable Award

Recognition in the USABO not only affirms a student's excellence in Biology but also positions them for nominations to elite research programs in the United States, particularly RSI at MIT, which admits fewer than 3% of applicants globally.

Mathematics – A Pioner in Bringing International Olympiads to RGSV

Alongside recent outstanding achievements in Science Olympiads, Mathematics has played a pioneering role in introducing prestigious international academic competitions to RGSV students.

Outstanding Achievements in the UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC):

- William Minh Nhat Hoang Trinh – Gold & Best in School

- Minh Pham – Gold & Best in Year

- Minkyu Kwack – Gold

- Soyi Moon – Gold & Best in Year

- Minh Nguyen – Silver & Best in Year

- Anh Nguyen – Silver

- Ngoc Vu – Bronze

Achievements in the UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC):

- Yoonje You – Gold & Best in School

- Bach Xuan Le – Gold & Best in Year

- William Minh Nhat Hoang Trinh – Gold

- Nam Nhat Dang Le – Silver

- Soyi Moon – Silver & Best in Year

- JiHu Kang – Silver

- EunGyu Kim – Silver

- My Ha Do Vu – Silver & Best in Year

- Hsu Shwe Yi Aung – Silver

- Chaeyi Moon – Bronze

Pathway to Success: More Than Just Individual Effort

Behind the students’ impressive achievements lies the dedicated support of teachers and coordinators from ASEEDER at RGSV. In particular, Dr Yen Nguyen, a Science teacher, and Dr Tuan Dang, a Maths teacher at RGSV, have played a crucial role by inspiring students, providing academic resources, and tailoring strategic guidance for each individual candidate.

Over the past academic years, RGSV has remained at the forefront among international schools in Hanoi in hosting renowned academic Olympiads, offering students both competitive and developmental opportunities. These events not only foster academic growth but also provide a global platform for students to assert their capabilities, cultivate international mindsets, and pursue ambitious scientific dreams. Once again, the achievements of our students reinforce RGSV’s reputation as a nurturing environment for academic excellence and future talent development.