From BIS HCMC to the Ivy League: Celebrating an Exceptional Year

We are thrilled that four of our Year 13 students have recently gained offers from ‘Elite’ USA universities. 

To have one student gain a place at an Ivy League university or top 16 QS Global institution is outstanding -and four in one year is a terrific milestone. A huge congratulations to Chuong, Harry, Jennifer and Joshua. Each of these four students have taken a unique path to reach this point, but the outcome is the same — a well-deserved moment of celebration for all. 

Jennifer and Joshua both gained ‘Early Decision’ binding offers from Cornell University (Ivy League) so withdrew any other application plans (as is required). They have enjoyed a stress-free spring with their offers secured since December. 

Joshua shared, “BIS HCMC has given me endless opportunities to explore and grow in my passion for mathematics. From taking part in the UKMT Maths Challenge to founding co-curricular clubs for both maths and physics, I’ve been able to stretch myself beyond the classroom in ways I never imagined.

After hearing first-hand about my brother’s positive experience at Cornell — he graduated from BIS three years ago and is currently studying there — I knew it was the right place for me too.”

Harry and Chuong have had a longer wait, but with offers between them from Stanford University, UC Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania (Ivy League), Duke University, UCLA, Northwestern University, University of Southern California, University of Virginia, New York University, University of Texas at Austin and Emory University, neither are short of options.

Chuong’s deep curiosity and love of biology were sparked by his science teachers, and Harry found his passion for economics during his IGCSEs — both credit BIS HCMC with giving them the confidence to aim high. 

Chuong noted, “The support I’ve received from all my teachers at BIS HCMC, especially my science teachers, Ms Waterhouse and Ms McCosker, has been truly transformational. They’ve nurtured my curiosity and instilled in me a drive to keep asking questions and digging deeper. As a Biology Student Ambassador and participant in the Biology Olympiad, I’ve had the chance to grow not just academically, but also as a leader and mentor.

When I visited UC Berkeley last summer, I immediately felt connected to its vibrant school spirit and strong sense of community — something I’ve always valued at BIS. It felt like the perfect place to continue my journey.”

Since we are a British School, we often hear the misconception that most of our students go to UK universities. This is not the case. In fact, the reality is we have as many BIS HCMC graduates attending US universities and colleges each year as we do UK universities. 

Although we are of course extremely proud of our UK successes this year and every year, in particular our Oxbridge offers this year that you can read more about here.

The breadth and academic rigor offered by the International Baccalaureate is well recognised by US institutions and indeed many of our students gain academic credit towards their US degrees from their IB Diploma. Most Ivy League Universities, including UPenn and Cornell, will have admittance rates of as low as 4%, and for international students this can be lower than 1%. Our students have overcome these odds and gained offers which are incredibly difficult to achieve. We would like to congratulate them all. 

For Harry, who will be the first in his family to attend university, the moment carries even greater meaning:

These achievements are not just academic milestones — they are deeply personal triumphs. "As the first generation in my family to attend university, this is something we’re all incredibly proud of. It will also be my first time traveling to the US, and I chose Stanford for its rich diversity, liberal education approach, and wide range of opportunities that align with my interests.

"My passion for economics began during my IGCSEs at BIS HCMC. I really must thank Mr. McGeever and Mr. Ellis, my Business & Economics teachers, as they have shown me how the effects of economics can be seen everywhere and motivated me to deepen my knowledge about the subject through the IBDP. The diverse opportunities at BIS HCMC allowed me to explore all that economics has to offer. This makes me confident to choose economics as my major for the next four years.

My best advice to younger students is not to overwhelm yourself with essays during the application process. Trying to lock yourself in your room, staying up late, and forcing essays out within the four application months is not sustainable! I’ve experienced it, and I can say my best essays only came out when I’ve taken a break. Go to the gym with your friends, try out new food from different cultures, take in the scenery as you travel – it is those moments that will spark your inspiration. Just then think about how those experiences connect to the wider picture of who you are, and you’ve written a great essay!

The first essay you write will be the hardest, but I promise you’ll get used to it in no time. Good luck!"

The BIS class of 2025 has now received over 200 offers from US universities and colleges alone, and over 500 offers altogether from across the world, which is a record for our school at this time of the school year, and something to celebrate for every one of those students. We very much believe in finding the ‘Best Fit’ destination for our graduates, and we look forward to celebrating even more success with many offers from Canadian universities and most of our Australian, Korean and Singaporean offers still to come later in the year.

A huge thank you to our incredible College and University Guidance team, whose dedication, insight and encouragement have played such a vital role in helping our students achieve these life-changing opportunities.