Miss Sports Vietnam runner-up caught in Harvard admission controversy

Thao, 31, confirmed on Wednesday that she is pursuing a master's degree at Harvard but acknowledged that her program follows a different admission process than the university's traditional graduate programs.

She described Harvard as a demanding academic environment where gaining admission is just the first step, and excelling in coursework is the real challenge.

"So, the real challenge isn't getting accepted into Harvard, but what comes next. I chose Harvard not for its reputation or prestige, but for the chance to learn from world-class professors and gain access to knowledge I had never encountered before," she wrote in a Facebook post.

 

 

Miss Sports Vietnam runner-up caught in Harvard admission controversy

Á hậu Phương Thảo gây tranh cãi vì 'phông bạt chuyện đỗ Đại học Harvard'

Earlier on March 14, Thao posted a video where she appeared emotional, saying, "I have officially received an acceptance letter to become a master’s student at Harvard University, focusing on Government and Political Studies. I never thought I would return to school until the day I set foot at Harvard. A dream has come true. Thank you, Harvard, for accepting my imperfections and giving me the opportunity to be part of the best institution in the world."

However, Facebook users later pointed out that Thao's profile is listed on the Harvard Extension School (HES) website. HES is one of Harvard University’s 12 degree-granting schools, established in 1910, providing educational opportunities for part-time, online learners, and working professionals.

The school offers flexible course enrollment without requiring a competitive admission process. Applicants only need a visa and financial capability, without having to pass rigorous entrance exams or meet academic requirements typical of Harvard University.

Critics argue that Thao’s wording may have led to confusion, with some believing she had been admitted through Harvard’s traditional competitive application process.

Le Phuong Thao poses for a photo at Havard University. Photo from her Facebook page

Thao, a native of Thai Binh Province, was a top student at Regent’s University London in 2017 and previously delivered a graduation speech at the University of Portsmouth in 2016.

She holds a master’s degree in Luxury Brand Management from Regent’s University London and has worked as a project director for a real estate company and a visiting lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance.

In the pageant world, she was a top 45 finalist in Miss Universe Vietnam 2019 and first runner-up at Miss Sports Vietnam 2022.