|
Students may be considering using emerging AI technology, like ChatGPT, to help with college applications. While the tool may be useful for answering common questions, Moon Prep advises against using computer-generated responses for supplemental essays. Schools want to get to know the human behind the application and often look for introspection and empathy in your responses. Read on to learn more about how schools are using AI detectors to ensure academic integrity.
GPA and MCAT scores can only get you so far. Listen to Moon Prep Counselors Darlene and Loren review the application of a previous Moon Prep student who was accepted to an Ivy League medical school as a reapplicant. Find out how to strengthen an application, what admissions committees are looking for, and how to best present your story. Join us for the inside scoop on how Moon Prep counselors strategize with pre-med students applying to medical schools and how you can go from zero acceptances to Ivy League admission offers. Do you want Darlene and Loren to review your medical school application for the next cycle? Schedule a call to discuss working with Moon Prep today!
While Casper may not be the kind of exam you can study for with flashcards, there are strategies students can use to prepare for the situational judgment test. The Casper Test has rolled out significant changes for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. Get familiar with the new Casper test format and the top six tips to a higher Casper score.
In her role as an admissions officer, Kathleen saw what goes on behind the scenes in the selection process, and it was more than just grades that got candidates a coveted spot. Kathleen works with her students to craft stand-out applications that show their true personality and value. She is equipped to guide her students through every step of the process, including personal statements, supplemental essays, application support, scholarships, financial aid, interviews, and staying on top of deadlines.
Kathleen has worked alongside admission committees and university administrators; she brings a unique perspective to students seeking guidance on what colleges are looking for in the next generation of scholars and student leaders.
A few of her student’s recent acceptances include Brown University, Tufts University, and Northeastern University for undergraduate programs and Youngstown State University, Union College/AMC, and NJIT/NJMS for BS/MD programs.
Sign up for a meeting today to request to work with Kathleen!
The latest breaking news in admissions involves a Supreme Court case ending affirmative action nationwide.
What does affirmative action mean?
The purpose of affirmative action is to increase diversity in education by creating more space for students whose race is underrepresented and redress past discrimination of minorities. In 1978, the Supreme Court ruled to set aside a fixed number of seats for minorities at Regents of the University of California, creating the legal possibility that race could be used as a factor in school admissions.
So what was the Supreme Court case about?
In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Students for Fair Admissions and judged it illegal to use race in consideration of applicants in the admission process at Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC), revoking the legality of affirmative action. This case can now be used as a precedent to strike down the collection of racial identification for use in admissions to any academic program.
How does this court ruling impact the medical school admissions process?
The American Medical Association (AMA) released a statement committing to strengthening the racial and ethnic diversity of the medical student body to promote the educational experiences of healthcare professionals as well as further improve public health and patient care for all.
In line with this commitment the AMA suggests we may see more schools looking at adversity metrics as a race neutral alternative to diversify their classes in the upcoming years. Chief legal officer of the AAMC says that schools are still permitted to strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion, but must use other measures. This may look like more essays surrounding challenges applicants have faced or the background of applicants’ early lives. While an applicant may not be solely evaluated on their race, their life experiences, which may be impacted by their race, may be considered.
The Chancellor of UNC specifically sent out a message to their current students stating that while they will comply with the legal ruling, “Carolina is committed to bringing together talented students with different perspectives and life experiences and to making an affordable, high-quality education accessible to the people of North Carolina and beyond.”
Duke released that their holistic admission process seeks to increase diversity through heavy secondary essay requirements in addition to their multiple mini interview format. They will also be maintaining virtual interviews to ease the financial burden on applicants.
The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis has already been working on increasing the diversity of experience and thought in classes without the use of affirmative action or race-based admissions by considering students who lived in medically underserved areas, attended poorly funded high schools, non-native English speakers, and first-generation college students.
For more detailed information on the Supreme Court’s ruling impact on medical school admissions, please refer to the AMA’s Frequently Asked Questions document.
Don’t miss our most recent podcasts episodes! Listen on Apple, Spotify or Amazon today!
Moon Prep is proud to announce a newly-designed research opportunity with Rising Researchers! Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one on a customizable research project with our expert research mentors. Students work virtually while still performing cutting-edge research under the guidance of a research mentor. Our research mentors are experienced in the direct medical and traditional medical admissions process and will guide students on how to showcase this unique research experience. The goal is to give these ambitious students an edge by adding advanced research, data analysis, and a publication to their resumes.
Here’s what you need to know:
How long is the program? 10 sessions, completed over a 4 month period.
When does it start? Projects can begin at any time, even during the school year. Students can register in advance to secure their spot with a research mentor of their choice.
Who is this program for? Our students are rising 9th graders through college students.
What is the end result? Students work with their research mentor to complete a research paper and poster, ultimately resulting in publication in the Rising Researchers Journal.
What is the curriculum? The project is fully tailored and customizable to each student, but we do have a syllabus of course objectives.
No other research experience available offers the level of close mentorship and project guidance as our research mentors. Schedule your complimentary session today to learn more about the details of adding a Rising Researchers research project to your child’s college resume.
Want one more reason to join Moon Prep? Now, our rising seniors have a direct medical college application “boot camp” included in their Moon Prep experience! This summer, our rising seniors will be attending sessions covering the intricate BS/MD application process, including strategies for the medical-focused essay questions. Over seven sessions, students will get a valuable head start on their college applications and essays in a structured, supportive environment. Students receive eBooks, templates, and sample essays to help guide them through the application process.
Application iQ is an experience like no other and will help guide students (and parents) through the complete BS/MD application process.
Here are the details:
When does the program start? Every Wednesday (7/19 – 8/30), 7:00-8:30p ET/4:00-5:30p PT. It is 7 weeks long – meeting 1x a week
What is the investment? Free (live sessions), Paid (offline editing of essays)
Free: Moon Prep students can attend the live sessions for free. Sessions are via Zoom, interactive, and will assist students in getting a head start on their applications and essays in a structured environment
Paid: After each session, students will receive homework and work independently on drafts of their essays. All students are paired with a counselor/essay coach when they sign up. The offline essay edits/feedback will be billed at the hourly rate at sign up.
What topics are covered? The course syllabus and learning objectives can be found here.
Current Moon Prep students can register here.
Not a Moon Prep student yet? Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about our affordable services.
|
