December 2025 Preview –
What’s Coming This Month 

📅 Mark Your Calendars – Key Upcoming Dates

🔬 Rising Researchers – Make the Most of your Winter Break with our Astrophysics Camp

📚 Project IQ: Strong Resumes and Applications Take Time To Build – Get Started This Spring!

📷 In the News – Moon Prep Features in U.S. News and Forbes

📊 University Updates – What You Need to Know

🎙  White Coat Club Podcast – Essay Mini Series: The Challenge Essay and The Why Major Essay

✏️SAT/ACT Prep – Ace Your Exams With Expert Test Prep

Mark Your Calendar!

✅ December 15, 2025: Tulane University Paul Tulane Award 

✅ December 16, 2025: Coolidge Scholarship

✅ January 5, 2026: GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship

✅ January 9, 2026: February ACT Test Registration deadline. Don’t miss your opportunity to sign up and complete this test. We encourage all current juniors to have a final test score before Summer!

✅ January 31, 2026: INKAS® “Rising Star” Scholarship 2025

✅ February 27, 2026: March SAT Registration deadline. Don’t miss your opportunity to sign up for and complete this test. We encourage all current juniors to have a final test score before Summer!

Registration is Now Open for Our Winter Break Camp

Take advantage of your winter break from school and add an impressive research experience to your resume! In just four short weeks, you’ll conduct hands-on research, get your manuscript published, and gain valuable research insights to boost your academic profile.

Winter Break Camp
📌 Topic: Exploring a New Stage of Astrophysics (the JWST Era) with a Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
 📅 Dates: Sundays and Tuesdays | December 21, 2025 – January 13, 2026
 ⏰ Time: 7:00–8:30 PM ET / 4:00–5:30 PM PT
 👩‍🏫 Instructor: Dr. Ryan
 💰 Cost: $3,300 

🔍 What You’ll Achieve:

• Build real research skills that will serve you in college and beyond
  Publish your own research paper – a major boost for your resume and applications
• Work closely with like-minded peers and get personalized support from a passionate instructor
• No experience? No problem. This camp is designed with beginners in mind – you’ll learn everything you need, step by step!

Have Questions on Rising Researchers?

Join a live Rising Researchers Q&A session to learn more, ask questions, and figure out if this program is the best fit.

📍 Available Q&A Dates:
December 10, 2025
December 14, 2025
December 16, 2025

Registration is Open for our Project IQ

 Dates: January 28, 2026 – February 25, 2026
 Schedule: Wednesdays, 8:00–9:15 PM ET / 5:00–6:15 PM PT
 Investment: Free (live sessions) for registered Moon Prep families

Topics Covered:

• The elements of a truly notable student profile

• How to get started and keep up the momentum 

• A deep dive each week into real examples from successful Moon Prep students

• Meet members of the Moon Prep mentorship team and learn about their specializations 

This course is perfect for 8th-11th grade students. Parents are encouraged to attend.

View the syllabus and secure your spot now. 

Learn more and sign up here.

Check out our latest article:
Med School Multiple Mini Interview: What to Know.

Stay ahead in admissions: catch Moon Prep’s insights on Forbes.

Check out our latest articles: 
Pre-Med Guide To Answering Ethical Questions In The MMI
Plan Your College Applications: Full ED School List 2025-26

University Updates and Numbers You Need to Know

📊Hofstra University BS-BA/MD Requirement Update: The program does not require applicants to complete the CASPer exam for entry beginning Fall 2026.

📊Tulane University: Tulane University saw a slight increase in Early Decision applications this year. Over 1600 students submitted Early Decision applications and the university is expected to admit around 840 students. They also expect to extend another 2000+ admissions offers during the Early Action Round.

📊 Osteopathic Medical Training in Demand? A New Med School May Coming to Naples, Florida

📊 Johns Hopkins to Become Tuition Free for Undergraduate Students From Families Earning Up to $200K

White Coat Club Episode:
Essay Mini Series: How to Write the “Challenge” Essay

In this episode, hosts Nicole and Amanda dive into one of the most common — and tricky — college essay prompts: the Challenge Essay. They share insider tips, best practices, and examples to help you write about personal growth with authenticity and impact.

💡 Learn what makes a strong “challenge” story stand out, common mistakes to avoid, and how to reflect without overdramatizing. Whether you’re just brainstorming or polishing your final draft, this episode will guide you through crafting a compelling, genuine response that admissions officers remember.

Check out this episode to learn more!

White Coat Club Episode:
Essay Mini Series: How to Write the “Why Major” Essay

In this episode of our Essay Mini Series, hosts Nicole and Amanda unpack the ever-important “Why Major” essay—an opportunity for students to showcase curiosity, clarity, and direction. They explain what admissions officers hope to learn from this prompt, how to move beyond generic statements, and the key elements every strong response should include.

From reflecting on formative experiences to connecting academic interests with future goals, Nicole and Amanda offer practical strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and examples that bring the essay to life.

Whether you’re still exploring possible majors or already know exactly what you want to study, this episode will help you craft a thoughtful, focused, and authentic “Why Major” essay that stands out.

SAT/ACT Prep

Stay Connected 
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