March Medical Newsletter

By Brandie Erickson • March 27, 2024 • BS/MD Admissions Consulting Newsletter

With spring around the corner, medical school acceptances are beginning to trickle in. Moon Prep counselors are busy assisting students in writing letters of continued interest for a final boost to their applications and sharing exciting admissions decisions with each other. A few of the medical schools students are vying to get off the waitlist include:

  • University of California San Diego School of Medicine

  • University of California San Francisco School of Medicine

  • University of Kansas Medical Center (MD/PhD)

While many Moon Prep students are still waiting to hear back from some schools, a handful of acceptances this year include:

  • New York Medical College

  • Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Lake Erie College of Medicine

  • Marian College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai

  • California Health Sciences University

Mini Medical School

For many, the educational content learned in mini medical school could improve health literacy; for others, it may inspire an interest in joining the medical field themselves. Mini medical school is a short course taught by medical students to educate their community on common health problems.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many mini medical school programs have offered an online Zoom option, making this critical health information even more accessible. Read Moon Prep’s Forbes article to learn who mini medical school programs can benefit. Check out the “Upcoming Events” section to find free virtual mini medical school options.

Research is the element that can turn a solid application into an exceptional application. High schoolers applying to BS/MD programs will want to get an edge by being one of the few students with a scientific article publication and poster presentation under their belt. This summer, sign up for a Rising Researchers Camp to guarantee a quality research experience is on your resume. 

Work in a small class cohort under the guidance of an experienced research mentor. Each live session is held virtually via Zoom. All camp options have clear deliverables: research publication, poster presentation, and certificate of completion.

Session 1 – Microbial Bioinformatics – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Research

  • 5/21 – 6/20 at 7:30pm EST (4:30pm PST) 
  • Join Dr. Jedy as she leads students through studying microbiology (bacteria and viruses!) using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. Students will gain exposure to bioinformatics databases used by scientists.  

Session 2 – Medical Bioinformatics – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Research

  • 6/18 – 7/25 at 4:30pm EST (1:30pm PST)
  • Join Dr. Jedy as she leads students through studying medical diseases in humans using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. Students will gain exposure to bioinformatics databases used by scientists.  

Session 3  – Social Determinants Of Health In Cardiovascular Disease

  • 6/26 – 7/27 at 5:00pm EST (2:00pm PST)
  • Join Loren as she explains the role of social determinants in public health and how they can impact heart health. Students will be led through key background readings and walked through writing each part of a scientific article. 

Early Bird discounts + Moon Prep student discounts are available. Learn more and register here.

Ivy League degrees continue to be coveted despite diminutive acceptance rates and significantly higher price tags. Although Ivy League students pay more for their education, the money spent on student resources and access to impressive alumni networks makes it worth the cost for some families. Likewise, higher earning potential and opening the door to career pathways may also more than make up the return on investment. For more details, read Moon Prep’s What Makes Ivy League Degrees So Valuable on Forbes. 

Over the past college application cycle, we have seen a surge in the number of Common App submissions completed, even among less competitive schools, leading to lower acceptance rates. Concurrently, nearly half of all applicants took advantage of test-optional policies and did not report an SAT or ACT score. With the reversal of affirmative action policies at the Supreme Court level, schools have added additional essays to consider applicants’ backgrounds to ensure a diverse class. Read Moon Prep’s Forbes article to learn more about Early Admissions Trends In The 2023/24 Application Cycle.

As an essay coach with Moon Prep, Kavya has extensive knowledge and experience in the college admissions process. She understands the nuances of crafting compelling essays and preparing for interviews, which are crucial components of the application process. She can guide students through the complexities of college admissions, helping them present their best selves to admissions committees. 

Kavya’s approach to mentoring involves building meaningful partnerships with her students. She values open communication and actively encourages students to share their work, ideas, and aspirations. Kavya provides tailored feedback and advice by fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, focusing on each student’s strengths and areas for improvement. As a mentor, she is passionate about helping students highlight their individual stories, experiences, and unique attributes through essays and interviews for traditional schools and direct medical programs. Kavya is dedicated to supporting students in their academic and professional journeys.

Alongside her mentoring at Moon Prep, Kavya is currently a medical student at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Kavya was admitted to the BS/MD program at Hofstra University and has firsthand experience in the application and interview process from start to finish. As a result, she knows the importance of having a prepared mentor for the challenging admissions cycle for BS/MD, BS/DO, and traditional medical students. With her personal and professional experience in writing, editing, and revising, Kavya has the necessary skills and advice to effectively help students create meaningful narratives that will showcase their strengths with honesty and intentionality.

Outside of school, Kavya usually spends her time relaxing with friends, exploring NYC, and traveling. 

Work with Kavya by scheduling a call with Moon Prep today!

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, located in the Bronx, recently received a record-breaking $1 billion dollar donation slated to cover all students’ medical tuition going forward. Former professor at Einstein, Dr. Ruth Gottesman, wanted to enable medical doctors to start their careers debt-free, hoping to attract those who might have otherwise been priced out of a medical education. As New York City’s poorest borough and the unhealthiest county in New York, the Bronx will benefit from attracting medical school applicants who will eventually serve the surrounding community. 

After the first medical school application cycle following the Supreme Court ruling overturning affirmative action, organizations are fighting to increase representation among Black physicians. The National Medical Association will fundraise for a new scholarship to support future Black physicians, while the Association of American Medical Colleges plans to get involved in K-12 education. While we still have not seen a finalized breakdown of the admitted students for this admissions cycle, underrepresented populations are expected to trend down.

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