May Admissions News

By Brandie Erickson May 15, 2024 BS/MD Admissions Consulting Newsletter

 

May 1st’s National Decision Day usually brings clarity for students, but this year, delays in FAFSA processing have led many schools to postpone their decision days for graduating seniors. Despite these delays, some students have finalized their choices, while others find themselves on waitlists and playing the waiting game.

Whether you are seeking a college admissions expert to help you build a balanced college list or weigh the pros and cons of a recent summer research program acceptance, schedule a complimentary meeting to learn how a Moon Prep counselor can help with every step of the college application process. This is the month to start essays! In the meantime, check out our free downloadable resource, Building a Strategic College List, to start thinking about your balanced college list.

Did you know you can listen to BS/MD advice while you drive to work? We not only release videos on our YouTube channel, but we’ve also launched a podcast called The White Coat Club.

 

Ivy Degrees

Although many seniors have now committed to a college, juniors may be weighing their options for the number of “Reach” schools they add to their college lists. Ivy colleges are often in the running for the top placement in the Reach category for students. In our recent Forbes article, Does An Ivy League Degree Matter? we explore the value behind the Ivy name, from the alumni networks to the potential earning potential. 

 

Need Summer Plans?

This spring, we are witnessing the summer research programs mirror the college admissions process more than ever before with how competitive they have become. If you are a rising sophomore or rising junior who has seen more rejections from your summer plans than you anticipated, it may be time to pivot and make sure to find a valuable way to spend your summer. 

Our recent podcast episode, Last Minute Summer Plans, shares our advice for the best ways to fill your summer months, from securing local shadowing to showing leadership in your community. We also posted a recent blog post listing a few late-deadline summer programs to consider, 10 Summer Programs Still Accepting Applications.  

In less than 3 weeks, Session 1 of Rising Researchers starts. May 21 at 7:30p ET the first session kicks off with Dr. Jedy. Do not miss this live virtual research opportunity. Join from anywhere while gaining valuable research experience and adding a publication to your name.

Check out our student publications from the winter session. Each student receives their own URL while being showcased in the Research Journal.

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

The Spring and Summer are filled with exciting educational opportunities at Moon Prep. Mark your calendars and do not miss out, as space is limited.

AppIication iQ starts 7/18/24

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’s what you need to know:

This opportunity is open to registered Moon Prep students only.

Schedule: Every Thursday (7/18 – 8/29), 7:00-8:30p ET/4:00-5:30p PT 

What is the investment? 

Free (live sessions), Paid (offline editing of essays and activity lists)

What topics are covered? 

The course syllabus and learning objectives can be found here

Current Moon Prep students can register here.

 

Rising Researchers Camp – 3 new sessions this summer!

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

Session 1Microbial 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 2Medical 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.


College Application Number Updates:

University of Central Florida has reimagined the Burnett Medical Scholars program and it will no longer be considered a direct medical program.   

The head of FAFSA will be stepping down, amid the disappointment in how the new FAFSA process was handled this cycle. 

Three direct medical programs in Nebraska have been canceled: Chadron College, 

Wayne State College, and Peru State College


May financial advice: Now that National Decision Day is behind us for seniors, you can spend some free time in the summer searching for external scholarships that can be awarded to current college students, to apply to once you start college. There are fewer of these scholarships available, but don’t be discouraged! Submitting a few essays and applications can be easy money while you are in college.

Want more tips like this? Sign up for our free Scholarships and Financial Aid Crash Course.

RTK Scholars Program                                               due May 31                                      1 award of $1,500

Calling all biology majors! This essay contest award is reserved for students enrolled in biology or environmental science. The short essay topic asks students to use 500-600 words to describe their interests in environmental sciences.  Apply here. 

 

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Text @moonprep to 81010 for updates on news, events, and specials!