November Admissions News

By Brandie Erickson November 26, 2024 BS/MD Admissions Consulting Newsletter

 

We are in crunch time for direct medical admissions, positioned between the November 1 and upcoming December 1 deadlines. After getting through the majority of deadlines occurring in November and December, many BS/MD candidates still have a rigorous interview process ahead of them. While the finish line may seem close, many BS/MD candidates still have additional application requirements (supplemental applications come with new deadlines to track) and a rigorous interview process ahead. But don’t worry—your experienced Moon Prep counselor is here to help!

If any part of the application process has been stressful to navigate, sign up for a prospective call today so we can help the rest of the upcoming deadlines go smoothly.


Rising Researchers – 3 NEW Winter Sessions

As winter break approaches, make the most of your time by getting involved in research. Rising Researchers offers the perfect opportunity for students to get exposed to scientific literature and complete the course with a publication and poster presentation. Gain valuable research experience in only 4 weeks over winter break, while working alongside peers in a small class cohort, under the guidance of a research mentor.

Two Research Topics: 

  • Biology Meets No-Code AI and ML Programming: Bioinformatics Research in Medicine or Microbiology for Beginners (2 dates to select from)
  • Exploring Topics in Neuroscience + Research Methodologies

View the syllabus and learn more about these research experiences online, in addition to a promotional video about the program. 

 

Admission Videos

If a school on your list has an admissions video requirement, Moon Prep counselors are ready to guide you through brainstorming, scripting, and managing all technical aspects of video creation and editing. But don’t wait—December 15 is the last day to sign up, after which we’ll move to a waitlist.

One prominent BS/MD program requiring a video is Brown PLME. Officially, Brown states the video is “suggested,” but with PLME’s low acceptance rate, consider every element essential to stand out.

For more advice on creating your video essay, check out our video editing services. 

Our latest Forbes article – Tips For Creating A Strong Brown Admissions Video – is also packed with helpful strategies. 

And if you have Brown PLME on your short list and don’t want to chance it, book a complimentary consultation today. 

Put your best foot forward and give your application 100%—Moon Prep is here to help!

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.

 

Essays Check-in!

There are usually a few students who feel like their essays were a bit rushed right before the November 1 deadline and resolve to revise their essays before the next deadline. If that sounds like you, our most recent podcast episode is just for you! In this episode, Essay Brainstorming, we break down exactly what BS/MD programs are looking for in essays. Learn how to make your essay stand out by showcasing your strengths, avoiding common pitfalls, and offering strategies for telling a compelling story that captures admissions committees’ attention. Don’t miss our inside advice from real application readers to help you craft a personal statement that leaves a lasting impression. 

 

Recommendation Letters

Letters of recommendation are among the many moving pieces in the college application process that can cause additional stress. In our recent podcast episode, Letters of Recommendation, the experts at Moon Prep cover the types of people you should ask for recommendations, how to request a letter of recommendation, and how to make the most of portals like Naviance and Scoir to make sure your colleges receive the letters in time. 

 

Summer Planning Ahead

November is also a crucial month for juniors and sophomores, as we begin to think about our summer plans. Summer planning involves more than just enrolling in a summer program; it’s about discovering the right program that aligns with your passions. Now is the time to begin to think about summer research programs and shadowing experiences to add to your resume.

Some of the most prestigious research programs have deadlines starting in December and January, so we meet with our juniors and sophomores in November to make sure we don’t miss out on any opportunities. Starting early is key to ensure that your future application has the qualities to stand out among the crowd. Schedule a call today to learn how we can help.

Casper Exam

Are you gearing up for the Casper exam? You should be if these schools are on your list:

  • Hofstra University
  • Drexel University (but only if the student receives an interview)
  • Texas Tech University

This crucial situational judgment test is a key part of the admissions process for many medical schools and BS/MD programs, assessing your ability to handle ethical situations. While some may say you can’t study for it, the pros at Moon Prep know better—preparation is everything.

Our expert counselors specialize in the Casper, providing personalized guidance to help you confidently navigate ethical dilemmas. Learn expert strategies to pass your assessment and understand what the test scorers seek in compelling answers. Many students answer too narrowly, but with Moon Prep, you’ll learn to view scenarios from multiple perspectives.

Moon Prep can assist in preparation for a variety of situational judgment tests and assessments. Schedule a complimentary call to learn more!


As students continue to build college lists into the fall semester, we want to share some important college updates. 

  • Temple University no longer offers a BS/MD program and has shifted to an Early Assurance program
  • University of Notre Dame is now need-blind for both domestic and international students
  • The FAFSA is currently in testing to smooth the process from last year’s issues, for an estimated December 1 opening 

 

November advice for scholarships: International students can earn merit scholarships at U.S. colleges too! Sign up for our free Scholarships and Financial Aid Crash Course to learn more about international scholarships and every other type of scholarship.

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

Cards Against Humanity Science Ambassador Scholarship
5 awards, due December 16
$20,000

This scholarship was created to recognize the academic contributions of women and non-binary students in STEM. The application requires a video essay, a three-minute educational video on a STEM topic of personal interest in a mini-lecture style. Apply here.

 

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