October Admissions News
October 2025 Preview –
What’s Coming This Month
📅 Mark Your Calendars – Key October 2025 Dates
🎓 Seniors – Deadline Dash: Time to Get it Done!
📚 Underclassmen News – It’s Not Too Early To Be Thinking About Next Summer
⚕️Med School Applicants –The NEW Casper: What Applicants Need to Know
📷 In the News – Moon Prep Features in U.S. News and Forbes
📊 University Updates – What You Need to Know
🎙 White Coat Club Podcast – Double Feature!
✏️ SAT/ACT Prep – Ace Your Exams With Expert Test Prep
🔬 Rising Researchers – Three Exciting Camps To Choose From This Fall and Winter
🪥 Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Program Spotlight – University of Florida College of Dentistry BS-DMD Program
🩺 Special Masters Program (SMP) Spotlight – University of Cincinnati Special Masters Program in Physiology
Mark Your Calendar!
✅ October 1, 2025: CSS Profile and FAFSA open for submission for the 2026 academic year.
✅ October 3, 2025: Rising Researchers – deadline for Early Bird Discount. Save $200 on all Fall & Winter camps.
✅ October 4, 2025: SAT Test Date – Wishing the best of luck to everyone taking the exam. You’ve got this!
✅ October 15, 2025: “Traffic Rule” Deadline for AMCAS (MD) Schools. This is the first day MD programs are allowed to notify applicants of acceptance offers.
✅ October 18, 2025: ACT Test Date – Wishing the best of luck to everyone taking the exam. You’ve got this!
✅ October 19, 2025: First Day of Fall Rising Researchers Camp: Exploring Topics in Neuroscience and Research Methodologies
✅ October 21 & 28, 2025: CASPER Test Dates – Applying to a medical school that requires CASPER? Talk with your Moon Prep Counselor about preparing for this important online situation judgment exam used by many medical schools!
✅ October 30, 2025: Final AAMC PREview Exam Date for 2026 Application Cycle- Applying to a medical school that requires PREview? This is the last test date accepted for applicants anticipating a 2026 Med School start. Talk to your Moon Prep Counselor about assisting you in preparing for this exam!
Seniors: Time To Submit Your Applications!
The first major BSMD/BAMD deadlines are just around the corner – October 14 + 15 and November 1. Additionally, many colleges with Early Action or Early Decision plans have deadlines as early as November 1, while most Regular Decision applications are due between January 1 and January 15. Be sure to check each school’s website for exact dates – every college is different.
Here are the Early Decision Deadlines for the 2025–26 application cycle.
In addition to deadlines, seniors should be polishing their college essays. The personal statement is your chance to tell your story beyond grades and test scores. Admissions officers want to see authenticity, reflection, and a clear sense of who you are.
Start by brainstorming meaningful experiences, then revise with feedback from your Moon Prep counselor. For supplemental essays, do your research and pay close attention to each prompt – schools want to see how you connect with their specific community.
Tips for staying on track:
📝 Create a checklist of all application deadlines. It’s a great idea to track logins and passwords to school portals here, which come quickly after initial materials are submitted.
📝 Dedicate time each week to essay writing and revisions. Many students have already submitted at least one application – if you haven’t finalized your personal statement or why medicine essay, be sure to connect with your counselor on a plan so you do not get behind!
📝 Ask for recommendation letters early, before teachers get swamped.
📝 Don’t forget to submit test scores, transcripts, and financial aid forms on time. Know the test requirements for each school and allow up to three weeks for official processing time!
By planning ahead, seniors can reduce stress and put forward strong, thoughtful applications. The finish line may feel far away, but every draft and deadline met brings you closer to your next chapter!
The NEW Casper Exam – What Has Changed?
Medical school applicants preparing for the Casper exam should be aware of significant changes to the test format for the 2025-2026 application cycle. The exam, which assesses non-cognitive skills like empathy and professionalism, has been shortened and restructured.
Key Changes to the Casper Exam
– The overall test length has been reduced to 65-85 minutes from the previous 90-110 minutes. This is primarily due to a reduction in the number of scenarios from 14 to 11. The new format consists of two main sections: a video response section and a typed response section.
– The video response portion now comes first. It features four scenarios, each followed by two questions. For each question, you will have one minute to record a verbal response using your webcam. This section requires a continuous flow of responses, with no breaks between scenarios.
– The typed response section consists of seven scenarios, each with two questions to be answered with a typed response. The time allotted for each scenario has been shortened from five minutes to 3.5 minutes to answer both questions. Previously, a single score was assigned for each scenario, but now each typed response will be scored individually, meaning there is less room for error. It’s crucial to give equal attention to both questions within the time limit.
These changes emphasize the need for new preparation strategies. Reach out to us today to learn how the Moon Prep team can help you navigate and succeed on this critical exam!
Underclassmen: Start Thinking About Next Summer!
While deadlines may feel far away, high school students should know that many competitive summer opportunities in medicine and science open applications earlier than expected.
Now is the perfect time to start your research and plan ahead, it gives you the opportunity to research programs, gather recommendation letters, and reflect on which experiences best align with your interests.
Summer programs can range from research labs at universities to hospital-based shadowing experiences to STEM-focused camps. These programs not only strengthen your knowledge and skills but also give you a chance to test out potential career paths before college. Admissions officers often look favorably on students who demonstrate curiosity and initiative early on.
Here are a few steps to get started:
☀️ Research now. Many programs post information in the fall and winter.
Make a list. Note deadlines, requirements, and whether programs are local, residential, or virtual.
☀️ Ask for guidance. Teachers, counselors, or mentors can suggest programs that match your strengths.
☀️ Think ahead. Preparing essays or application materials early reduces stress when deadlines approach.
Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out yet. Exploring opportunities is about discovering what excites you. Starting early ensures you won’t miss out on valuable experiences that can shape your path in medicine or science.
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
📊 University of Arizona (APME) BS/MD: this program now has a deadline of November 1st
📊 University of South Carolina BS/MD: this program is now by invitation only. Students must have applied to the University and Honors College by November 15, 2025 to be eligible for consideration.
📊 University of Pittsburgh Guaranteed Admissions Program (BS/MD): UPitt now requires the MCAT prior to matriculation into their medical school. A minimum score of 517 must be earned within three attempts.
📊 Boston University: During the 2024-2025 application cycle, BU awarded $56 million in merit scholarships for undergraduate students and anticipates a similar pool of funding this cycle. Additionally, BU has removed all barriers to being considered for merit scholarships by eliminating additional requirements or essays for students to complete.
📊 Case Western Reserve University: CWRU welcomed its largest class in university history this August, bringing in 1,650 new students from 1,075 high schools around the United States and the world. International enrollment remains on par with last year at 10%.
📊 Wake Forest Will Be Tuition Free for NC Families Earning Under $200K
📊 Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte Merge With Aim to Expand Graduate Pathways in North Carolina
📊 The Cost of College Adds Up Quickly: Check Out College Application Week/Month To See If You May Be Eligible for Savings
📊 Rice University Adds Early Decision II (EDII) Application Plan
White Coat Club Episode: A Conversation with a Brown PLME Student
Curious to know what it takes to get accepted to Brown University’s Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)?
In this episode, Ryan shares insights on his experience at Brown, his academic focus, and the application process for the PLME program. Ryan shares practical advice for potential applicants, what makes Brown unique, and gives valuable tips on supplemental essays and video submissions.
Don’t miss this chance to hear firsthand what it takes to thrive in a top-tier medical program!
Check out this episode to learn more!
White Coat Club Episode: How to Write the “Why School” Essay
Why do colleges ask, “Why us?” and how do you make your answer stand out? In this episode, Moon Prep counselors Nicole and Amanda break down one of the most important (and tricky) supplemental essays: the “Why School?” essay.
We’ll dive into real examples, from the short and simple (“Why Columbia?”) to the long and layered (“What’s your sense of Duke as a university and community?”). You’ll get practical tips for research – beyond just scrolling rankings – including how to use course catalogs, student clubs, social media, and even YouTube vlogs to discover what really excites you about a school.
Most importantly, we’ll talk about how to go beyond listing facts and instead connect them back to your passions, goals, and experiences.
If you’ve ever felt stuck on how to make your “Why School?” essay feel authentic instead of generic, this one’s for you.
SAT/ACT Prep
Even though college applications are a year away, it’s important to start SAT/ACT prep NOW.
The earlier you prep, the better the score!
We’re thrilled to introduce our Moon Prep expert tutor to support you on your SAT/ACT test prep journey:
🔹 Melissa C: With a strong background in education and years of experience helping students raise their scores, Melissa offers strategic guidance and supportive coaching in every session. Her goal is to build confidence and help students master the logic behind the test.
Moon Prep students can use their current retainers. Getting started is easier than ever!
📝 Test prep is no longer optional – it’s essential. Let us help you make it count.
Ready to work Melissa? Contact your Moon Prep counselor today to get started!
Registration is Now Open for Fall & Winter Researcher Camps!
Looking to add research experience to your CV and application?
Rising Researchers is the best way to stand out – expert mentorship, real-world topics, and a chance to produce a publication-worthy research paper. If you’re aiming for competitive colleges and ready to explore science in a deeper way, Rising Researchers Fall session is your moment. Students can now choose from three exciting topics, all taught live and virtually – so they can join from anywhere.
Camp 1
📌 Topic: Exploring Topics in Neuroscience and Research Methodologies
📅 Dates: Sundays | October 19 – December 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:15–8:45 PM ET / 4:15–5:45 PM PT
👩🏫 Instructor: Shvetali T.
💰 Cost: $3,300 (Early Bird Discount: Register by October 3, 2025 to save $200)
Camp 2
📌 Topic: Biology Meets No-Code AI and ML Programming: Bioinformatics Research in Medicine/Microbiology for Beginners
📅 Dates: Saturdays | November 1 – December 27, 2025 (No Class on Nov. 29)
⏰ Time: 6:30-8:00 PM ET / 3:30-5:00 PM PT
👩🏫 Instructor: Dr. Jedy
💰 Cost: $3,300 (Early Bird Discount: Register by October 3, 2025, to save $200)
Camp 3
📌 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 (Early Bird Discount: Register by October 3, 2025, to save $200)
🔍 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:
October 7, 2025
October 8, 2025
October 9, 2025
October 12, 2025
October 14, 2025
October 15, 2025
| Register Here |
DMD Program Spotlight
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DMD) Program Spotlight:
University of Florida BS-DMD Program
Location: Gainesville, FL
Deadline: May 15
Program Length: 7 years
Honors Required: No
Undergraduate Major Requirement: Yes, Microbiology and Cell Science or Nutritional Sciences
Why Choose UF Dentistry:
🪥 National Recognition and Reputation: UF College of Dentistry has a strong reputation for its comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum and its excellence in education, research, and patient care. Its research program is particularly well-regarded, consistently ranking in the top 10 for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding among all U.S. dental schools.
🪥 Robust Research Opportunities: The school is a leader in dental research, with a focus on areas like oral infectious diseases, pain and neurosciences, and bone biology. Students can participate in a variety of research opportunities, including a DMD/Ph.D. combined degree program, a summer research program for first-year students, and a dedicated research track.
🪥 Unparalleled Career Exploration: UF College of Dentistry is one of only three schools in the U.S. that offers all eight ADA-recognized dental specialty programs, allowing students to explore different areas of dentistry before they graduate.
Stay Connected
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