September Admissions News

By Brandie • September 5, 2025 • BS/MD Admissions Consulting Newsletter

September 2025 Preview –
What’s Coming This Month 

📅 Mark Your Calendars – Key September 2025 Dates
📊 University Updates – What You Need to Know
💸Scholarship Season Is Here  – Funds for the Future
🔬 Rising Researchers – Neuroscience Fall Camp Starts in October. Registration is Now Open!
⚕️Med School Applicants: Interview Season is Almost Here – Are You Ready?
✏️SAT/ACT Prep – Ace Your Exams With Expert Test Prep
📷In the News – Moon Prep Features in U.S. News and Forbes
🎓Senior News: Direct Med, Direct Focus: The Senior Strategy for BS/MD Admissions
📚Junior News: Blueprint to a White Coat: Actionable Steps for High School Juniors
🎒Underclassmen News: New Year, New Opportunities: Tips for Thriving in Your First Years of High School
🎙 White Coat Club Podcast – Essay Mini Series: Writing the Meaningful Activity Essay
🪥Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Program Spotlight – New York University BA/DDS Program
🩺Special Masters Program (SMP) Spotlight – Macon and Joan Brock, Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University

Mark Your Calendar! Key September 2025 Dates

✅ September 4/5/12/13, 2025: Last Remaining MCAT Test Dates for the 2025 year! 
✅ September 6, 2025: ACT Test Date – Wishing the best of luck to everyone taking the exam. You’ve got this!
✅ September 13, 2025: SAT Test Date – Wishing the best of luck to everyone taking the exam. You’ve got this!
✅ September 16 & 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!
✅ September 17/18, 2025: AAMC PREview Exam Dates – Applying to a medical school that requires PREview? These are the last test dates accepted for applicants anticipating a 2026 Med School start. Talk to your Moon Prep Counselor about assisting in preparing for this exam!

                 

University Updates – What You Need to Know!

📊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 (BSM/MD):  UPitt now requires the MCAT prior to matriculation into their medical school. A minimum score of 517 must be earned within three attempts.

📊 New Ways to Apply to The University of Michigan

📊 America’s Top 50 Small Colleges

📊 Top 25 Public Colleges and Universities

📊 25 Private Schools with Generous Financial Aid

Scholarship Season is Here – Funds For Your Future

As high school and undergrad students prepare for next year, now’s the time to start—or continue—applying for scholarships. 

Top opportunities currently open include: 

💸 The Gates Scholarship (September 15, 2025)

💸 Luce Scholars Program (September 15, 2025)

💸 Breakthrough Junior Challenge (September 15, 2025)

💸 Coca-Cola Scholars Program (September 30, 2025)

💸 Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway (September 30, 2025)

💸 Daniels Scholarship (October 17, 2025)

💸 Regeneron Science Talent Search (November 6, 2025)

For students seeking fully‑funded global opportunities, these are among the most competitive—but the payoff could be life‑changing!

Rising Researchers Fall Programs: Registration is Open Now!

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.

📌 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)
🧠Why You’ll Love This Camp: This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Neuroscience and research methods in the field. Students begin by exploring neuroanatomy and cellular Neuroscience to understand the brain’s structure and function. Key concepts such as action potentials and synaptic transmission are then covered to explain how neurons communicate. The course also dives into neurotransmitters and neuropharmacology to highlight the chemical basis of brain function and drug interactions. Finally, students study neurodegenerative and neurological diseases, gaining insight into conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy. This course is tailored to accommodate various skill levels and is suitable for beginners. 

🔍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!

Med School Applicants: Are You Ready for Interview Season?

 

Interview season is right around the corner — and for aspiring med students, this is your chance to shine beyond the numbers. Whether it’s your first or fifth interview, preparation is key to standing out and confidently telling your story.

Need help getting ready? Don’t go it alone. Now’s the time to:

  • Practice common interview questions (MMI and traditional formats)
  • Refine your personal pitch — why medicine, and why you?
  • Brush up on current healthcare topics
  • Schedule mock interviews to get real-time feedback

We’re here to support you. Reach out if you’d like help with mock interviews, strategy sessions, or general tips to feel confident and prepared. Let’s make sure you walk into that interview room ready to impress!

Schedule a complimentary call now to learn how Moon Prep can help.

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

 

Class of 2027, it’s time.

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 with Melissa? Contact your Moon Prep counselor today to get started!

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

We’re excited to share that Moon Prep will have a standing column in U.S. News, where we’ll offer insights into the competitive college application process.

 

 

Don’t forget to follow Moon Prep as we share our insights on Forbes

It’s more than just a résumé—the activity list is your chance to show colleges who you are beyond grades and test scores. It highlights your passions, leadership, and impact, helping you stand out in a sea of applicants. Check out this article on how to highlight your most significant accomplishments in this important part of your college application.

Seniors – Direct Med, Direct Focus: Strategy for BS/MD Admissions

For seniors aiming to secure a spot in one of the nation’s highly competitive direct medical (BS/MD) programs, this fall is make-or-break. Applications typically open early and often close before regular college deadlines—some as early as October 10.

With competition steep and timelines tight, here’s exactly what BS/MD-bound seniors should be doing right now to stay ahead and stand out.

📌 1. Finalize Your School List (Now)

Ensure that whether you are applying to direct medical or traditional undergraduate programs that you college list is balanced and includes:

  • Reach Programs: Where your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities are below that of previously admitted students
  • Target Programs: Where your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars match the metrics of previously admitted students.
  • Safety Programs: Where your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities are beyond that of previously admitted students

👉 Tip: Pay close attention to each program’s specific requirements—some require separate applications, essays, or early deadlines.

✍️ 2. Polish All Application Materials

Every essay, resume entry, and supplemental response should reflect your genuine commitment to medicine, your community, and your passions.

  • Personal Statement: This should focus on a defining aspect of your identity—just be authentic.
  • BS/MD-Specific Essays: These often ask Why medicine?, Why this program?, Why an accelerated program over a traditional route? and Describe a healthcare experience. Be concise, reflective, and personal.
  • Resume/Activities Section: Highlight clinical exposure, leadership, research, community involvement, and academic honors.

👉 Tip: Don’t just list accomplishments—show impact and insight gained.

🧾 3. Order Official Test Scores ASAP

Even test-optional schools may prefer or require official SAT or ACT scores for BS/MD applicants. Some colleges and universities will allow students to self report their scores via the Common App or STAR – be sure that you stay up to date on specific requirements for each program!

  • Send Official Scores Directly from the College Board (SAT) or ACT.org to each school on your list.

⏰ Don’t wait—score reports can take over 2 weeks to process and deliver.

📞 4. Secure & Confirm Recommendation Letters

Most BS/MD programs require two academic letters (usually from science and/or math teachers) and one counselor letter. Some may also allow you to submit “other recommendations”

  • Letters from Physicians you’ve shadowed
  • Mentors or Research Supervisors if medically relevant

📤Make sure to follow your high school’s specific process for submitting letters of recommendation—whether that means uploading them to a portal like Naviance or Scoir, submitting through the Common App or Coalition App, or sending them directly to the school’s own portal—well before the deadlines.

📅 5. Stay on Top of Deadlines

Many BS/MD programs have early deadlines (Oct–Dec) that differ from the regular college admissions calendar.

✅ Create a spreadsheet to track:

  • Application due dates
  • Test score submission deadlines
  • Essay prompts and word counts
  • Interview timelines
  • Portal logins and their corresponding passwords
     

⚠️ 6. Avoid Common Pitfalls

  • Waiting too long to order test scores or request recommendations
  • Using generic essays that stay too one-dimensional and don’t demonstrate a true understanding of the medical field
  • Applying too broadly without tailoring essays to each program or school

👉 Remember: These programs want to admit future physicians—not just strong students. Let your passion, preparation, and maturity shine through.

You’re entering the final stretch of one of the most competitive application processes. Stay focused, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your future in medicine starts now, and we are here to help!

Blueprint to a White Coat: Actionable Steps for High School Juniors

As the school year begins, high school juniors with aspirations of entering highly competitive BS/MD and direct medical programs should already be thinking several steps ahead. These programs offer a direct path from undergraduate studies to medical school, bypassing the traditional medical school admissions process—but with acceptance rates often below 5%, the competition is intense.

Here’s what juniors should focus on early in the school year to maximize their chances:

📚 1. Academic Excellence is Non-Negotiable

BS/MD programs are academically rigorous, and admissions committees expect consistent, top-tier performance.

  • GPA: Aim for a near-perfect GPA, especially in science and math courses (AP/IB Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus).
     
  • Course Rigor: Take the most challenging curriculum available at your school. If possible, enroll in dual enrollment or college-level courses to show readiness for advanced study.

📈 2. Standardized Testing Strategy

While some programs are test-optional, many still require or prefer strong standardized test scores.

  • SAT/ACT: Aim for scores in the 95th–99th percentile. Consider taking these tests by late winter or early spring to leave time for retakes if necessary. You should have a final test score by August of senior year.
     
  • AP Exams: High AP scores (4s and 5s) in relevant subjects can strengthen your academic profile.
     

🩺 3. Demonstrated Commitment to Medicine

Admissions officers want to see that your interest in medicine is sincere and sustained.

  • Shadowing: Seek out shadowing opportunities with physicians, ideally across different specialties.
     
  • Clinical Experience: Volunteer or intern at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or public health organizations. Even entry-level roles like patient transport or hospital volunteering can be valuable.
     
  • Medical Clubs: Get involved in school clubs such as HOSA, Red Cross, Pre-med Club, or science/health-focused organizations.
     

✍️ 4. Start Building Your Narrative

Your application will need to tell a compelling story about why you want to pursue medicine—and why now.

  • Reflection Journal: Begin documenting your experiences in healthcare settings. What did you observe? How did it affect your interest in medicine?
     
  • Identify Themes: Think about what connects your interests, activities, and aspirations. Is there a common thread of service, curiosity, leadership, or resilience?
     

🤝 5. Continue Building Relationships with Mentors

You’ll need strong letters of recommendation from teachers and possibly from healthcare professionals.

  • Teachers: Excel in your science and English classes to build a strong rapport with potential recommenders.
     
  • Healthcare Professionals: If you have shadowed or volunteered with doctors or nurses, ask if they’d be willing to write you a recommendation later on.

Pursuing a BS/MD program is not just about checking boxes—it’s about showing a deep, genuine commitment to medicine, paired with the academic ability and maturity to handle an accelerated path. Start now, stay organized, and seek guidance from our counselors.

The earlier you begin preparing, the stronger your foundation will be when applications open in senior year.

Underclassmen News: New Year, New Opportunities: Tips for Thriving in Your First Years of High School

As the new school year begins, students across the country set goals, join clubs, and map out their futures. For those aspiring to enter the medical field through competitive BS/MD and direct medical programs, your early high school years are more than just an introduction to high school—they’re the launchpad for a unique academic and personal journey.

These combined undergraduate and medical school programs are highly selective, often admitting fewer than 5% of applicants. While most students start thinking about medical school in college, BS/MD candidates must demonstrate maturity, commitment, and excellence much earlier. Here are key strategies to help you thrive in your first years of high school and build a foundation for future success.

  1. Start Strong Academically
    BS/MD programs place a heavy emphasis on GPA and course rigor—especially in STEM subjects.

✅ What to do now:

    • Enroll in Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in science and math as early as possible.
       
    • Maintain a strong GPA. A transcript with mostly A’s and challenging coursework is essential.
       
    • Build strong study habits early; time management is a must.

💡 Pro Tip: Start developing relationships with your science and math teachers. You’ll likely need recommendation letters from them down the road.

  1. Build a Long-Term Commitment to Medicine
    These programs want to see that your interest in medicine isn’t a passing phase—it’s part of your identity.

✅ What to do now:

    • Seek opportunities to volunteer in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or public health organizations.
       
    • Shadow healthcare professionals to gain exposure to various medical careers.
       
    • Start a journal to reflect on your experiences—this will be invaluable when you write your application essays later.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re too young to volunteer in clinical settings, look for virtual programs or community service opportunities in health-related nonprofits.

  1. Engage in Research and Enrichment Programs
    Involvement in scientific research or summer medical camps can set you apart.

✅ What to do now:

    • Participate in science fairs or STEM competitions like HOSA, Science Olympiad, or Regeneron ISEF.
       
    • Explore free online courses in biology, chemistry, or health policy to deepen your understanding.

💡 Pro Tip: Start tracking your experiences in a resume or portfolio now—it’ll save you time later.

  1. Demonstrate Leadership and Initiative
    BS/MD programs seek well-rounded, self-motivated students who demonstrate leadership and service.

✅ What to do now:

    • Join (or start!) school clubs related to medicine, science, or community service.
       
    • Take on leadership roles in clubs, sports, or student government.
       
    • Launch a passion project that aligns with your interest in health—such as a mental health awareness campaign or blood donation drive.

💡 Pro Tip: Quality beats quantity. Depth and impact in a few activities are more impressive than superficial involvement in many.

  1. Start Exploring Standardized Test Preparation Early
    While test-optional policies exist, many BS/MD programs still require or strongly recommend SAT/ACT scores.

✅ What to do now:

    • Begin light preparation for the PSAT and eventually the SAT or ACT.
       
    • Use resources like Khan Academy, College Board, or prep books to build a foundation in key areas.

💡 Pro Tip: Taking the PSAT seriously can also open the door to National Merit recognition, which many BS/MD and traditional programs value.

  1. Stay Curious and Informed
    Medicine is a dynamic, ever-evolving field. Cultivating curiosity about current health issues shows genuine passion.

✅ What to do now:

    • Subscribe to youth-friendly science and health publications (like Science News for Students).
    • Follow reputable health organizations on social media (e.g., CDC, WHO).
       
    • Attend local health lectures or virtual webinars when possible.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring these topics into conversations during interviews or essays to show your long-term engagement.

Poster for White Coat Club Podcast by MoonPrep

Essay Mini Series: How to Write the Activity Essay

The White Coat Club is excited to bring you this mini series on how to navigate some of the most common college application essays. Up first, how to write the activity essay.

In this episode, you’ll learn why it’s not about picking the flashiest activity you have been involved with, but selecting the one with the deepest personal impact, and how to avoid overused topics like sports or generic clubs.

Plus, you’ll hear brainstorming tips and real examples to help you find the story that truly sets you apart.
 

Check out this episode to learn more!

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Program Spotlight – New York University BA/DDS Program


Program Name: Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (Medical) Program

Location: Norfolk, VA

Deadline: Rolling Admission, Applicants are encouraged to apply early and submit all application materials as they become available even when taking the MCAT at a later date

Program Length: 1 Year (with 503 Minimum MCAT) or 2 Year (with 496 Minimum MCAT)

Program Offered: In Person Only

Linkage: Guaranteed Interviews with Edward Via COM, West Virginia COM, and Liberty University if certain benchmarks are met

Why Choose Old Dominion MSBMS (Medical):

🩺 Proven Track Record of Success: The MSMBS program boasts a longstanding record of success with up to 94% of graduates matriculating into MD or DO medical school following program completion. Of those students, they have been placed into over 60 different medical schools across the United States.

🩺 Clinical and Non-Clinical Experiential Opportunities Simulating the First Year of Medical School: Students will take courses side-by-side with first year medical schools, including labs and lectures – an invaluable exposure to the academic rigor and expectations of medical school. The curriculum also includes simulated clinical practice and standardized patient encounters, offering an early, realistic understanding of patient interaction and clinical professionalism.

🩺Academic Experience at a Research Intensive University : This program, housed at a Carnegie R1 status, “Very High Research Activity” institution, offers students a research-focused, collaborative environment with access to leading healthcare institutions, and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge studies in both the clinical sciences and public health.

Special Masters Program Spotlight – Macon And Joan Brock, Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University


Program Name: Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (Medical) Program

Location: Norfolk, VA

Deadline: Rolling Admission, Applicants are encouraged to apply early and submit all application materials as they become available even when taking the MCAT at a later date

Program Length: 1 Year (with 503 Minimum MCAT) or 2 Year (with 496 Minimum MCAT)

Program Offered: In Person Only

Linkage: Guaranteed Interviews with Edward Via COM, West Virginia COM, and Liberty University if certain benchmarks are met

Why Choose Old Dominion MSBMS (Medical):

🩺 Proven Track Record of Success: The MSMBS program boasts a longstanding record of success with up to 94% of graduates matriculating into MD or DO medical school following program completion. Of those students, they have been placed into over 60 different medical schools across the United States.

🩺 Clinical and Non-Clinical Experiential Opportunities Simulating the First Year of Medical School: Students will take courses side-by-side with first year medical schools, including labs and lectures – an invaluable exposure to the academic rigor and expectations of medical school. The curriculum also includes simulated clinical practice and standardized patient encounters, offering an early, realistic understanding of patient interaction and clinical professionalism.

🩺 Academic Experience at a Research Intensive University: This program, housed at a Carnegie R1 status, “Very High Research Activity” institution, offers students a research-focused, collaborative environment with access to leading healthcare institutions, and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge studies in both the clinical sciences and public health.

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