In this episode, we sit down with research expert and MD/PhD candidate Loren to explore why research is one of the most powerful experiences a high school student can pursue.

Currently completing her PhD in public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Loren shares her journey from her first college lab experience at Florida Atlantic University to earning a Master’s in Global Health at Duke University—and ultimately into the world of physician-scientist training.

We break down what research actually looks like for students, the different types of research (from wet labs to data analysis), and how early exposure can shape not only college applications—but long-term career paths.

Loren also gives an inside look at the Rising Researchers program and how students can get involved this summer to gain real, hands-on research experience.

If you’ve ever wondered whether research is “worth it” in high school—this episode will give you your answer.

Interested in learning more about Rising Researchers? Visit https://risingresearchers.com/

Today’s episode is a special one. We’re breaking down exactly how rising seniors should prepare for college admissions season—month by month—while introducing Moon Prep’s exclusive summer program, Application IQ.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to start, when to begin essays, or how to stay organized, this episode gives you a clear, strategic roadmap from spring through the start of senior year.

We walk through:

• What students should be doing in May, June, July, and August
• How to build and finalize a strong college list
• When and how to start your personal statement and supplemental essays
• What the Common App opening really means for your timeline
• Key steps like resumes, recommendation letters, and testing strategy

We also take a deep dive into Application IQ, Moon Prep’s comprehensive summer camp designed to ensure students start senior year ahead—not behind. From essay development and application strategy to insider insights on BS/MD and BS/DMD programs, this program gives students the structure, guidance, and confidence they need.

Whether you’re applying to traditional undergraduate programs or highly selective combined medical programs, this episode is your blueprint for a smooth, successful admissions season.

Looking to learn more? Check out the detailed syllabus here: https://moonprep.com/services/summer-camp/

In this episode, Nicole is joined by Michaela, a passion project expert, to explore one of the most meaningful ways students can stand out in the college admissions process: passion projects.

The conversation begins by defining what a passion project truly is and why these initiatives have become increasingly valuable in holistic admissions. Rather than simply adding another activity to a resume, passion projects allow students to explore their genuine interests, demonstrate initiative, and create meaningful impact in areas they care about.

Nicole and Michaela discuss when students should begin thinking about passion projects, how they can find inspiration, and how to transform an initial idea into something tangible. The episode also explores examples of successful projects and highlights the difference between activities that feel forced for admissions purposes and those that authentically reflect a student’s curiosity and motivation.

Finally, Michaela shares practical advice for students who want to take the first step but are unsure where to begin. From identifying interests to executing a project with purpose, this episode provides guidance for students who want to turn their ideas into meaningful experiences.

Whether a student is just starting to explore their interests or looking for ways to deepen their involvement, this conversation offers insight into the power of pursuing something that truly matters.

Building a college list is one of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of the college admissions process. In this episode, Nicole and Muskan break down a clear framework for how students can thoughtfully build a balanced and strategic college list.

They begin by discussing the importance of self-evaluation. Early in high school, students may not yet know their GPA trajectory, standardized test scores, or academic interests, which makes exploration an important first step. As students move into junior year and their academic profile becomes clearer, they can begin evaluating how their GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and extracurricular résumé compare to the academic profiles of admitted students.

Nicole and Muskan also walk listeners through where to find reliable admissions data — including Naviance or Scoir, College Board, and universities’ incoming class profiles — and explain how to interpret those statistics to determine whether a school should be considered a safety, match, or reach. They also address the reality that some institutions and programs — including Ivy League schools, Stanford, MIT, and many BS/MD programs — are highly selective for all applicants, regardless of academic credentials.

The episode then explores how students should evaluate fit beyond academics, including factors such as cost, majors, location, campus culture, research opportunities, pre-med advising, and proximity to hospitals. Nicole and Muskan also debunk common misconceptions around rankings and discuss how many schools students should realistically include on their list.

Finally, they share practical strategies for organizing the entire process — from understanding different application portals and timelines to consolidating research into a working spreadsheet that evolves as preferences change.

For students feeling overwhelmed by where to start, this episode provides a clear and actionable blueprint for building a thoughtful and balanced college list.

Parents: How to Best Support Juniors in the College Admissions Process

Junior year is when the college admissions process shifts from abstract to real. In Part 2 of this parent-focused series, Nicole and Muskan break down how families can thoughtfully prepare for application season before senior year begins.

This episode walks parents through the strategic steps that matter most during junior year: being intentional about college visits, researching schools before stepping on campus, and exposing students to a range of institutional types — from large public universities to private institutions, STEM-focused programs, and liberal arts colleges. Nicole and Muskan also discuss how to begin thinking broadly about application categories, including BS/MD, BS/DO, traditional pre-med pathways, and other academic tracks.

The conversation then shifts to building a balanced college list, understanding safeties, targets, and reaches, and setting clear criteria around cost, distance, safety, and academic fit. Parents will also gain clarity around SAT/ACT testing strategy, summer planning, resume refinement, and how to structure the months leading into senior year to reduce stress.

From early counselor meetings in the spring to outlining and drafting essays over the summer, this episode provides a clear timeline and practical framework for supporting juniors through one of the most important preparatory years of the admissions process.

In this episode, hosts Nicole and Muskan walk students and families through one of the most emotionally charged parts of the college admissions process: waiting for decisions—and making sense of them once they arrive.

They start with practical guidance for the waiting period, including how often to check portals and emails, why weekends can feel misleading, and why it’s important not to compare your timeline to friends or online speculation. Nicole and Muskan also address how to process denials with perspective, reminding students that a rejection—regardless of a school’s perceived “tier”—does not define future outcomes or predict results from other colleges.

As decisions roll in, the conversation shifts to what comes next: researching schools more deeply, visiting campuses, and navigating tough choices between very different options—such as BS/MD programs versus Ivy League paths, or specialized dental programs versus top pre-med tracks. The hosts emphasize the value of seeking trusted guidance from mentors, counselors, and older students currently attending these schools.

They break down how to make thoughtful, grounded decisions using criteria that matter most—academic fit, research and clinical opportunities, advising structures, cost and scholarships, distance from home, campus culture, safety, and logistics like housing, meal plans, and transportation. Listeners are also guided through how to have productive, intentional conversations with parents, set expectations, and create shared systems—like spreadsheets and timelines—to keep the process organized and collaborative.

With May 1st Decision Day approaching, this episode offers clarity, structure, and reassurance for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the final stretch of the college admissions journey.

🎧 Tune in for actionable advice, grounded perspective, and a reminder that there is more than one “right” path forward.

When should students start SAT or ACT prep—and how do they decide which test is right for them? In this episode, Nicole and Muskan break down the strategy behind smart testing, not just more testing.

They walk through an ideal testing timeline, how SAT/ACT dates fit into college list planning and essay writing, and what students should consider before signing up for another exam. From choosing between the SAT and ACT to understanding superscoring and test-optional strategies, this episode offers practical guidance to help families plan with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress.

Whether you’re a sophomore planning ahead or a junior deep in testing season, this episode will help you make informed, intentional decisions about standardized testing.

About us: Moon Prep is the leader in Direct Medical Programs, BS/MD, and Medical School Admissions. Our team works one-on-one with students to guide them to acceptance.

Tune in now !🎧 #CollegeApplications #CollegeTips #Podcast #Admissions

Receiving a waitlist or deferral decision can feel confusing and overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Moon Prep counselors Nicole and Muskan break down what waitlist and deferral decisions really mean, how different schools handle them, and what students should do next.

From understanding waitlist movement and deferral timelines to writing an effective letter of continued interest, this episode walks through actionable next steps, important deadlines (including National Decision Day), and common mistakes to avoid. Nicole and Muskan also discuss how to assess your other options, gather meaningful updates, and move forward with confidence—no matter the final outcome.

Whether you’re navigating uncertainty or supporting a student through the process, this episode offers clear guidance, reassurance, and practical advice during a critical moment in the admissions cycle.