White Coat Club

What does it really take to earn a spot in one of the nation's most competitive BS/MD programs? In this episode, we take an inside look at the Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP) at Case Western Reserve University through the firsthand experience of Muskan, who matriculated through the program and is currently in her third year of medical school at Case Western. We begin by exploring what mak...

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly common tool in education, but where should it fit into the college application process? In this episode, we explore the growing role of AI in admissions and discuss the critical difference between using AI as a helpful resource and allowing it to replace your authentic voice. We begin with an important disclaimer: AI-generated essays should never...

The 2025–2026 admissions cycle brought record-breaking application numbers, growing waitlists, increased deferrals, and valuable lessons for future applicants. In this episode, we reflect on key trends from this year's admissions landscape and discuss what students can learn from those outcomes as they prepare for their own college journey. We dive into the numbers behind one of the most competiti...

In this episode, we break down the biggest mistake students make during application season: waiting too long to start the pieces they could have completed earlier. From essays and letters of recommendation to resumes, transcripts, testing, and application timelines, we cover the key tasks students should tackle before deadlines start piling up. We discuss why personal statements and “Why Medicine?...

In the college and medical school admissions process, not getting your first choice can feel devastating — but it does not mean your goals are out of reach. In this episode, we discuss the many pathways students can take when things do not go according to plan A. Nicole & Muskan explore what students can do if they do not gain admission to a BS/MD program, how transferring colleges can sometim...

What does it really take to get involved in scientific research as a student — even with no prior coding or research experience? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ryan, an Adjunct Professor of Physics at Purdue University Fort Wayne and a world-renowned expert in computational astrophysics, to discuss how students can break into real scientific research earlier than they think. From studying g...

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 H...

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 sen...

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,...

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, stand...

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...

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 yo...

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 be...

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 inter...

In this episode of our Essay Mini Series, hosts Nicole and Amanda dive deep into the “Community” essay and what these prompts are really asking admissions officers want to know. They break down the two core questions behind the essay: How has this community shaped who you are, and how will that relationship carry forward into your time at their university? Nicole and Amanda discuss how broadly “co...

🎙️ Essay Mini Series: “Personality” Essay In this episode of our Essay Mini Series, hosts Nicole and Amanda explore one of the most creative and revealing prompts students encounter: the “Personality” essay. They discuss how this prompt allows you to showcase who you are beyond grades and activities—and how to strike the right balance between authenticity, storytelling, and self-reflection. Nicole...

🎙️ Essay Mini Series: “Why Major” Essay In this episode of our Essay Mini Series, hosts Nicole and Amanda unpack the ever-important “Why Major” essay—an opportunity for students to showcase curiosity, clarity, and direction. They explain what admissions officers hope to learn from this prompt, how to move beyond generic statements, and the key elements every strong response should include. From re...

🎙️ Essay Mini Series: The “Challenge” Essay In this episode, hosts Nicole and Amanda dive into one of the most common — and tricky — college essay prompts: the Challenge Essay. They share insider tips, best practices, and examples to help you write about personal growth with authenticity and impact. 💡 Learn what makes a strong “challenge” story stand out, common mistakes to avoid, and how to refl...

Applying to a BS/MD program? Don’t let these common interview mistakes ruin your chances! In this video, we break down the top reasons applicants get rejected—and how YOU can avoid them. 📌 What we cover: Lack of genuine passion for medicine Not researching the program enough Weak communication skills Unprofessional behavior Ethical red flags Not asking the right questions Learn how to showcase yo...

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 pr...

Curious to know what it takes to get accepted to Brown University's Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)? Join Moon Prep counselors Amanda and Nicole as they speak with Ryan, a Brown PLME student and fellow Moon Prep counselor, to learn his journey of applying to one of the nation’s most competitive BS/MD programs. In this episode, Ryan shares insights on his experience at Brown, his academ...

Ready to Start Your College Applications Strong? In this episode, Moon Prep counselors Nicole and Amanda break down everything you need to kick off your college applications with confidence. From navigating the newly redesigned Common App and understanding when to use the Circumstances section, to tips for listing honors (and which ones to skip!), we cover it all. You’ll also learn the ins and out...

Need help writing the Activity Essay? In this installment of our Essay Mini Series, Moon Prep counselors Nicole and Amanda break down how to choose the perfect extracurricular for your “most meaningful experience” essays. You’ll learn why it’s not about picking the flashiest activity, but the one with the deepest personal impact, and how to avoid overused topics like sports or generic clubs. Plus,...

Not sure how many activities to include or how to describe them in your college apps? Our Moon Prep counselors break it all down: ✅ How many can you list? Common App: Up to 10 activities (150 characters each) Coalition/Scoir: Up to 8 (253 characters each) UC Application: Up to 20 (includes honors/awards, 350 characters each) ✅ What counts as an activity? Clubs, volunteering, shadowing, research,...

Not sure what major to choose? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know to make the right decision. Start With What You Like Think about which classes you enjoy (and which ones you don’t). It’s a great way to narrow things down. Top-Down Approach Start by asking: What are your career goals? Then pick a major that aligns with where you want to go. Do Your Research Talk to professo...