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.

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 “community” can be defined—from teams, classes, neighborhoods, cultural identities, and online spaces to less obvious groups like being an only child or navigating overlapping identities. They emphasize the importance of choosing a community where you had real involvement and impact, rather than one you simply observed.

The episode also highlights common mistakes students make, such as focusing too much on accomplishments, over-describing the community, repeating content from other essays, or sharing details that don’t actually reveal anything meaningful about the writer. Nicole and Amanda explain how to keep the focus on personal growth, contribution, and reflection.

Finally, they address prompts that ask about future contributions—offering guidance on how to discuss values, specific experiences, and realistic ways students might engage on campus without falling into overused or vague claims.

Whether you’re struggling to define your community or trying to figure out how to show impact and growth, this episode will help you craft a thoughtful, intentional, and authentic “Community” essay.

🎙️ 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 and Amanda walk through how to highlight your unique traits, avoid clichés, and choose anecdotes that feel fresh and genuine. They also break down common pitfalls, like trying too hard to be quirky or focusing more on events than personality.

Whether you’re trying to figure out which aspects of yourself to spotlight or want to bring more voice and vibrancy into your writing, this episode will help you craft a memorable “Personality” essay that truly sounds like you.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more BS/MD admissions tips!

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 !🎧 #CollegeEssays #EssayTips #Podcast #Admissions #PersonalityEssay

🎙️ 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 reflecting on formative experiences to connecting academic interests with future goals, Nicole and Amanda offer practical strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and examples that bring the essay to life.

Whether you’re still exploring possible majors or already know exactly what you want to study, this episode will help you craft a thoughtful, focused, and authentic “Why Major” essay that stands out.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more BS/MD admissions tips!

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 !🎧 #CollegeEssays #EssayTips #Podcast #Admissions #ChallengeEssay

🎙️ 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 reflect without overdramatizing. Whether you’re just brainstorming or polishing your final draft, this episode will guide you through crafting a compelling, genuine response that admissions officers remember.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more BS/MD admissions tips!

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 and get one step closer to your strongest college essay yet! 🎧 #CollegeEssays #EssayTips #Podcast #Admissions #ChallengeEssay