AI vs Real Essays

AI vs Real Essays

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 be submitted as your own work in a college application. Admissions officers are looking for genuine student stories, experiences, and perspectives—not content created by a chatbot. While AI can be a useful tool for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and answering questions about the writing process, it should never become the author of your application. We discuss some of the most common ways students use AI today, including generating essay topics, creating outlines, learning writing techniques, checking grammar, and researching colleges, scholarships, and academic opportunities. Used appropriately, AI can function much like a writing guide, reference book, or organizational assistant. However, it cannot replace the personal reflection, creativity, and authenticity that make a college essay memorable. We also explore why overreliance on AI often leads to weaker applications. At Moon Prep, counselors can frequently identify essays that were heavily generated by AI because of recurring patterns, unnatural phrasing, and language that doesn't match a student's voice. Admissions offices are becoming increasingly familiar with these trends as well, regularly discussing common phrases, vocabulary, and writing styles that appear across AI-generated content. Throughout the episode, we share practical guidelines for using AI responsibly. Learn when it can help, when it can hurt, and how to ensure that your essays remain uniquely yours. We compare AI-generated writing to the guidance students receive from counselors, teachers, and books: resources that provide direction without replacing the student's own work. Most importantly, we discuss why authenticity matters more than ever. In a competitive admissions environment where many students have similar grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities, essays often become the most personal and distinctive part of an application. Your story, your voice, and your perspective are what admissions committees want to hear—and no AI tool can tell that story better than you can. Whether you're beginning your college essays or wondering how AI fits into the application process, this episode will help you navigate the balance between leveraging technology and preserving what makes your application truly stand out.

Reflections from the 2025-2026 Admissions Cycle

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 competitive cycles yet, including the University of California system receiving more than 252,000 applications and Common App reporting 1.4 million first-year applicants. We also discuss the rise in waitlists, deferrals, and spring semester admissions programs at universities such as Case Western Reserve and Ohio State. We explore what we observed among successful applicants, including the role of standardized testing, academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and essays. While strong test scores can open doors—especially for BS/MD programs and highly selective universities—we share examples of students who found success through test-optional pathways. We also discuss why course rigor, intellectual curiosity, and thoughtful academic planning often matter more than chasing the highest possible GPA. You'll hear how the strongest applicants built cohesive application narratives by connecting their research, volunteer work, leadership experiences, and personal interests. From Alzheimer's research paired with nursing home volunteering to cardiovascular health initiatives tied to cultural identity, we'll discuss how students can create authentic and compelling applications that stand out. We also cover the importance of starting essays early, maintaining strong senior-year grades, building a balanced college list, and resisting the pressure to follow what everyone else is doing. Most importantly, we discuss why students should pursue activities and opportunities that genuinely matter to them rather than simply checking boxes for admissions. Whether you're just beginning the college admissions process or preparing your final applications, this episode offers practical insights and takeaways from one of the most competitive admissions cycles on record.

What NOT To Wait On When Submitting Applications

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?” or “Why Major?” essays should be drafted well before senior year gets busy, how preparing activity descriptions early can reduce stress later on, and why asking for letters of recommendation in advance is one of the smartest things students can do. We also talk through organizing deadlines, gathering Common App demographic information, planning an application strategy, and avoiding the chaos that comes with taking the SAT or ACT at the last possible moment. Whether you are applying to college, BS/MD programs, or medical school pathways, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay ahead, reduce stress, and submit stronger applications with confidence.

When Plan A Doesn’t Happen: Transfers, Gap Years & Post-Bacc Paths

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 sometimes be the right fit, and why it is important to fully invest in the opportunities in front of you while still keeping future options open. For students navigating the medical school admissions process, we also break down what to do after an unsuccessful application cycle. From evaluating GPA, MCAT scores, clinical exposure, and overall application strategy to considering post-bacc programs, gap years, research opportunities, master’s programs, and expanding your school list, we cover the many ways students can strengthen their path forward. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that every student’s journey looks different. Success rarely follows one perfect roadmap, and sometimes the detours lead to the best opportunities of all.

Searching for Life in the Universe with Dr. Ryan

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 galaxy formation on some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers to contributing to a James Webb Space Telescope proposal, Dr. Ryan shares how curiosity—not prior experience—is often the most important ingredient for success in research. We discuss: * How Dr. Ryan first became interested in space and physics * Common misconceptions people have about astrophysics * Why students don’t need prior coding experience to contribute to meaningful research * What makes real research different from a traditional classroom experience * How students can discover research interests before college * Why early research experience can be transformative for college admissions and future careers Dr. Ryan also shares stories from mentoring students ranging from middle schoolers to adults in their 70s—and explains why he believes research should be accessible to anyone willing to learn. Whether you’re a student interested in STEM, a parent navigating opportunities for your child, or simply someone fascinated by the universe, this episode offers an inspiring look into the world of astrophysics, mentorship, and scientific discovery. Want to research with Dr. Ryan this summer? Learn more here at RisingResearchers.com