MCAT Reddit: Proceed With Caution

Why You Should Avoid MCAT Reddit

There are several reasons to avoid Reddit—or tread lightly—when seeking MCAT advice. Most notably, the information overload, unverified sources and the biased information.

The MCAT can be stressful. It’s no secret that the ability to find answers and insight instantly is what draws many people to the internet (and, to Reddit). Who doesn’t want a plethora of free, seemingly accurate, advice?

At a glance, it may feel validating and comforting to read first-hand anecdotes from others who have been in your shoes. However, we always advise students to take these anecdotes with a grain of salt…taking anonymous, unvetted advice from strangers on the internet can be risky.

You have probably heard many unsettling stories about how hard the MCAT is and how long the MCAT is, and these may be exasperated (or lacking context) on Reddit.

While there is certainly some good advice and some really helpful people on the MCAT Reddit forums, you have to be careful, and should probably avoid it and seek out more reliable advice. Here are 5 reasons why we feel this way:

#1: Risk of Trusting MCAT Reddit Users You Do Not Know

This is probably the most obvious reason for avoiding MCAT Reddit as a serious source of information. By entrusting your MCAT test prep strategies to Reddit users, you are taking a huge risk. One of our consultants openly shared that the most challenging part of his own MCAT preparation was “balancing MCAT prep with school, extracurriculars and other commitments."

Students who face a similar challenge may feel that turning to Reddit will offer them valuable insight – but just as everybody has a unique learning style – everybody has different strengths and preferences when it comes to studying, too! Working with an advisor is the best way to combat this; rather than trusting in what worked for a fellow Reddit user.

“Dr. Henry's tutoring has been a game-changer in my MCAT preparation. His consistency, coupled with a personalized approach, sets him apart. Not only does he have a knack for breaking down complex concepts, but he also takes the time to remember personal aspects of my life. This builds a unique student-professor bond based on trust and understanding. His explanations are concise, making foundational concepts breeze through. Thanks to Dr. Henry, I feel well-equipped for success on the MCAT.” – Sunny, Former BeMo Student

MCAT scores greatly affect medical school acceptance rates, so you do not want to take preparations for this test lightly, nor do you want to trust somebody else’s personal approach to studying

Not only do you not know the validity of the statements other Reddit users make, you also do not know whether they have actually taken the MCAT or whether they have really done as well as they say they did; you’ve never met them. 

#2: Questionable Information About the MCAT

There are genuine threads on MCAT Reddit that offer tips for MCAT prep, but you should also know that these can be biased and inaccurate. Reddit is an open forum, and although some boards are moderated, they all have the potential to be filled with unfiltered, blunt and misleading opinions or information.

This phenomenon is present on a variety of Premed forums and even Residency Reddit. Some posts boast about acing the MCAT without any preparation (which is never recommended), while others state the test is unfair, which can worsen the anxiety of future test takers.

Learn what makes the MCAT challenging in our infographic:

You should also keep in mind that Reddit is often used by businesses to promote their own hidden agendas. Be vigilant of anyone who vehemently dismisses alternative study strategies, MCAT study schedules, or uses rude and contemptuous language towards other Reddit users or prep companies. These tend to be written by prep agencies who are after your attention and money. 

#3: Unsuitable Advice

Your success on the MCAT depends on your personal preparations. No amount of advice from your family, friends, classmates, or Reddit users, can instill in you an intrinsic motivation to succeed.

When one of our own consultants reflected on her own MCAT journey, she noted that:

“I focused on high-yield strategies. I knew that because I didn’t come from a science background, that science subjects would require my greater focus. I worked with an in-person prep company in my hometown.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine. 

The study strategies you read about on Reddit are not designed by professional MCAT tutors, MCAT prep course administrators, or medical school advisors. When it comes to MCAT prep, a one-size-fits-all approach should be avoided at all costs. The Reddit user who shared their learning strategies may have succeeded, but:

1. We do not know if this person is being earnest. Maybe they are not disclosing some other tactics they used to ace their test or the fact that they used a prep company.
2. Their success does not guarantee that their methods will be effective for your MCAT prep.

Does this mean you cannot get external help? Absolutely not! You are encouraged to use legitimate resources that can help you prepare. There are MCAT prep professionals who can work with your schedule, concentrate on your needs, and customize prep plans for your learning style. Additionally, there are dozens of free MCAT prep sources you can use to organize your own study schedule and increase your chances for success!

#4: Reddit Cannot Help You Develop Lifelong Skills

Reddit users are not investing their time, effort and knowledge into preparing you—a total stranger—for the MCAT. They might not understand the content, how to use test-taking strategies, or even what version of the test you’ll write (compared to theirs). Additionally, MCAT prep should include more than content revision: it should be about reading comprehension, analysis, attention to detail, stress management, and so on. All of these skills cannot be developed by reading Reddit posts. They are honed using diligent MCAT prep strategies.

As you know, your MCAT preparation tactics should always include CARS prep. This MCAT section is very difficult to prepare for because you cannot simply memorize formulas or terminology to ace it. More than often, you hear that CARS is impossible to prepare for. Alternatively, students often hear that they must cover as many MCAT CARS practice passages and questions to do well in this section. In truth, this is not enough and it’s not uncommon to hear of students having to have to retake the MCAT.

Not wanting others to have to take the MCAT twice is why it is common for Reddit users to share their CARS prep tactics. There is a sort of comradery between MCAT test-takers regarding the difficulty of this MCAT section. Working 1:1 with a tutor or prep agency is very likely to provide you with more accurate, personalized tips than an anonymous forum would.

Your MCAT CARS strategy should involve the development of your reading and comprehension skills. These skills take time to cultivate but they are essential for becoming a successful professional. In some ways, building lifelong skills and knowledge should be the focus of your MCAT prep, not finding quick tricks on Reddit that might help you ace the test.

Want our MCAT prep help? Here's one of our student success stories:

What Free Resources Are Available to You?

Discussion boards and online forums are often a source of companionship for premed students. Feeling a sense of belonging during MCAT prep and medical school applications is great – But remember that MCAT Reddit cannot be a serious source of information. Take it with a grain of salt!

Here are some examples of free, reliable MCAT prep resources you can check out:

Many of these resources are available to you for free on our website and social media. We have compiled a series of detailed, informative blogs and videos that can help you make sound decisions regarding your MCAT prep methods and schedule the optimal MCAT test date for you.

“I really enjoy the one-on-one sessions with the BeMo consultants. I like that the session are tailored to my strengths and needs and I appreciate the advice I get on how to tackle questions on the MCAT sections.”- Ana Stanciu, Former BeMo Student 

Remember, BeMo is not your only option, but if you are looking to work with an expert on your MCAT journey, reach out for a free initial consultation!

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To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

Disclaimer: MCAT is a registered trademark of AAMC. BeMo and AAMC do not endorse or affiliate with one another.

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