The popularity of Premed Reddit and other online discussion boards such as MCAT Reddit and Premed101 Forums has forged them into a form of premed advice authority. And while the information on Reddit can sometimes be helpful, you should be aware of the risks of taking these discussions too seriously, especially when it comes to making life and career choices. In this blog, we’ll explore considerations you should make before turning to Reddit for medical school advice, and what your options are for premed resources.
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Why To Avoid Reddit Premed: 4 Reasons to Consider
#1: Questionable Sources and Information
Reddit, while popular for diverse advice, often lacks reliable sources, especially concerning crucial decisions like medical school applications. Despite its broad user base, the platform is rife with hidden agendas, self-promotion, and misinformation. Medical school hopefuls, facing pressure and uncertainty, may turn to Reddit in the absence of readily available guidance from overwhelmed premed advisors.
However, the advice found on Reddit is not curated and may be driven by individuals’ personal biases or commercial interests. This creates a risky environment for making informed decisions about something as significant as a career in medicine.
For instance, when you come across Reddit discussions that vehemently promote or dismiss a certain medical school, an MCAT study schedule, research opportunities, etc., you should be vigilant. If you are deciding between DO vs MD programs, be sure to take anecdotes on Reddit with a grain of salt. These posts may have some hidden intent, or they may be entirely false or subjective.
Want to know why any sort of premed reddit, MCAT reddit, or CASPer reddit should be avoided? Check this out:
#2 Lack of a Personalized Approach to Med School Prep
Thousands of premed students use Reddit boards to communicate and discuss the medical school application process, the best extracurriculars for medical school, what kind of GPA and MCAT score is competitive this application cycle, common medical school interview questions and their overall application experience.
This is understandable; unless you have gone through this process yourself, you will have a difficult time understanding what the medical school admissions process is like, and it’s normal to be curious or hungry for information. This is why premed students congregate in discussion boards like Reddit – this is moral and emotional support during a very difficult time of their lives.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the stories and advice you find on Reddit cannot be verified and may not be applicable to you. There’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter experience when it comes to medical school admissions; your experience with your application process may be completely different than an anonymous Reddit user. This is why a personalized approach to premed advice, MCAT studying and med school interview preparation is preferential for most – and highly recommended.
#3 It’s a Source of Anxiety and Negativity
Some students won’t be accepted to medical school or find success on their chosen path; it’s not far-fetched to assume those students may tell their truth on Reddit. But just as your response to “why do you want to be a doctor?” will not be like anybody else’s, your experience will be just as unique. Sometimes premeds start comparing their achievements and accomplishments with those of others online. They start doubting themselves, questioning whether their clinical and shadowing experiences are impressive, or whether their medical school recommendation letters will be as strong. This is the wrong approach to medical school application prep.
Instead of increasing your levels of anxiety and doubt by thinking about the achievements of your peers, you must work on your application to convey to the admissions committees why you’re the right candidate for medical school. While your competitors can brag on Reddit that they got into one of the Ivy League medical schools, do not waste your time and sleep on contemplating how you compare with other Reddit Premed users.
#4 Lack of Accountability
Reddit Premed advice suffers from a critical lack of accountability, presenting two main issues.
Firstly, individuals offering advice are not responsible for the outcome; their guidance may not be effective, and they're not obligated to address any resulting issues, leaving you without support if their suggestions fail.
Secondly, deceit and misinformation are rampant, making it difficult to verify claims. For example, users may post misleading success stories or hide important details about their application processes, such as late submissions or incomplete requirements, which can lead to misconceptions about the admissions process. Professional advisors, in contrast, provide accountable and reliable support tailored to ensure your success in medical school applications.
Reddit Premed: The Positive Side
While there are valid concerns about using Reddit for premed advice, it’s important to recognize the platform's potential benefits when navigated wisely.
Yes, although we strongly advise against Reddit, we can’t deny that it can be a valuable resource for you when seeking community support and diverse perspectives during the strenuous medical school application timeline.
- Access to a Broad Community: Reddit’s premed community is vast and inclusive, offering a platform where students from various backgrounds share their experiences and insights. This extensive network can provide encouragement and a sense of solidarity, especially valuable in the isolating journey of preparing for medical school.
- Diverse Perspectives and Resources: Reddit users contribute a wide range of viewpoints and personal anecdotes about the medical school journey. These stories can offer practical tips and strategies that are not always covered in traditional advising sessions. Additionally, users often share resources like study guides, interview tips, and links to helpful websites and webinars, which can be incredibly beneficial.
- Real-Time Feedback and Support: One of the standout features of Reddit is the immediacy of feedback. Users can ask questions and receive answers relatively quickly, which is particularly useful for urgent advice or last-minute tips before interviews or exams. The dynamic nature of Reddit conversations can provide quick access to information and immediate support from peers who have undergone or are currently experiencing similar challenges.
- Anonymity and Honesty: The anonymous nature of Reddit allows users to ask questions and express concerns without fear of judgment. This can lead to more open and honest exchanges and can be particularly helpful for discussing sensitive topics like test anxiety, dealing with rejections, or personal hardships during the application process.
While it’s crucial to approach advice on Reddit with caution due to potential inaccuracies and biases, the platform can offer genuine support and valuable information when used as a supplementary resource alongside professional guidance. As always, it’s advisable for students to critically evaluate the information they receive, cross-reference with reliable sources, and consult with knowledgeable advisors to make the most informed decisions about their medical career path.
Other Free Resources For Premeds
Forums like Reddit are not the only, and certainly not the best, free resources you can use to help you get into medical school.
Are Medical School Admissions Services Worth It?
As you are reading this, you might be wondering, "Is BeMo Academic Consulting worth it?” or, more crucially, "should I pay for admissions expertise if I can find it online for free?" and these are valid questions.
The entire BeMo team works hard every day to promote access to education and create free educational content for students aspiring to attend professional programs (we have hundreds of blogs)! The content you find on our website truly reflects the practices we implement during one-on-one sessions with our students, whether it’s the MCAT CARS strategy, how to prepare for CASPer, or how to prepare for your MMI.
We make this information available to all medical school hopefuls because we truly believe in leveling the playing field when it comes to medical school admissions. We do not keep this information secret because we want you to succeed. Many of our admissions experts are MDs and DOs who have personally gone through all the steps in preparing their medical school application components, residency application components, and getting that coveted license to practice. They have personally prepared for the MCAT, spent weeks strategizing their med school interview answers, went over hundreds of interview questions, and more. All the methods, tips, and strategies you read in our blogs have been tested and approved by experts.
FAQs
1. Why should I avoid Premed Reddit?
Online forums can be used as sources of information, but do not make them your number one resource. Additionally, don’t trust everything you read in those forums. Remember the reasons why you should exercise caution when it comes to Reddit and other boards like it: they contain questionable information from questionable sources, there’s a lack of accountability and personalization, and, Reddit can bring a high dose of anxiety, misinformation and stress along with it (if it’s taken too seriously).
2. Can I get into medical school without the help of Reddit Premed and other discussion boards?
Yes, you can! Many students who get into medical schools accomplish this without the help of forums or premed advisors. There are many resources available to you, including official, medical school websites, admissions professionals and official resources from the AAMC.
It might be wise to look for a professional medical school advisor. Medical school admissions consultants have often gone through the medical school application process themselves or have extensive training and knowledge in the medical school admissions process. They have a strong educational background, extensive knowledge, a personalized approach, and therefore are in the best position to help you get accepted.
3. What are the positives of using Reddit for premed advice?
Reddit offers premed students a broad, supportive community and access to a diverse range of perspectives and resources. Its real-time feedback mechanism and the anonymity of the platform encourage open, honest discussions and quick advice on urgent queries, making it a valuable supplementary resource during the medical school application process. It does NOT replace the value of advice and coaching from a seasoned advisor or consultant, and you must take it with a grain of salt, but Reddit isn’t ALL bad.
4. What are the downsides of using forums like Premed Reddit?
The advice may be unverified, outdated, or biased. Additionally, forums can sometimes foster unnecessary anxiety due to the competitive nature of premed students sharing their successes and challenges.
5. Can participating in forums like Premed Reddit help improve my medical school application?
Forums like Premed Reddit can provide you with useful tips on preparing your medical school application, but any advice you read should be taken with a grain of salt. What worked for one forum user may not work to improve your med school application, and you have no way of knowing whether their advice actually worked or not.
6. What alternatives are there to Reddit Premed?
Use free many of the 100% free resources available to you such as verified blogs (like this one!), videos, prep books, webinars and more. Or you can consult paid services such as medical school admissions consultants.
7. Can using premed forums negatively impact my application process?
Yes, relying too heavily on premed forums can cause you to focus on the wrong aspects of your application. For example, you might spend too much time on the "right" extracurriculars or minor details instead of crafting a strong personal narrative or focusing on your personal strengths. Moreover, following unverified advice could lead to mistakes in your application or approach.
8. Why do many students find Premed Reddit helpful?
Premed Reddit offers a sense of community and peer support for students navigating the competitive and often overwhelming premed journey. It also provides an anonymous platform where students can ask questions, share concerns, and gain insights on less-discussed topics like mental health, work-life balance, and non-traditional paths to medical school.
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3 Comments
Michael
How do we feel about TikTok? Its easier to tell if someone is actually a premed/student/doctor and knows what they're talking about
ReplyLM
Great points! Too often people forget that many biased opinions are out there, hiding behind keyboards!
ReplyAdriane
I love Reddit for the peer support, and I also love how generous people can be with their ideas or encouragement. But. . . for really important stuff like my med school apps, I'm sticking with experienced experts!
Reply