Joining the Class FB Group

[PBShelley]

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Dear All,

I have a quick and perhaps irrelevant question for those minds greater than mine regarding the class FB groups for medical schools. I wanted to ask whether or not this is necessary/expected? I have been very fortunate in being accepted to an amazing school, and just today I received an invitation to join the Class of 2018 FB group. Am I, albeit unofficially, confirming attendance by joining (this particular school, while amazing, is not my first choice, but I would love to attend this school if my first choice doesn't work out). Or, if I don't join the group, does that reflect badly on me? And if I am so fortunate as to receive multiple acceptances, do I join all of the FB groups? I realise that there is likely some grey area and am just wondering what the proper etiquette is. Thanks to all, and happy holidays!

 

[Lya]

It is optional.

Usually, you can find future roommates and make online friends before you meet with them in person. In addition, people may share notes and materials through FB, but probably only during the beginning of the first year and then the FB group becomes a place to share jokes.

At the end of the day, it is your call. It might be useful for the short term, but probably not beyond that.

 

[swolebrah]

By joining you are already creating impression of yourself. I tend to create my first expressions in real life the first time. There's no hurry to join, join once school has started brah

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

It's a good way to get to know people in your class, but you are in no way obligated to join.

 

[BlueLabel]

I think the question was referring not to joining the class group in general but specifically the circumstance of joining a lower choice schools class when a higher choice school's decision is still pending. I haven't made it to the other side of the process yet either but I think it's really up to you. If you wanna join, go ahead. If you end up getting that other acceptance later, and pull out of the Facebook group, there's nothing gained and nothing lost. I can see why some people might view it as tacky but it really doesn't matter and as far as I know shouldn't affect you in any way.

"If it feels good, do it"

 

[darkjedi]

you are in no way obligated to join the group, and neither are you implying that you would be matriculating into the class for sure. It is just a good way to start to get to know the class, perhaps form some plans for second look weekend, or ask for some advice about the area/school/etc. I would recommend joining the group since you have nothing to lose from it and it might be a good resource.

 

[BlueLabel]

Hey I wanna eat at Burger King every day because it feels good to my taste buds but that's def not happening.

Lol I guess I should have put the 1960s hippie mantra in "ironic" font.

 

[organdonor]

you are in no way obligated to join the group, and neither are you implying that you would be matriculating into the class for sure. It is just a good way to start to get to know the class, perhaps form some plans for second look weekend, or ask for some advice about the area/school/etc. I would recommend joining the group since you have nothing to lose from it and it might be a good resource.

This. Verbatim. Anyone who says anything else is delusional. Might gain insights in classmates/roommates/events and will not be seen as a confirmation of matriculation.

 

[newborn11]

I would not join a facebook group with <10 people if the public has access to the member list. I also would wait until I have decided where to matriculate (i.e. sometime in March/May) to join any med school facebook group to avoid making false impressions. Honestly speaking, a facebook group isn't that useful nowadays unless you are looking for school-specific advice from upperclassmen/a roommate (based on my personal preferences and experience w/undergrad facebook group)

 

[lovemango]

I would not join a facebook group with <10 people if the public has access to the member list. I also would wait until I have decided where to matriculate (i.e. sometime in March/May) to join any med school facebook group to avoid making false impressions. Honestly speaking, a facebook group isn't that useful nowadays unless you are looking for school-specific advice from upperclassmen/a roommate (based on my personal preferences and experience w/undergrad facebook group)

Joining a FB group is a good way to get a feel for your future classmates, start looking for a roommate, etc. It in no way commits you to the school. Ideally the group is private so only members can see who else is in the group. And if you end up choosing to attend another school, it's not a big deal, just leave the group.

Once school actually starts, your class-specific FB group is an awesome resource for sharing notes, ebooks, tips from upperclassmen, etc (at least that's how it is at my med school).