The College Admissions Officers Are Reading Your Tweets and your Instagram captions and your Facebook posts and the Tumblr you abandoned three years ago. Social
The internet is a public place, even inside a “private” social media group. Before you post your dankest meme, take a moment to consider what it might look like to someone outside your online tribe. In recent years, students have faced disciplinary consequences for using offensive language and images in private group chats—including having admissions decisions reversed.
Social Media Tips for College Applicants
1. Watch the name
Whether it’s your email address or your Twitter handle, your username is your key identifier—keep it simple and professional.
2. Check your privacy settings
Monitor your privacy settings so that you know who can look you up, see your wall, tag you in pictures, and more. (There are a lot of options, so make sure you’re thorough.) Even if you’re over Facebook, take a look at groups you might have joined way back when. Most are probably fine, but some may not give the best impression. A few clicks can remove them.
3. Curate your online photo libraries
4. Google yourself
Search for your name on Google—you might be surprised what shows up on the first few pages. Maybe you’ve made a comment on a blog that you’d rather not have show up, or a friend has tagged you in an unflattering photo. While you can’t always delete the results, you can be proactive about what you post online. (For tips on how to do this, read on!)
Ways to Shine Online
Keep in mind, social media can also help you. Here are four ways to give yourself an admissions boost online.
1. Join LinkedIn
Joining this professional network demonstrates you’re serious about your future. Make a point to connect with
2. Participate in online groups related to colleges that interest you
Follow the Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages of your target schools. This is a great way to learn more about prospective colleges. Plus, by commenting and asking great questions you can raise your name recognition and improve your digital footprint.
3. Keep it positive
Post your successes on your social media sites just in case someone from admissions takes a peek. Link to the editorial you’ve written for your school paper, upload a video of your cello recital, or post a photo of your soccer team after a big win. Share articles that underscore your interest in history or your love of modern dance.
ZeeMee is a new social media platform geared toward college admissions. College-bound students can set up a free profile and then upload photos and videos, list their study interests, or expound on a favorite extracurricular activity. Colleges that partner with ZeeMee provide a place to include your profile link on their applications.
5. Not happy with your Google results? Change the story.
If you’re not thrilled with what shows up about you online, there are ways to fix it. Social media accounts are usually
The bottom line is that social media is yet another opportunity to show college who you really are beyond grades and test scores. While colleges may not officially evaluate your Twitter feed as part of the decision process, you have to assume that a curious admissions officer could take a look.
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