Applying to college, especially in the US, can be daunting. Aside from completing and submitting the college application requirements, there’s a hidden and often crucial part of their college admissions journey of which students may not be aware – their social media accounts.
Since US university admissions consider applicants holistically, many admissions teams use social media accounts to better understand their pool of candidates. Aside from the negative press that some students get, in relation to their rescinded offers of admission due to inappropriate social postings, there is much that college-bound students can do to enhance their online footprint, be noticed and connect with others.
Whatever their preferred social media platform all students, whether they are in junior high, high school, or college, should make a conscious effort to use their social media accounts to their advantage. Students should regularly evaluate their social media accounts by asking themselves if their social media footprint is really how they want to first appear to viewers and whether their online presence is application-season ready.
Some Simple Tips and Tricks
Keep It Professional
Ensure that social media handles and usernames are appropriate. Students should consider creating a separate email account strictly for all things professional and college.
Be Mindful Of What People See
After purging any bad stuff, not forgetting photos that they may have been “tagged” in, students shoudl construct a positive online persona sharing posts that highlight positive aspects of their lives and experiences such as outside activities or volunteering, extracurriculars, or posts about giving back to their community.
Choose Who To Follow Carefully
Students should review who they follow as certain accounts can have a positive impact when it comes to college admissions. Following potential colleges and their admissions accounts demonstrates a student’s interest in those colleges and following accounts related to interests, values, and hobbies tells a college more about them as well as validates aspects included in their applications.
Demonstrate interest
Colleges use multiple social media platforms to recruit students. By not only following the colleges of interest but also interacting with them online, and taking part in communities their communities show admission officers that students are demonstrating their interest and like what they see. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are direct portals to universities and, if over 16, LinkedIn enables students to build a network of contacts at a specific college or university.
Influence “Name” Searches
Students can build a favorable online presence by creating a YouTube channel, starting a blog with regular posts, or using Pinterest or Tumblr to display their work. When undertaking a google search a student’s name can be associated with their accomplishments.
Promote Unique Selling Point
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are social media giants, however, Reddit and Quora should not be overlooked. On these two websites, students can demonstrate their ability to engage in mature conversations, contribute meaningfully to discussions and display their interests in ways that may be missed in other platforms.
College Research
Both students and parents should use social media platforms to research and find out interesting facts and details about potential colleges. They can get an inside look at a college’s campus life and how the school is run and this information may be especially beneficial when writing the “Why this college” essays.
A Simple Word Of Caution
Although social media has enormous benefits, these social and professional networking sites do not come with out their draw backs and safety issues. Students, and social media users of all ages, need to be very careful to ensure that they are safe and secure whilst online. By following some simple common-sense guidelines students can use social media to enhance their college admissions journey.
Social Media Dos and Don’ts
- Students should not upload anything that they wouldn’t want EVERYONE to see.
- At all times, students need kind as well as respectful of others’ posts, even if they don’t agree with them.
- Students should only share information that they think others will enjoy and find useful.
- Maintaining the highest privacy settings is essential, but students should not assume that these settings will work every time.
- Students need to be mindful when posting personal information as they never know how this information may be misused by others.
- Verifying anyone students accept into their social network is good practice and they should be VERY cautious about accepting random “friends.”
- By exploring their online presence by Googling themselves (and searching for their profile while logged out of their social networks) students can see what they can find.
- Students should avoid posting negative comments, posts or messages, questionable or compromising photos of themselves OR others, offensive jokes, photos, or material, overt bragging, and highly emotional content about personal situations or relationships.
- When posting anything to the internet students need to remember – Once online, always online.
A Final Thought
A student’s social media footprint is an aspect that US colleges may consider when making admissions decisions. It is to each student’s advantage, therefore, to ensure that their social media platforms are in order before application season starts.
By being authentic, kind, and professional, a student’s social media footprint can only enhance their application and showcase the qualities and experiences that make their applications worthy of serious consideration.