In 2017, admission offers of 10 incoming first-year students were rescinded when it was discovered that they had shared hateful memes in a private group chat on Facebook. The admission offer made to another study, a noteworthy one was also retracted after the student had made racist remarks on Google Docs and private chats, two years earlier.We will see does colleges check your social media or not in this article.
Yes. Colleges do in fact have the wherewithal to check up on the social media platforms use. It is not however very clear if they actually do. Although, colleges can peruse the public version of your social media, they do not possess any overarching, government-like power to gain access to your private data. Your social media will only be of concern if it contains behavior that is not befitting. Although, admission boards are more concerned about standardized tests scores and grade transcripts, your digital presence is another opportunity for schools to have a glimpse at your personhood.
What Colleges Should Check on Your Social Media
It is important to check the privacy settings on popular social platforms you use. Social media platforms can also be considered a vehicle to show admission officers another one of your positive sides. These are some of the things you’d want admission boards to see when they go through your interactions on social media.
Your applications should be matched to your profiles:
Letters of recommendation and properly written essays contained in your college application, should show you in your best light. This can also be applied to your tweets and this goes beyond your grammar and spelling. Your online profile can also be an excellent post to display pictures of your achievements such as those showing you receive an award or you engaging in a sport with your high school team. It would also be an added advantage if your profile picture is a professional one.
Showing your interest in schools:
Following and liking the profiles of your preferred colleges on social media is also a good move. It is also advisable to take it further by looking for ways to engage with these schools on these platforms. Commenting on a post made by the school or tagging the school upon visiting the campus can also help demonstrate your interest in the school. Nevertheless, this should be done in moderation so not to put off the admissions officer of your preferred school.
Showcase your passions:
Although, your college essay is the conventional way to showcase your deepest desires and passions, your profiles on social media can also be used to show off your interests in whatever field or aspect of life.
Sharing the peaks of your social life:
Positive experiences like negative ones can be seen from your Facebook and Instagram photos. It is also important to consider how you might appear on the photos of friends or family. Your college admission process might be harmed if an admission officer finds a photo in which you have been tagged in and gets the wrong impression.
Keep up your social media presence:
If your application to college is done in January, it might take a couple of months for application to be reviewed and a final decision is taken on it. This is usually the period when your social media profile might be assessed. This could be the time to make a case for yourself online. For example, posting updates about a senior project you are involved in would be a good look for you.
Conclusion
There are many things that might hamper one’s chances of getting into a particular college. Your activity on social media, though not the most important, is still an essential part of the admission process. It would be disastrous for pictures of you doing illegal things such as engaging in underage drinking are found online during screening for you admission application. Though, this might be a double-edged sword as colleges would like to know that you have a social life separate from your academic life. For whatever you share online, before during and after application to college, it is important to consider if this can be shared in a face-to-face interaction with the admissions officer. If the answer turns out to be no, then it will be advised not to post it online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be present on all social media platforms?
It is not compulsory to have a social media profile for every platform. It is more efficient to understand the intended audience and reach them using the most suitable platform.
Why do I need a social media account?
Social media platforms provide an excellent way to send messages, engage with family, friends and mentors and also build relationships. It can also serve as a tool to promote yourself. A well-rounded, polished social media account helps improve your reputation to those that matter and the world in general.
Can use of social media affect my academic performance?
Yes. Indiscriminate use of social media platforms can distract you from your academic life, taking up time that should have been spent on other, more productive pursuits. Use of social media might also affect your mental wellbeing as in an effort to seek approval online, real-life friendships are neglected at the behest of online relationships.
What is the recommended screen time for college students?
Some students spend their time studying online or attending online classes while other spend their time on less academic pursuits such as chatting and entertainment. Both of these activities have their disadvantages. Screen time has to be regulated. Since it involves a lot of sitting down for long hours at a stretch sometime, it can lead to changes in body metabolism. It is therefore advised to be active while also engaging in beneficial activity in front of a screen.
