Social Media and the College Admissions Process

As seniors are completing applications and juniors are beginning to explore colleges, it's a good time for students to think about updating their digital presence. With the ever-increasing use of social media, it is likely that some of the colleges that students apply to will review their social media activities.Here are a few things for students to consider:

• Nothing you put on social media is completely private.
• Everything you put on social media is permanent.
• Colleges (especially small, liberal arts colleges) expect students to have a social media presence, and may question why a student doesn’t have one, if they can’t find it.
• Everything you put on social media is linked to the email address you use – this is one of many reasons to create a separate, easily recognizable email address to be used only for college and career correspondence, and only attach social media accounts to this email if you want colleges to see it.
• Creating a strong, professional LinkedIn account now will allow you highlight your strengths and start making connections and forming relationships – both of which are important as you apply to colleges, internships, and employment in the future.
• Remember: Not having anything to hide is not the same as having something to show. It is never too early to start making smart, informed choices about what you post on social media, and how you portray yourself to the world.

Social Assurity, is just one organization that can help you create a strong, professional digital presence.  It might be an investment worth making.  But, if you don’t want to spend money learning how best to portray yourself, you can make smart decisions about what you share and how you share it.  And, if you would like some general guidance, don’t hesitate to contact On My Way Consulting.