07/17/2023
Seniors (AND Juniors)….
What does your Social Media say about you???
For many of us, we see social media as a way to stay connected with others. There are other ways people and organizations use social media that we may not think about when we post – they use it to help them make decisions. Some colleges, scholarship providers, and hiring managers are using social media to learn more about their applicants before making decisions. Therefore, it is very important to think before posting anything on social media.
Kaplan Test Prep recently published survey results about social media and college admissions. They surveyed approximately 400 college admissions officers and found that 40% visit applicant’s social media pages.
Below are some of the reasons decision makers may be looking at your social media posts:
- Social media accounts can distinguish applicants, especially at competitive colleges
- Identify and recruit talented students
- College has strict community living standards (no drinking, smoking, etc) and view social media to ensure students do not partake in these behaviors
- Colleges want students who fit the college image in regards to how they carry themselves publicly
- Curiosity
- Alerted by someone about inappropriate behavior on social media
I actually worked closely with a former dean of students from a large university. He would tell a story about an application process in which he was truly excited about the intern that he selected. However, he received an anonymous tip about their social media page and was floored and disgusted by what he saw. Needless to say, that student did not earn the internship role with their office.
As you start to review your social media accounts, ask yourself, “Do I want _______________ seeing this?” Frequently it is called the “Grandma test,” but maybe there is someone else you want to use as your moral compass. It could be your mom, dad, pastor, future employer, etc. Whoever it is, keep asking yourself that question as you review your profiles and posts. If there is something that doesn’t pass the test, don’t post it or delete the post. This also goes for photos that you have posted, as well as tagged photos.
In addition to reviewing your social media profiles you use regularly, Google yourself and see what comes up. Is there a social media profile you forgot you even had? Did someone tag you in a photo you did not even know was online? It’s always good to Google yourself on a regular basis to see what you find. If you have a common name, search your name along with things like your city, high school, activity, etc.
To be safe, avoid the following topics/photos on social media:
Drinking
Smoking
Drugs
S*x
Bad mouthing something/someone
Cursing
Violence
While the chance an admissions officer will see your social media is small, the chance is there. Scholarship providers and hiring managers may also be searching for you before they make their final decision. Your online identity can play a part in admissions, scholarships, or hiring decisions. Therefore, to be safe, make sure you are presenting your best self online.
