As college application season rolls around, it’s time for students to do a little fall cleaning on their social media pages.
Research by Schools.com paints a scary picture for social media loving applicants: 70% of college admissions officers say that Facebook profiles of applicants play a medium to high priority in admissions decisions.
That’s right: Admissions officers Facebook-stalk you.
While most admissions officers say that Facebook profiles generally help applicants get in, 38% say that Facebook profiles actually hurt most applicants. The lesson: Scrub your social media pages of any foul language, inappropriate posts, less than flattering pictures (you know, the one of you with six pencils up your nose), or references to illegal activity (which you shouldn’t be participating in anyway!).
Since you now know that admissions officers will likely scroll through your profile page, you may as well make sure it’s an asset instead of a liability. At least during admission season, make your profile an extension of your application. Make sure that it presents your best side — the part of you that cares about school and extracurricular activities, who is sociable and friendly, and who is a strong and active member of the community.
Translation: Pictures of you with your friends playing frisbee at the park = good; posts about wanting to punch the mean girl/guy at your school = bad.
Now go get to scrubbing those Facebook profiles!
(And while you’re at it, if you aren’t already a C2 fan, Like us on Facebook!)
Originally Posted on C2 Education Blog
