Hi everyone, I've heard that some colleges might check out applicants' social media profiles as part of the admissions process. Is this true? Should I be worried about what I post online, or is it not something I need to be concerned about? I want to make sure I'm not hurting my chances of getting into my top-choice schools. Thanks for any input!
Hello! It's true that some colleges do look at applicants' social media profiles, but it's not necessarily a widespread practice. A study conducted by Kaplan Test Prep in 2018 found that 25% of admissions officers surveyed admitted to checking applicants' social media. However, this number has actually decreased over the years.
That being said, it's still a good idea to be cautious about what you post online. Even if colleges aren't looking at your profiles, future employers or internship coordinators might. It's always best to maintain a positive and professional online presence.
For example, my child went through the college application process recently, and we made sure to review their social media accounts together. We removed any potentially inappropriate content and ensured that their privacy settings were set to a level they were comfortable with. In the end, they were accepted into their top-choice school, and we felt confident that their online presence had no negative impact on their application.
So, while it's not a guarantee that colleges will look at your social media profiles, it's still a good idea to be mindful of what you post online. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry! Best of luck with your college applications!
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