Using Social Media To Enhance Your College Application
High schoolers preparing to apply to college know that they should maintain their grades, polish their admission essays, and boost their ACT and SAT scores. Still, fewer students have thought about preparing their social media accounts for college applications.
By Ceanna Hayes Daniels — July 11, 2022
Have you ever wondered if college admissions committees look at your social media? In 2018, a survey found that 57% of admissions officers viewed it as “fair game” to check a prospective students social media as part of the admissions process. “I think it’s important for kids to understand that colleges, even the really large colleges, are doing much more holistic admissions, that admissions goes way beyond the data,” says Judi Robinovitz, a certified educational planner and founder and co-owner of Score At The Top Learning Centers & Schools in Florida.
With so many media outlets covering the negative consequences of social media on student’s admission into college—i.e., admission rescinded for inappropriate content— we’re looking at how student’s might use these inevitable social media checks to their benefit for admissions committees. Social media provides another facet for committees to understand who you are personally. That’s important for a holistic admissions process. Below you’ll find tips on how to use your social media footprint to your benefit as a prospective student.
1. Social Media As Added Supplemental Material
Social media can solidify or expand student’s passions and resume. Think about how you may use these platforms to highlight your interests and work that you do. Unlike a college essay, social media doesn’t limit you to 500 words. Use videos, images, and captions to showcase what matters most to you, in a way that’s authentic.
2. Change Your Profile Picture
Oftentimes, college admissions officers first impression of you will come from your social media profile picture. This fact crates a unique opportunity for you to have a unique first impression with a school. During application season, consider changing your profile picture to be slightly more professional. Doing so doesn’t require a suit, but it may mean good picture quality where you are clearly visible.
3. Follow The Social Media Accounts Of The Schools You’re Interested In
Colleges want to admit students who demonstrate interested and are excited about their choice school. As such, it’s a good idea to follow the social media accounts of schools—in addition to any Bringing Colleges & Students Together research centers or sports accounts that align with your interests. If you have a school in mind before the application process, engage with the account periodically by reposting, liking, and sharing material from the school. Though this doesn’t by any means guarantee admission, should committees decide to look at your social media, they may appreciate how interested you are in their activities.
4. Announce Application Milestones / Showcase Extracurriculars
Again, colleges like to see their applicants are interested in attending their school. It doesn’t hurt to tweet, share, or repost. For example, if you take any college visits, take a picture on campus, and share it to your profile. If you land an internship, volunteer, or play sports, use your profiles to showcase how those things fit into your life. Any chance you have to speak about your passions, do so!
5. Get On LinkedIn
Understand that LinkedIn for high school students is not about what you have done but to showcase what you want to do. Many colleges have a tremendous LinkedIn presence, and they encourage applicant engagement with faculty, alumni, current students, and administration. To make your profile stand out, list your activities, organizations, advanced classes and electives. Connect with teachers and counselors and ask them for LinkedIn recommendations. Follow and interact with your favorite schools on University Pages.
Ceanna Hayes Daniels
Ceanna Hayes Daniels is freelance writer and editor. In 2022, she graduated Hillsdale College summa cum laude with a degree in politics. In her free time, she continues to enjoy studying philosophy, political theory, and literature. She and her husband live in Michigan, where the two enjoy perusing bookstores together for new books and old records.
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