I get asked this question by students probably more often than you think. Typically the inquiry is for an article running in a high school newspaper or for a paper being written on the use of social media. Sometimes a student just really wants to know.
How does the world of social media impact college acceptance?
Does it?
Better yet, did you ever think it might?
It couldā¦
First, let me be up-front with a disclaimer. I only offer my opinion given what I have encountered in my own 18-year tenure in college admissions, or from stories/opinions shared by colleagues. Second, social media has only really come into play at a high level in the last five years or so, at least in the world of college admissions. More and more students are starting to consider whether the persona they project in a āprivateā setting plays a role as they prepare for the college admission process.
Colleges and universities recognize that a top way to reach students (prospective or current) is via social media channels like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, blogs (hint, hint), etc. Schools aim to inform students about campus events, and let future students know about application deadlines and upcoming open houses. We also use social media to share information about unique opportunities that students can take advantage of at Loyola, such as undergraduate research projects or study abroad programs.
From an admission perspective, it is an opportunity to reach students (and parents) earlier in the college selection process, but also later, after students have been admitted. Our Loyola Class of 2016 Facebook page for admitted students pushes out updated content on a regular basis, featuring contributions from current students, faculty, and staff. The 2016 page also allows our office to respond to any questions or concerns that are specific to our admitted students, such as inquiries about housing applications or our upcoming Loyola Weekend event. In short, social media is quick, timely, and effective.
So, do admission officers look at your Facebook page? Do they Google you to see what comes up? Does this factor into an admission decision? The direct answer is that there is no possible way for an admission office to screen every possible move you make via social media. At Loyola, we have nearly 19,000 applicants for Fall 2012 right now, and I donāt realistically think it would be possible or practical for us to consider every studentās social media activity. However, as a colleague of mine likes to point out, students need to know that when a transgression is brought to the attention of an admission office, it has to be considered. My general advice is to never put yourself in a position that would cause an admission office to question your character and/or judgment. Social media outlets are āpublicā venues; your profile picture can be seen by everyone. Hopefully, nothing negative comes up that draws our attention to what you post. Likewise, think to yourself, āWhat if an admission office saw this?Ā Would this make an admission officer have second thoughts about me as a candidate?ā
Think twice before posting anything online, because you never know who will eventually see it. Take advantage of the different privacy settings to make sure you are sharing content only with people you are comfortable with. Your social media profiles are ultimately a reflection of you as a person, and that content may be viewed by parents, teachers, coaches, college administrators, and even by the person who will interview you for your dream job someday. You always want the impression left by your social media presence to be a positive one.
