Face Book, My Space and College Admissions
Allen Grove explains how to avoid college admissions pitfalls
sited from About College.Com
Facebook, MySpace and College Admissions
Don't Let Social Networking Sites Sabbotage Your Chances of Getting Into College
By Allen Grove, About.com
These numbers should be cause for reflection, but they don't mean you should quickly pull the plug on your Facebook or MySpace account. In fact, many college staff members and professors (myself included) have Facebook accounts and enjoy using them to network and connect with students. Also, more and more colleges are using Facebook to get accepted students in touch with each other before classes begin in the Fall.
As you apply to college, however, keep in mind who might be looking at your social networking sites:
- College admissions officers
- Teachers who are writing you letters of recommendation
- Potential employers for summer jobs and internships
- Your friends
- Classmates who aren't your friends
- The admissions staff as they connect you to your roommate and other new students
- Your new peers at your college
- Your professors
- Potential employers, both on and off campus
- Your RA (Residential Advisor)
- That creepy kid who is obsessing over you
- The campus judicial board (should you get in trouble)
- Campus and local police (should you get in trouble)
- Remove or block any photos that show you drinking alcohol, even if you were in a situation where it was legal
- Remove or block any photos that show you with people who are obviously under the influence
- Remove or block photos with rude gestures (someone who doesn't know you won't find that middle finger shot funny)
- Remove or block photos that are sexually suggestive
- Remove or block any photos that portray illegal activity
- Remove or block any photos that would make an admissions officer question your character or judgment
- Unsubscribe from any groups that show bias or bigotry (those "I hate Jane Doe" and "Old People Shouldn't Drive" groups suggest you're NOT the type of person a college wants to admit)
- Unsubscribe from any groups that promote illegal activity (again, the "I Love Getting Stoned" and "Budweiser Rules" groups will give the admissions folks reservations about your application)
- Remove contact information such as your phone number and address--not only is this a safety issue, but inclusion of such information shows bad judgment on your part.
- Choose an attractive and professional-looking photo for your profile picture
- Visit your site frequently to untag any unflattering photos your friends may have posted
Also, realize that you can actually turn the tables on those nosey employers and admissions officers who might be snooping around your site. Use your site to make yourself look good. Think of it as a free place to promote yourself and increase your chance of acceptance. For example, you can
- Post pictures that show you doing constructive things (reading to kids, doing volunteer work, restoring a car)
- Post pictures that show you and your friends in a positive light -- colleges and employers want applicants with healthy social skills
- Post travel pictures -- those worldly experiences are a plus
- Join groups that have positive messages (breast cancer awareness, peace not war, and so on)
