When most students think about The College Application Components that admissions officers evaluate, they consider: Grades, resumes, essays, letters of recommendation, portfolios, interviews, and any other external requirements universities may have. Phew! That's a lot.
However, that is not all. In his book "On Writing the Application Essay: The Key to Acceptance at the College of Your Choice," Harry Bauld, a former admissions officer at Brown and Columbia University, highlights the importance of "clean" social media for all applicants. Bauld states, "...if you think admissions officers do not check the Facebook pages of applicants, then you're probably not astute enough to be going to college".
Social media might have many benefits, like helping you stay up to date with news, happenings around the world, etc., and might even be an excellent form of self-expression. However, this doesn't mean you can post and share whatever you want. Students, in particular, need to exercise sound judgment when using social media.
How you act and behave on social media can have far-reaching consequences, so it's important to follow some basic rules for what you do and don't post. In addition, if you want to avoid a social media history that comes back and haunts your professional life, you should be very careful of the content you're posting.
Here's a list of Dos and Don'ts of social media that university students should keep in mind:
Do
Google yourself to see what comes up. If there is something you do not like, edit or delete it.
Keep your profiles private if that's an option.
Form connections with other students, professionals, or people related to your studies or field of interest.
Post about things you're passionate about
Show that you have hobbies and interests and that you're a well-rounded person.
Add yourself to groups you are involved in.
Share articles you find interesting. It is a good idea to have a social media presence in the field of your interest.
Use privacy settings and follow password recommendations to avoid getting hacked.
Don't
Post illegal activities like drugs, alcohol, violence, or stealing or damaging property.
Be negative or aggressive online. Hurtful, harmful, and hateful comments will not help you paint a positive picture of yourself.
Share sexually explicit stuff that can hurt your reputation in the long run.
Have an embarrassing or inappropriate handle or name
Use strange or inappropriate hashtags to gain traction.
Engage in arguments and make provocative remarks
Post confidential details
Post unprofessional videos or photos
Rant about your days
Social media can be an excellent tool to voice your opinions and stay connected with the world outside the university, exhibit your skills and talents, etc. However, social media often gets a bad rap, some of which is earned. By following some quick dos and don'ts, you can aim to position yourself strategically in front of the admissions offices and university representatives.
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