Who’s Watching Your Social Media Posts?

by Claudine Vainrub, Principal of EduPlan / Tuesday, 06 February 2018 / Published in College Admissions

Alan Katzman, founder and CEO of Social Assurity, recently shared information about how students can create a winning social media presence. Here are his top four reasons why you should be aware of how social media can impact your college planning.

Reason #1: Admission Officers are Looking at Your Social Media

Thanks to Kaplan Test Prep and its annual survey of college admissions officers, we know that at least 35% of admission officers in the United States looked at applicant social media during the 2016 admissions process. We also know that admissions officers are more likely to look when considering scholarships and when invited to do so by applicants.

Reason #2: Since They are Looking, Give Them Something to See

College admissions officers have neither the time nor the interest to search social media simply to find reasons to reject qualified applicants. If and when colleges look, logic dictates they are looking to learn more about the applicant, opening the door of opportunity for the prepared applicant to make a strong impression and set themselves apart from other qualified applicants.

Reason #3: The Best Offense is a Good Defense

Almost all colleges now have a prominent social media presence and encourage applicants to interact with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. By optimizing social media to showcase their activities, interests, accomplishments, and service, applicants can freely and safely interact with colleges and may very well impress the right people as a result.

Reason #4: Managing Social Media is an Essential Life Skill

Social media is here to stay and will continue to influence character and credibility assessments made by colleges, scholarship committees, and employers. Today, a thoughtful, transparent, and reflective digital presence across social media networks can help students achieve their academic and professional goals and aspirations.

Take Action
Review your social media accounts. What would you like colleges or others to see about you? Want to do more? Social Assurity offers online classes to get your social media presence right.

Alan Katzman is the founder and CEO of Social Assurity. Alan is a pioneer in developing and advancing techniques to teach students how to use social media to build a compelling and reflective digital presence as a game-changing tool for creating academic and career success at all educational levels. Alan is a sought-after speaker for high school and college students, parents, and educational professionals while frequently participating in education-related events nationwide. Alan and his work have been featured in The New York Times, CNN, ABC News, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, Business Insider, and Social Media Today.