You've probably heard someone say "be careful what you post online." But did you know that college admissions officers are actually looking? According to recent surveys, 28% of admissions officers review applicants' social media profiles, and even more striking—67% believe it's fair game to check out your online presence when making decisions.

Before you panic and delete everything, take a breath. Social media isn't just a potential minefield—it can actually help your application when used thoughtfully. The key is understanding what helps, what hurts, and how to put your best foot forward online.

The Good News: Social Media Can Help You Stand Out

When done right, your online presence can reinforce what colleges see in your application and give them a more complete picture of who you are.

DO:

✓ Showcase your passions and achievements

• Share posts about projects you're proud of, volunteer work, awards, or activities that matter to you
• Use Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube to highlight creative work, research, community service, or leadership roles
• Think of it as a dynamic portfolio that brings your application to life

✓ Demonstrate genuine interests

• Follow and engage with accounts related to your academic interests, hobbies, or career goals
• Share thoughtful articles or content that shows your intellectual curiosity
• Comment intelligently on topics you care about

✓ Keep it professional and authentic

• Use a clear profile photo and professional username (ideally your actual name)
• Make sure your bio accurately represents you
• Show the real you—just the version you'd be comfortable with a college admissions officer (or future employer) seeing

✓ Consider a separate "professional" account

• Many students create a public account specifically for achievements, college-related content, and professional networking
• This lets you share your Eagle Scout award, debate tournament wins, or community service projects without worrying about your friends thinking you're bragging
• Use this account for LinkedIn, a professional Instagram, or a portfolio website
• Keep your personal account private for friends and family
• Think of it like having "work clothes" and "weekend clothes"—different contexts, different presentations

✓ Engage with colleges you're interested in

• Follow schools on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms
• Like and comment on their posts to learn more about campus life
• This can help you gauge fit and demonstrate genuine interest
• [Link to your article about using college social media for research]

✓ Set a Google Alert for your name

• This helps you stay on top of what others might find when they search for you
• Check what comes up when you Google yourself—and address anything problematic

The Reality Check: What Can Hurt You

Here's what you need to know: 38% of admissions officers who check social media say they found something that positively impacted a student's application, but 32% found something that hurt an applicant's chances. And yes, students have actually had acceptances rescinded because of social media posts.

DON'T:

✗ Post anything illegal or inappropriate

• No photos or references to underage drinking, drugs, or illegal activities
• Avoid offensive language, bullying, or hateful content of any kind
• Even if you think it's funny or ironic—admissions officers won't

✗ Share content that contradicts your application

• Don't claim to be passionate about community service if your feed is entirely selfies
• Make sure your online persona aligns with what you've written in your essays

✗ Leave old embarrassing posts up

• Go back through your timeline (yes, even from 9th grade)
• Delete anything you wouldn't want your grandmother—or a college admissions officer—to see
• Remember: screenshots can resurface even if you delete something later

✗ Forget about tagged photos and comments

• You might not have posted it, but if you're tagged in inappropriate content, it still reflects on you
• Review tags and untag yourself from anything questionable
• Check not just photos but also comments you've left on others' posts

✗ Assume privacy settings make you invisible

• Even "private" groups aren't truly private
• Settings can change or be bypassed
• The safest approach: don't post anything you'd be embarrassed to have go public

✗ Ignore other platforms

• It's not just Instagram—admissions officers check TikTok, YouTube, Twitter/X, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and more
• Even your old Pinterest boards or Reddit comments could be discovered

Quick Action Plan

Right now:

1. Google yourself and see what comes up
2. Review all your social media accounts (yes, ALL of them)
3. Delete or make private anything questionable
4. Update profile photos and bios to be more professional
5. Adjust privacy settings on personal accounts

Going forward:

• Before you post, ask yourself: "Would I be okay with this showing up in a presentation about me?"
• Think of social media as part of your college application portfolio
• Use it intentionally to show your interests, character, and achievements

The Bigger Picture

Here's the truth: this isn't just about college admissions. 70% of employers also check social media during hiring processes. Learning to manage your digital footprint now is a life skill that will serve you well beyond getting into college.

Your social media presence is an extension of you. With a little thought and intentionality, you can make sure it's showing colleges (and future employers) exactly who you want them to see.

Want to Learn More?

• The Social Institute - Walking the social media tightrope