Universities look at social networks to choose their students

The social networking accounts like Facebook, Twitter , Snapchat , YouTube, Vine and all others they can be reviewed by the admissions offices of universities and what they find there can impact positively or negatively the perception they may have of your children . We tell you what universities want to see and what not.

Should my child delete his account or make it private?

Private Make it is always a good idea . In most social networks, a private account will not appear in searches and will limit your child’s fingerprint (how much information is available on the internet). However, you do not have to delete your accounts, as universities expect you to have them.

Should I delete all your holiday photos?

No, universities want to see that your child is a complete person and a healthy social life. What could harm the publications that reflect who is not able to make good decisions . It’s a good idea to remove all photos that contain inappropriate content such as alcoholic beverages, sexy things and rudeness. Although it may sound obvious, it is also important to eliminate hostile or negative discussions about the university to which you are applying.

The university in which you are interested contacted him through Facebook Does that mean that is relaxed and will not mind his “teenage stuff”?

No, college marketing departments use social media to attract teenagers (and maybe to look like ‘alcohol’ as well), but you have to be careful. Responding through social networks (instead of by email) may allow you to view your account, so tell your child to make sure that it is a reflection of who you are before you begin the process.

My son has intense discussions in webpage forums Can that hurt him?

It is possible, if you used the same username you use on other public social networks and there is a history of these discussions, these may appear when searching Google. You can not travel to the past and change what you say, so tell him to make sure his name is clean. If you like to debate in public forums remind him that he should always do so constructively and cordially.

Can the strange things that gives ‘I like’ seen as something negative?

Probably not, unless it is something illegal, antisocial or disturbing and an important part of your recent news.

Can the university see in a negative way that it follows controversial public figures on the networks?

It is difficult for them to see this negatively unless the majority of the people they follow are very extreme and controversial. This could prove that it is not open to other points of view, which can be problematic in the university. If you are interested in a topic, tell it to seek different opinions. You can also follow influential people on topics that interest you, including the universities for which you are applying. This will help you learn about this subject and if the university realizes it will show that you are committed to their learning and very interested in that particular university.

What can make you believe that a university did not accept it unfairly because of its social networks?

As universities receive many applications from eligible candidates, they check social networks to see who they favor, not to see what dirty rags they get. Maybe the social networks of another student fit more with the university, but if you think there is something on Facebook that is affecting you, you can contact the university and ask if that is the case.

Can your likes, followers and other indicators of popularity on the networks help you or affect you in the admission process?

If you have a specific passion, say music, photography or anything else and have cultivated an active audience in the networks, that’s an advantage. The university will see that it has ambition and initiative. On the other hand, you may not even consider whether you have an audience following typical teen topics like memes and videos of cats, but it’s not something that will play against you.

You should build their networks specifically for universities to like?

Some universities are interested in seeing that social networks look like a resume so you can ask the admission office how important this is for them. But broadly speaking, their networks should reflect who they are, (well, maybe a slightly more sophisticated version), but it’s important not to overdo it on their successes, as the universities check that awards and achievements are true. Your child may not be happy at a college that chooses it based on a fake version of him, but he must show that he wants to impress anyone who is following him.

Connell
The author is an expert on occupational training and a prolific writer who writes extensively on Business, technology, and education. He can be contacted for professional advice in matters related with occupation and training on his blog Communal Business and Your Business Magazine.