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You Are What You Tweet: Social Media & College Admissions

1/26/2017

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It’s no secret that social media is everywhere today. The screen of the device in your hand has replaced the TV and your family’s computer as the ‘Number 1’ screen that most everyone is glued to. Throughout the day - as you post the good, the bad, and the ugly – you’re adding to this online, living resume.  High school students are frequent (daily, hourly, sometimes by the minute) users of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat, sharing their world with the rest of the globe.

In due time, those same high school students are going to be applying to colleges, filing their common apps, and crossing their fingers. The admissions process is certainly a stressful one to begin with, but consider this: more and more admissions offices are reviewing the social media accounts of prospective students. It’s not a secret anymore. And, for some, it’s cause for additional concern.

By using social media in a positive manner - posting of things you are proud of, tweeting content that your grandmother would approve of, considering social media as a utility instead of a toy – you will find that your accounts can be most certainly used for good, showcasing you in the best light possible to colleges, and giving you an edge on a number of your counterparts.

Here are our Top 4 things to consider regarding your social media in 2017 and beyond:

Should I Really Post ‘This’?

Does the post make you look like college material? Are the photos and tweets you’re publishing a positive reflection of who you are? And yes, while you’re not getting graded on the information you’re putting on social, still work to spell, write, and communicate as you’re being taught in your English classes.

No, Really, Should I Post ‘This’?

Would you mom be proud of this post? What about your grandmother? This living resume you are posting on is showcasing your character. In some cases, especially if you haven’t had an interview with an admissions office, this may be one of the only ways in which the school can get a glimpse of your personality.  Post politely, publish proudly, and leave the photos of you drinking with your friends off of the internet.  Again, if you didn’t tell your mom about it, don’t tell the world about it.

Demonstrate Interest

Colleges love when students demonstrate interest using social media. And the best part? It’s so simple to do!  Find the social accounts of the colleges that you’ll be applying to, and connect with their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts.  Even Snapchat, as its grown so rapidly, has become a place for colleges to connect with prospective students. By engaging in the easiest of ways – liking, retweeting, sharing – invites communication from the school.

Don’t Hesitate to Show Off A Little (Or A Lot)

The things that make you YOU? The awards you’ve won? The subjects you’re passionate about? Those are the posts and tweets that you definitely want to make sure are the content that you’re presenting on the Internet for all to see.  You’re already geared towards documenting just about every moment of your life on social, so don’t miss out on an opportunity to snap a photo of your latest A+ paper or your creation from art class.  Showcasing you who are, as well as your activities and interests, is something that colleges are looking for – make sure to impress them!  They want more than just transcripts and and an academic ace - they want someone who shows passion, who is authentic, and who will contribute positively to their campus.

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New Years Resolutions for College Applicants

1/12/2017

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Resolve to apply to colleges even if your test scores are lower than their published ranges (and are lower than what you hoped they'd be).  What each school is showing for scores are averages - NOT a line drawn in the sand telling you, "If you are not at this percentage, don't even think about it." There always have been, and there always will be, admitted students who have scores at or below those given ranges. Keep in mind, these standardized test scores are only a piece of the application puzzle, and only a fraction of who you are.

Resolve to use the school's online application. Sure, that may seem like an obvious point to be made, but many schools are still offering the option to complete an application in hard copy paper form. Online apps are easier for you to complete as you can review, edit, and revise as need be, and in some cases you many even get a discount from a particular school for completing the online application because it is easier for them to process on their end. It's a 'win-win'!

Resolve to apply to between six to eight schools. The old admissions adage applies - look for a set of schools that are reaches (but you'd absolutely LOVE to go to), a group that are perfect fits for you (academically right in your 'sweet spot'), and a few that can be considered safety schools (your resume and grades get you in here no problem).

Resolve to 'recycle' on your applications. The time of college applications is meant to be an exciting time of wondering where you're headed next and pondering the future. While it is inevitable that you will be stressed from time to time (or all the time), limit that stress by using the same essays and statements on different applications.  We call that 'recycling' and it's totally a great thing to do! You do not need to reinvent the wheel each and every time you begin a new application essay. Work on a terrific first essay, then use it's core and foundation for future essays only making changes as need be. Take your first essay, read each new writing prompt carefully, see the specific information the particular college is looking for, and go from there!

Resolve to leave nothing as 'optional'. Here at LAC, we ask that when an application asks for something that they deem is optional, that our clients read that as 'just do it'. While you certainly only need to submit what is required, going above and beyond adds to your level of demonstrated interest. If you're interested in the arts, but realize that you haven't really touched on that passion, use this as the opportunity to submit your portfolio or media file. Colleges have designed their applications so that they know each of their applicants best. Taking the inititive helps to put you head and shoulders above the others in the candidate pool.

With any college prep, admissions, or application questions, do not hesitate to contact us today! info@leonardandrew.com
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    Chad Dorman

    LAC - Founder/Director

    Jaclyn Corley

    Founder - The College Essay Captain, and featured guest blogger here for LAC. It's her mission to inspire people to tell empowering stories.

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