It’s no secret that today’s students are growing up in a digital world. Social media accounts, TikToks, YouTube videos, group chats, and comment threads are a regular part of teenage life. Many students and parents, however, are unaware of the significant impact their online presence can have on future opportunities, especially when it comes to college admissions and early career prospects.
Colleges Do Look
According to a survey conducted by Kaplan, 36% of college admissions officers said they check an applicant’s social media profiles during the decision-making process. While 65% who do so admit that their findings have had a positive impact due to evidence of leadership and community service, some admissions officer have either rescinded offers or reconsidered applications due to red flags that include offensive language or behavior, evidence of cheating, or generally inappropriate posts.
And it’s not just about getting into college: hiring managers, scholarship committees, and even internship coordinators increasingly perform online searches of candidates to get a fuller picture of who they are. A study by CareerBuilder found that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process.
What Counts as a Digital Footprint?
Your digital footprint includes everything you post or have ever posted online. That means public and private social media profiles, photos you’re tagged in, old YouTube videos, comments on Reddit or X, and even your likes and shares. Just because something is deleted doesn’t mean it’s gone. Screenshots can be taken and websites like the Wayback Machine can store older versions of webpages for years.
Tips to Keep Your Online Reputation Clean
Maintaining a positive digital presence doesn’t mean deleting everything and going off the grid. It’s instead about making thoughtful decisions and showcasing your best online self. Here’s how:
- Google yourself.
Start by searching your name (and any usernames you use) to see what comes up. Use quotation marks around your name for a more accurate search. Do this regularly because it’s what other people will do. - Clean up what you can.
Delete old posts that don’t reflect who you are today. This includes offensive language, inappropriate jokes, risky behavior, or anything that could be taken out of context. - Adjust your privacy settings.
Make your profiles private, but remember that nothing is truly private online. Always post as if someone important—like a future admissions officer or hiring manager—might see it. - Think before you post.
Before you share something, ask yourself: “Would I be okay with my future boss or a college admissions counselor seeing this?” If the answer is “No” or “I’m not sure,” don’t post it. - Highlight your passions.
Use your online presence to reflect who you are in a positive way. Start a blog, showcase your art or photography, write reviews, or volunteer to run social media for a club or cause you believe in.
We Can Help
We live in an age where digital reputations matter just as much as resumes. Colleges and employers want to see that students are responsible, thoughtful, and aligned with their values. It is also a great way to show who you really are beyond test scores and transcripts.
At PREMINENTE Counseling, we help students on their journey toward getting into their ideal college. That includes everything from advising on extracurricular activities and compelling applications to making sure a student’s digital presence supports their goals.
Contact PREMINENTE today to learn more about how we can help you stand out for all the right reasons.
https://preminentecounseling.com/
