November 4, 2009

 

     As we approach early application deadlines for college, admissions experts are telling students to clean up those Facebook and MySpace pages.
     Social networking sites are becoming more widely used and now, high school and college graduates face new challenges.
     According to a Kaplan survey, more than 70 percent of admissions officers across the country have a Facebook account and have seen an applicant's page.
     Even though only 13 percent of schools have official policies about a student's social networking page, admissions experts are warning students about putting too much information online.
     “As much as that is a social media and a public avenue, we don't want to get any information that misconstrues who a student really is,” said Elmira College Admissions Director, Brett Moore.
     Elmira College is sticking to tradition by admitting an applicant based on their essay, letter of recommendation, and academic credentials.
     But a lot of schools are using social networking sites to learn about their potential students through pictures, wall posts and news updates.
     “Parents should really be aware of what’s out there,” Moore said. “If they're not a member of Facebook or MySpace, why not become one?”
     And it's not just high school students that need to be cautious.
     Job seekers beware.
     Potential employers could be scrolling through your pages too.
     “Be careful what you put out there,” Moore explained. “Remember it’s not just what you post it's what other people post about you, too.”
     Elmira College student Carlie Cerne agrees.
     “You can have a great interview, you can be fully qualified and they can see some inappropriate stuff on your Facebook and they can say, ‘no way!’” Cerne added.
     However, admissions experts say don't be afraid to use technology to your advantage, send follow up e-mails, even suggest a Skype interview.
     But don't forget the power of a good old hand written letter.