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Social media important to admissions – Metro US

Social media important to admissions

Social media sites have redefined the process of getting into college. What you have shared about yourself online can be more revealing than SAT scores or an admissions essay.

According to a Kaplan survey, 88 percent of admission officers believed social media was either “somewhat” or “very” important to their future recruitment efforts.

“What you do now stays in the public domain forever. It’s easier to remove a tattoo,” says Kenny Ossen, director of communications and broadcast media for SocialShield, a service designed to inform parents about social media.

While students can’t change who they are, they can refine their image — see the sidebar (right) for some easy tips.

SocialShield’s tips

» If you wouldn’t send a photo to your grandmother or college admissions counselor, don’t post it online.
» Be professional. Have an e-mail that is used only for college applications and professional matters. Your personal e-mail can trace social networking sites you belong to.
» Make sure all content is set to private. Anyone can get ahold of information if you don’t protect it.
» Don’t friend professors, but do like or follow their department online to show that you’re interested.