June 3, 2011
Judge Tom
2

Attention: high school students headed to college

Are you aware that college-admissions officers check Facebook and YouTube for your written and video posts? Did you realize that at least 70% of the top 500 schools in the country check out their applicants. Other studies put the figure at more than 80%.

According to a Kaplan 2010 College Admissions Survey, Facebook profiles are a medium or high priority in the admission process. The student’s social-media profiles have generally been helpful in getting them accepted (62%), but in 38% of the applications, the students’ online profiles have hurt their chances.

In addition to screening applicants, Facebook is used by 82% of the colleges surveyed as a recruiting tool. Prospective students can also follow the latest news and events on campus by checking out the schools’ Facebook page.

Stacy Snyder

Education week recommends  this site for ideas about how to use social media to your advantage when applying to college. For an example of a MySpace post that backfired on a college student, take a look at Stacy Snyder’s story.

Stacy’s school explained that it wasn’t the photo alone that resulted in her being denied a teaching certificate. She allegedly didn’t complete all of the requirements for the certification (student teaching) and her performance evaluations were substandard. However, this photo could not have helped her cause.

Judge Tom

The Author Judge Tom

Judge Tom is the founder and moderator of AsktheJudge.info. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. He has written several books for lawyers and judges as well as teens and parents including 'Teen Cyberbullying Investigated' (Free Spirit Publishing) and 'Every Vote Matters: the Power of Your Voice, from Student Elections to the Supreme Court' (Free Spirit Publishing). In 2020, the American Bar Association published "Cyberbullying Law," the nation's first case-law book written for lawyers, judges and law students. When he's not answering teens' questions, Judge Tom volunteers with the American Red Cross and can be found hiking, traveling and reading.

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2 Comments

  • Oklahoma City Divorce Attorney Matt Ingham
    June 28, 2011 3:43 pm count( 0 )

    This one comes as no surprise. People use social networking as a tool for self-expression. Potential employers, social clubs, and higher-education institutions are turning toward social networking sites in increasing numbers in order to get personal info. about applicants.