What Your MySpace Says Can and Will Be Used Against You

October 1st, 2008

Facebook and MySpace are the places to be — unless you’re applying to college. It’s no news that social networks lack privacy, but the latest trend in admissions is checking out profiles of prospective students, whether they like it or not.

According to a recent study by Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, a division of Kaplan, Inc., in which 500 of the nation’s most selective colleges were surveyed, 10 percent of admissions officers** have checked out a hopeful student’s social networking profile in order to make their decision. The problem? For 38 percent of those college administrators, their opinions of a student took a turn for the worst.

Though people will argue the ethics involved here, it’s not uncommon for officials to probe your online profile whether you’re applying to an undergraduate program or your first job. Years ago the advice would have been to delete your accounts, but social networks have become society’s status quo with everyone from big business to John Doe using them to their advantage. While social networks can be a great asset when making connections, they can be bad news if you’re portraying the wrong persona. If you’re interested in some quick tips for putting your best virtual foot forward, check out this article.

** According to Kaplan, representatives from 500 colleges were solicited for the survey, with 350 admissions officers responding.

– Genevieve M. Blaber

Entry Filed under: College Admissions, College Trends