Each year, students are applying to increasing numbers of colleges, driving admission rates lower than they’ve ever been, and raising the question: what can I do to stand out?
You’ve probably heard your parents, teachers, and counselors say:
“Be careful what you post on social media.”
“Make sure your accounts are set to private.”
“If you wouldn’t want your grandma to see it, don’t post it!”
But could using social media actually benefit your college application? Some social media experts are saying “yes.” Here’s the scoop.
Thousands upon thousands of students are applying to schools all over the country. While admissions officers can (and occasionally do) search for students’ social media accounts, more often than not, that’s an extra step they don’t have time for. However, if a student includes a link to their social media account in the application as an invitation for admissions officers to take a look, there’s a good chance they will.
Are you an aspiring photography student with an Instagram account dedicated to your work?
You’re a TikTok singer looking for a degree in music?
You’re a future engineer with a passion for 3D printing who sells your work on your Business Facebook page?
Maybe you want to consider encouraging colleges to take a look.
While most social media platforms are designed for sharing day-to-day life with peers, LinkedIn is specifically designed for you to be able to market yourself professionally to adults who may not know you. And yes, colleges are on LinkedIn too! A well-curated LinkedIn account can allow colleges to get to know you in a way your application might not. It is a great space to create a resume, share articles related to the topics and issues you are passionate about, demonstrate interest by interacting with the colleges you are applying to, and showcase yourself as a serious candidate.
So, do you need to have a LinkedIn account when you’re applying to college? In short, no. Not having a LinkedIn profile is not going to hurt your application. Inviting colleges to look at a mediocre profile that doesn’t show you off as an excellent candidate might. But if you have an account that you’ve really put thought and effort into, that shows you off in a way your application can’t, and gives colleges insight into what you are going to bring to their campus community, then by all means, share it!