Last week’s blog spoke about the danger of the wrong information in a social media account. This week’s blog looks at how to use social media to help gain admission into your teen’s top choice school.
With the ever growing popularity of Facebook, 80% of college admission counselors are visiting potential students’ online profiles during their recruiting process (Kaplan survey of college admission counselors). These recruiters are trying to actively engage prospective students online.
What should the student and parent be aware of? How can these platforms make your application stand out? Your teen should:
- Follow the school online
Follow your prospective school’s twitter feeds, “like” their Facebook fan page, and subscribe to other social media channels. You can learn extremely interesting information about the college. You can determine what issues matter to the school and incorporate that knowledge into your essays and interviews to show that you’ve done your research and know exactly why the college is the perfect place for you.
- Blog
A blog is a wonderful way to show prospective schools your creative side, in the form of art or music skills, your writing ability, your community spirit through activities that you mean something to you and your volunteerism. Your blog can show off your personality, your “uniqueness”. Give links to your blog on your application so the admission officers can view it and make comments.
- Create a YouTube video
Make a video on why you want to attend that school. Include highlights about yourself, your extra-curricular activities, your commitment to your particular major. Have people who know you well with high community standing give additional recommendations. Post it on YouTube and include a link on your college application. You will stand out from the rest of the applicants. Post it on YouTube and tag the school. Give links to the video on your application.
- Remember – Privacy is important!
Set up your accounts so only those who you want to view them, will have access. Set your privacy ratings high so you can control who views your Facebook, Twitter or YouTube accounts.
“If you have any other questions about selecting a college, or the admissions process, feel free to contact me through my website at www.Prep4CollegeNow.com or call me at 760.877.7200. I’d love to answer your questions!”
