When students ask me how to strengthen their college applications, social media isn’t usually the first thing they expect me to bring up. But in today’s world, it matters more than most people think. Whether you’re applying to a highly selective university or a local state college, your digital footprint can either quietly support or unintentionally sabotage your application. Admissions officers are human. They Google. They scroll. And sometimes, what they find can change their impression of you.
Social media can be a powerful tool to express who you are beyond your test scores and GPA. It can also be a trap if you’re not careful. I’ve worked with students who used platforms like Instagram to showcase their art portfolios — and others who learned the hard way that a single careless tweet can raise red flags. The good news is, with a few guiding principles, you can use social media to your advantage during the college admissions process.
Using Social Media in College Admissions: Dos and Don’ts
Let’s talk about how to use social media wisely — not by deleting your accounts, but by being intentional about how they reflect your story. Your online presence can subtly reinforce the narrative in your application, or it can send mixed signals. Here’s how to make sure it works for you, not against you.
Do: Use Social Media to Showcase Your Passions
One of my students, Maya, was a first-generation applicant with a deep interest in environmental science. She didn’t have access to expensive summer programs, but she ran an Instagram page where she documented her neighborhood cleanups and posted short videos explaining local climate issues. When she applied to her top-choice university, she included the link in the additional information section. The admissions officer later told her it was one of the most compelling additions to her file.
Whether you’re a musician, coder, activist, or aspiring journalist, use your platforms to:
- Post original work or projects (art, writing, coding demos, etc.)
- Share your involvement in school or community events
- Highlight leadership roles or initiatives you’ve taken
- Engage with organizations or professionals in your field of interest
This kind of content gives colleges a more authentic view of your character and commitments. It shows initiative, creativity, and depth — exactly the traits holistic admissions reviews are looking for, as explained in our guide on what colleges look for in holistic admissions.
Don’t: Post Content That Undermines Your Application
I still remember one student, Evan, who was a strong candidate for a competitive engineering program. His essays were thoughtful, his grades solid, and his recommendations glowing. But his public TikTok account featured repeated jokes ridiculing teachers and classmates. Someone flagged it to an admissions officer — and just like that, his acceptance was rescinded.
Colleges have rescinded offers over inappropriate social media posts. According to NACAC, while not all colleges actively review applicants’ social media, many do when something concerning is brought to their attention. Avoid sharing content that includes:
- Offensive language or hate speech
- Bullying, harassment, or harmful behavior
- Illegal or risky activities (even if joking)
- Plagiarism or academic dishonesty
Even if your posts are meant to be “private” or “funny,” screenshots live forever. When in doubt, take it down. Your future is worth more than a punchline.
Do: Audit and Clean Up Your Digital Footprint
Before you start submitting applications, take a couple of hours to do a full digital audit. Google your name and see what comes up. Check your privacy settings. Look through your old posts and ask yourself, “Would I be okay with an admissions officer seeing this?”
Here’s a simple checklist:
- Google your name + location or school
- Review all public posts on Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube
- Delete or archive anything questionable or unprofessional
- Update bios to reflect your interests or goals
- Set private accounts to “friends only” if you prefer privacy
This is especially important if you’re applying to selective programs or scholarships — like the Gates Millennium Scholarship — where character and leadership are part of the evaluation.
Don’t: Fake a Polished Persona
Authenticity matters. I’ve seen students try to manufacture a personality online that doesn’t match the voice in their essays or interviews. That disconnect can be confusing to admissions officers. You don’t need to pretend to be perfect — just be consistent and sincere.
If your essay talks about growing up in a rural town and leading your FFA chapter, but your Instagram looks like you live in downtown LA and party every weekend, that sends conflicting messages. Be real. Be proud of your story — especially if it reflects grit, growth, or leadership. These are the traits that make you stand out, not filters or fabrications.
How Social Media Can Support Your Application Strategy
When used with intention, social media can support several parts of your college application — from your personal narrative to your demonstrated interest.
Reinforce Your Application Theme
One student I advised, Amir, was applying as a non-traditional student after a few years in the workforce. He used LinkedIn to share short reflections on his journey and connected those to his application essays. His online presence underscored the same themes of resilience and purpose he wrote about. This alignment helped his application feel cohesive — a tactic we often recommend when crafting your college application narrative.
Show Demonstrated Interest
Following colleges on social media, liking posts, and commenting thoughtfully can show engagement. Some admissions offices take note of this. It’s a subtle form of demonstrated interest — especially valuable in competitive or yield-sensitive schools.
Even better, if a school hosts a virtual event or live Q&A on Instagram or TikTok, join in. Ask questions, engage respectfully, and learn more about the community. It shows you’re serious about fit — something that matters deeply in admissions decisions.
Highlight Nontraditional Paths or Extracurriculars
If your resume isn’t packed with traditional extracurriculars, social media can help fill in the gaps. Whether you took a gap year, worked a job, or pursued independent interests, platforms like YouTube or Instagram can serve as living portfolios.
This is especially true for students applying from non-traditional backgrounds or with unique timelines, such as those covered in our guide to applying to college as an adult student. Social media can help you tell your story in a way that resonates visually and emotionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do colleges really check social media?
Not all do, but many will check if something raises a flag or if the applicant is being considered for a competitive scholarship or honors program. It’s not a myth — I’ve seen it firsthand.
Should I delete all my social media accounts?
No. Social media isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it can enhance your application if used well. Just be intentional, clean up anything inappropriate, and consider setting your accounts to private if you’re concerned.
Can I include a social media link in my application?
Yes, but only if it adds value. For example, an artist might link to a digital portfolio on Instagram, or a writer might share a blog. Only include it if it strengthens your candidacy.
Is LinkedIn useful for high school students?
It can be! Especially for students pursuing internships, research, or networking in professional fields. Keep it concise, professional, and focused on your goals and achievements.
Final Thoughts
Social media is part of your story, whether you like it or not. But the good news is, you get to shape that story. You don’t need to be perfect — just thoughtful. Use your platforms to reflect the same qualities your application highlights: curiosity, commitment, and character.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the college process, know that you’re not alone. Whether you’re figuring out your senior year checklist or balancing school with life responsibilities, there are resources and people who want to help you succeed. And yes — that includes me.
Take a breath, log out for a bit, and come back with a clearer purpose. Your future is worth that kind of care.