![\"Checking](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Important-Role-of-Social-Media-in-the-Application-Process-e1509872021249.jpg\")
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On October 25th, Kaplan Test Prep released the results of a survey from over 150 business schools in the United States. While the survey only interviewed business schools, the implications are relevant to all college and graduate school applicants<\/a>.<\/p>\n With regard to social media, the results very clearly indicate that an applicant\u2019s social media profile is becoming more and more a part of the application process. Here are some particularly important stats:<\/p>\n \u2022 35% of admissions officers say they visit applicants\u2019 social media accounts (up from 22% in 2011) to acquaint themselves with an applicant in an informal way.<\/p>\n \u2022 Of those who said they visited social media sites, 33% say they do it \u201coften.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Social media accounts have negatively impacted an applicant half the time (up from 14% in 2011), and have had a positive impact the other half (48% - the question wasn\u2019t asked in 2011).<\/p>\n \u2022 Some of the information that negatively impacted applicants included misaligned goals, racism, and unpleasant imagery.<\/p>\n \u2022 Applicants were helped by evidence of volunteer work, writing samples, and an overall positive impression of the candidate from hobbies and ambitions<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2022 61% of those surveyed agreed with the statement, \u201cWhat students post on their social media pages is in the public sphere, so it\u2019s \u2018fair game\u2019 for us to use to help make admissions decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n So what does this mean for you? It means that before you apply, you need to do a serious audit of ALL of your social media accounts. Don\u2019t leave a single one out, even if you think that you only use Pinterest for collecting cute ideas for knitting socks, or Instagram for posting pictures of your dog. At some point you may have posted, liked, or commented on something inappropriate.<\/p>\n Once you have done the audit yourself, enlist the help of someone you trust implicitly (parent, family friend, colleague, professor \u2013 essentially anyone you know has your best interests at heart) to check through your accounts as well.<\/p>\n When you are confident that your accounts look good, it is time for you to focus on how to use social media going forward. Even if you think your settings are private and others won\u2019t be able to see your content, act as if what you post is public. Consider the following:<\/p>\n Would what you are about to post make your favorite teacher proud?<\/p>\n What about your boss who you so respect?<\/p>\n How would your beloved grandmother feel if she saw it?<\/p>\n If you think the response would be negative, don\u2019t post it. On the flip side, if you have accomplishments, extracurriculars, or other positive information to share, continue to do so! Whether you realize it or not, social media is a reflection of your personal brand, and will continue to be as you move forward in school and with your career. Treat it with care.<\/p>\n Create an admissions profile that will impress the adcom! Team up with an Accepted admissions expert who will help you present yourself at your best and get accepted to your dream school<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Leadership in Admissions<\/a>, a free guide This article<\/a>\u00a0originally appeared on\u00a0<\/i>blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/p>\n![\"Get](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/mba-resume-guide.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Get](\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/jen_weld_pic_thumbnail.png\" "\\"Jennifer")
<\/a>Jen Weld<\/a> worked as an admissions consultant and Former Asst. Dir. of Admissions at Cornell\u2019s EMBA program (4 years) prior to joining Accepted. She has an additional 10 years of experience in higher ed and corporate marketing. Want Jen to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Can You Get Accepted After Doing Something Stupid?<\/a>
\n\u2022 Your Past Doesn\u2019t Define You<\/a>, a podcast episode<\/p>\n