THR College Planning

So, what should you do to clean up your online image? Here are the basics:

  Remove or block any photos that show you drinking alcohol, even if you were in a situation where it was legal
  Remove or block any photos that show you with people who are obviously under the influence
  Remove or block photos with rude gestures (someone who doesn't know you won't find that middle finger shot funny)
  Remove or block photos that are sexually suggestive
  Remove or block any photos that portray illegal activity
  Remove or block any photos that would make an admissions officer question your character or judgment
  Unsubscribe from any groups that show bias or bigotry (those "I hate Jane Doe" and "Old People Shouldn't Drive" groups

      suggest you're NOT the type of person a college wants to admit)
  Unsubscribe from any groups that promote illegal activity (again, the "I Love Getting Stoned" and "Budweiser Rules"

      groups will give the admissions folks reservations about your application)
  Remove contact information such as your phone number and address--not only is this a safety issue, but inclusion of

      such information shows bad judgment on your part.
  Choose an attractive and professional-looking photo for your profile picture.
  Visit your site frequently to untag any unflattering photos your friends may have posted
 

Many people will suggest that you block access to your account so that no one but your friends can view your site, but you can always search on Google and images may appear from you Facebook account.  Use your site to make yourself look good. Think of it as a free place to promote yourself and increase your chance of acceptance. For example, you can:

  Post pictures that show you doing constructive things (reading to kids, doing volunteer work, restoring a car)
  Post pictures that show you and your friends in a positive light -- colleges and employers want applicants with healthy

      social skills
  Post travel pictures -- those worldly experiences are a plus
  Join groups that have positive messages (breast cancer awareness, peace not war, and so on)

Prospective college students, beware: There's yet another reason to make sure your Facebook profile is suitable for all. According to a Kaplan survey of college admissions officers, more than 85 percent of college admissions officers consider social media presence when recruiting students.

 

Remember applicants can turn their social media presence into an advantage. Following a school on Twitter or "liking" it on Facebook, using a personal blog as a space to demonstrate talent or making a video application for your school of choice, students can stand out in an increasingly competitive candidate pool.

How do I join THR or obtain more information?

You may contact THR through our website, www.ThrCollegePlanning.com or call our Corporate Office at 1.855.847.4723.