Is Social Media Presence Important for University Applications? A Complete Guide for Students
Applying to university involves more than just grades and test scores. In today’s digital world, your social media presence can shape how admissions officers view you. Universities now recognise that what students post online reflects their values, judgement, and interests just as much as essays or recommendations. This article demonstrates how social media affects university admissions and provides guidance on establishing an online presence that enhances your application.
The Role of Social Media in Modern Admissions
Social media has become a powerful tool in the university admissions process. From Instagram to LinkedIn, your online presence reflects your attitudes, achievements, and potential fit for a university community.
Why do universities increasingly check applicants’ online presence?
Universities are increasingly using social media to gain a deeper understanding of applicants beyond formal documents. A 2023 Kaplan study found that 67 percent of admissions officers consider it fair to review profiles, and about one-third have actually done so, indicating a growing interest in students’ leadership, creativity, and responsibility online.
The balance between authenticity and professionalism
Your online content should accurately represent who you are while demonstrating maturity and professionalism. Many students feel pressured to appear flawless online, but being genuine is more meaningful. Universities appreciate individuality when it is expressed with respect. Treat your social media as an extension of your personal essay: honest, thoughtful, and well presented.
Overall, social media now plays a significant role in admissions, enabling universities to see the person behind the application and assess how students interact with the world around them as well as their level of commitment to the values held by the university.
Do Universities Actually Check Applicants’ Social Media?
The answer depends on the university and programme, but many admit that public profiles can influence how they view applicants.
What Admissions Officers Say
Recent surveys show that about one-third of admissions officers review applicants’ social media profiles, though most do so selectively rather than routinely. A 2019 Kaplan survey found that 36 percent had checked profiles, with 19 percent doing so often. Among them, 38 percent said social media improved their impression of applicants, while 32 percent viewed them less favourably, proving that your profile can influence admissions outcomes in either direction.
When Social Media Might Be Reviewed
Certain circumstances make admissions officers more likely to review social media accounts. These include:
- Highly competitive programmes where hundreds of applicants have similar academic achievements.
- Scholarship or leadership applications where character and community involvement are essential.
- Cases involving red flags, such as discrepancies in the application or reports of online misconduct.
In such cases, universities may look to social media for a more comprehensive picture of your character, professionalism, and integrity.
What Universities Look For (and What They Don’t)
Admissions teams typically seek qualities that align with their institution’s values. They may notice:
- Evidence of leadership and teamwork
- Involvement in community or volunteer projects
- Creative and intellectual curiosity
- Respectful communication and awareness of diversity
Universities avoid content that shows poor judgement or dishonesty, such as offensive language, harmful or discriminatory posts, plagiarism, or online harassment. A positive digital footprint supports your application narrative, while a careless one can create doubts about your maturity and character.
In short, while not every university actively checks applicants’ social media, many do when evaluating competitive or high-profile candidates, so maintaining a respectful and professional online presence can strengthen your overall university application.
The Benefits of a Positive Social Media Presence
When used thoughtfully, social media can be a powerful tool to strengthen your university application. It enables you to highlight your interests, share achievements, and connect with academic communities.
Building a Digital Portfolio
Social media can serve as a portfolio showcasing your academic work, creative projects, and community involvement. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or YouTube help admissions teams see your skills in action, especially if you’re applying for creative or communication-related courses.
Demonstrating Passion and Authenticity
A consistent and genuine online presence can strengthen your application by showing enthusiasm for your chosen field. Sharing posts about your interests, such as science, the environment, or literature, demonstrates curiosity and initiative and helps admissions officers see your social media as a natural extension of your personal essay.
Networking and Opportunities
Social media can help you connect with people who share your interests and stay informed about relevant events, research, and internship opportunities. LinkedIn is beneficial for building a professional network, finding mentors, and showcasing your achievements through a clear bio and professional photo.
A well-managed social media presence can strengthen your university application by showing your character, passion, and readiness to contribute to campus life.
The Risks of a Poor Online Presence
While social media can be helpful, it can also harm your chances if not handled responsibly.
Common Social Media Mistakes Students Make
Students sometimes underestimate the visibility of their content. Here are some common missteps that admissions officers notice:
- Posting inappropriate photos or language that suggest poor judgement.
- Oversharing personal information such as location, school details, or private opinions.
- Engaging in negative or controversial comments that can be considered offensive or disrespectful.
- Ignoring tagged photos that could associate you with inappropriate behaviour.
Many teenagers today try to manage this risk by creating separate or “dump” accounts, where they post anonymously or to a small circle of friends. While these accounts may feel safe, it’s still possible for content to be shared or screenshotted, leaving a digital footprint that could resurface later. Even when you think something is private, it may not stay that way. Each post leaves a digital trace. Even deleted content can resurface through screenshots or shared posts.
What’s more, you may end up spending more time on your “dump account” at the expense of neglecting your official account. The result is a social media presence that’s unremarkable, so it’s important to continue actively curating your official account.
Privacy Settings and Digital Hygiene
Good “digital hygiene” means regularly reviewing and cleaning up your online presence. This involves:
- Checking privacy settings on all platforms
- Removing or hiding older content that no longer reflects who you are
- Avoiding linking personal and professional profiles
- Searching your own name on Google to see what appears
Balancing personal expression with professionalism is key. You can still share moments from your life, but ensure they contribute to a positive and balanced image.
How to Manage and Optimise Your Online Presence
Taking control of your digital footprint takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Follow these steps to make your online presence a strong part of your university application.
Audit Your Existing Accounts
Review all your social media platforms and check what’s public or might seem inappropriate. Review your photos, captions, tagged posts, and groups, and delete or hide any content that is unprofessional. Ask a trusted adult or a reliable tutor for an honest opinion.
Create a Professional Profile
After cleaning up your accounts, create a professional profile on a platform like LinkedIn to highlight your education, achievements, and goals. You can also build a simple website or blog to showcase your work and use a professional email address for all university-related communication.
Showcase Your Interests Authentically
Show authenticity by sharing content that reflects your passions, values, and achievements, such as school events or volunteer work. Write thoughtful captions that demonstrate your personal thoughts on the topic. When interacting with universities or engaging in academic discussions, be polite – even when you strongly disagree – to show maturity and genuine interest in constructive debate.
Taking time to manage and refine your online presence is in itself an exercise in personal growth, and ensures that what universities see reflects your best, most authentic self.
How Tutors or Counsellors Can Help
Working with tutors or university counsellors can make this process easier. They can provide objective feedback and practical support.
Reviewing Online Profiles Professionally
Tutors and counsellors can help you identify what strengthens or weakens your online image. They understand what universities look for and can guide you in curating your social media responsibly.
Aligning Your Digital Presence with Academic Goals
A good tutor helps you link your academic ambitions with your digital presence. For example, if you’re applying for Economics, your online content could include articles about financial trends or community projects that demonstrate analytical skills.
TutorsPlus advisors, for instance, guide students in creating consistent, authentic profiles that reinforce their university applications.
Building Confidence in Professional Communication
Learning to communicate effectively online is another valuable skill. Tutors can coach you on writing emails, reaching out to universities, and using social media to engage with academic networks confidently.
With the right guidance from tutors or counsellors, you can turn your online presence into a confident, authentic reflection of your academic goals and character.
Want to Make Your University Application Stand Out—Online and Offline?
A positive and professional online presence can support your university application and open new opportunities. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile or revising old posts, every step helps you build a stronger personal brand.
At TutorsPlus, our certified university advisors can help you review your social media presence and ensure it aligns with your goals. They provide expert guidance to help you craft a digital identity that complements your achievements and aspirations.
“A candidate with a weaker academic profile, ambitious to study in the United States, was given intensive guidance, support, and coaching, under the management of Dr Labriola to increase his potential to secure a place at a top-tier university.”
You can contact or call +41 22 731 8148 to book a free trial 30-minute consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do universities really look at students’ social media?
Yes. About one-third of admissions officers check applicants’ social media, especially for competitive programmes.
Can social media hurt my university chances?
Yes, if you post offensive or inappropriate content. Universities expect respectful and responsible behaviour online.
Should I delete my social media accounts before applying?
No. A complete absence online can seem unusual. Instead, clean up your profiles and keep positive content visible.
How can I use social media to support my university application?
Share achievements, projects, and interests. Follow universities and organisations connected to your academic goals.
Is LinkedIn important for university applicants?
Yes, particularly for older students or those seeking scholarships or internships. A professional profile helps you connect and show initiative.
By Sara Lloyd
Sara has been an education consultant for TutorsPlus for 15 years, and is an expert on international IB education. She is also a parent of two lively children.
