Do Colleges Look at Social Media?

The online presence of college applicants is under analysis. Many students and employees wonder, “Do colleges check social media?” The answer is yes. Schools and colleges look for a history of violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, or neglect – though other crimes, including drug offenses, may also be considered red flags. Colleges may explore various digital footprints to ensure the applicant fits the institution’s values and safety standards.

Colleges have started using social media screening to gain insights into applicants' personalities, achievements, and behaviors. It is important to understand how and why colleges check social media and digital footprints, so students can be prepared and make informed decisions about their online activities.

In the educational sector, social media can significantly influence a college’s decision-making process. While social media background checks are not the only factor, they can provide valuable insights into an applicant's character and suitability for the school.

For further understanding of how background checks work, refer to this background check. Additionally, college admissions offices are using social media screening tools to help reduce hiring bias.

What is a College Background Check?

A college background check involves reviewing an applicant’s history to determine if there are any past issues, including criminal records or behavioral problems, that could affect their acceptance. And may use types of background checks during the admissions process

Many states check the backgrounds of people applying for teaching positions to find out if they have a record of child abuse or neglect. A background check will show any previous convictions for offenses involving children, the ages of the children involved, and the sentence that was imposed in the case. Such findings could cause a red flag on a background check, potentially disqualifying the applicant from the position or affecting their acceptance into certain programs.

Colleges may use background check red flags to assess whether a student’s past could pose a risk to the campus community. To learn more about types of background checks, check out this Types of Background Checks guide.

Do Colleges Look at Social Media?

The answer: Yes…they do. In fact, according to a 2018 Kaplan Test Prep survey, 25% of college admissions officers review applicants' social media profiles. In a more recent 2022 Kaplan survey, approximately 36% of admissions officers admitted to visiting an applicant's social media profile. This statistic highlights the growing trend of using social media as a supplementary tool during the admissions process.

Social media profiles can offer insights into an applicant’s character, interests, and even academic achievements. For further reading on background check red flags, visit this background check red flags page.

70% of job applicants have lied or would consider lying on their resumes, making it essential for colleges to verify information in other ways. You can read more on this topic in this article 70% of job applicants have lied.

How Do Colleges Check Employee Social Media?

Colleges can easily access a variety of social media platforms. From Instagram to TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook (if students are still using it), colleges can find profiles with a simple search. In most cases, this process is relatively easy, and a quick Google search can pull up a wide range of publicly available content.

1- Manual Search of Social Media Platforms

Admissions officers may manually search various social media platforms to gain additional insights into an applicant's character, behavior, and interests. Here’s a breakdown of the platforms they may review:

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where admissions officers may look for an applicant’s academic achievements, work experience, volunteer work, and overall professional presence. It provides a detailed view of an applicant's career goals and accomplishments.
• Twitter: Twitter is a microblogging site where users share thoughts in short posts. Admissions officers might look at an applicant’s tweets to gauge their personality, opinions, or public engagement. It can also reflect the applicant’s communication skills and involvement in current events.
• Facebook: Facebook is a social platform where users share personal updates, photos, and events. Admissions officers may review an applicant’s Facebook profile to understand their social life, values, and overall character based on the content they share and interact with.
• Instagram: Instagram is a photo-sharing platform where visual content is emphasized. Admissions officers might check an applicant’s Instagram to get a sense of their lifestyle, interests, and how they express creativity. It provides insight into an applicant's personal branding and online presence.
• TikTok: TikTok is a short video platform where users post creative and often humorous content. Admissions officers may look at TikTok to assess an applicant's creativity, sense of humor, and engagement with trends. It can also reflect how applicants interact with a younger, trend-driven audience.
• YouTube: YouTube is a video-sharing platform that allows users to post longer-form content. Admissions officers may check an applicant’s YouTube channel to see if they create or share videos that reflect their hobbies, passions, or expertise. It can be a useful tool to evaluate an applicant’s communication and presentation skills.

2. Google Search

A general Google search is an efficient way to uncover more about an applicant’s online presence. This search can lead to discovering blogs, articles, or other websites where the student may have been featured.

3. Search on Niche or Industry-Specific Sites

Admissions officers may also look at specific platforms related to the student’s field of interest, such as academic forums, college-related sites, or niche networks. These platforms can provide context to an applicant's interests and passions.

4. Third-Party Background Screening Tools

Many colleges now rely on Social Media Background Screening tools. These tools analyze public social media activity to uncover anything that could be concerning or important. Tools like Ferretly use AI-powered background screening solutions to streamline the process.

5. Employee References and Peer Networks

In some cases, references from peers or faculty members can provide insights into an applicant’s behavior on social media and beyond.

To simplify background checks, consider a Background check with AI or Request a Demo.

Why Might Colleges Look at Social Media?

Colleges may have various reasons for checking an applicant's social media. Here are some of the main factors they consider:

• To Verify Achievements – Social media can provide verification of accomplishments listed on applications.
• To Gain Insight Into Character – By examining posts and comments, admissions officers get a better understanding of an applicant’s personality.
• To Address Red Flags – Social media may reveal behaviors or posts that are considered a risk.
• To Spot Exceptional Talent – Colleges may be looking for unique talents, such as art, music, or athletic achievements.
• To Verify Professional Information – Professional networking sites like LinkedIn can help verify claims made in an application.
• To Assess Cultural Fit – Colleges may use social media to assess if an applicant aligns with their values.
• To Evaluate Communication Skills – Social media interactions can provide insights into how a student communicates.
• To Assess Creativity or Expertise – Social media can showcase an applicant’s creative talents or expertise in specific areas.

Student Safety: Teachers and staff members have significant influence over students. Background checks help ensure that these individuals do not have a history of abusive behavior, which could put students at risk.

For more on background check red flags, visit background check red flags.

A background check is a process used by an organization or person to verify that an individual is who they claim to be and check their past record to confirm education, employment history, and other activities, including criminal records.

Reduce hiring bias by using tools to screen applicants’ social media presence.

How Far Back Do Colleges Look at Social Media?

The time frame for reviewing social media depends on the relevance of the content, the public availability of posts, and the depth of the review process. Colleges typically prioritize recent posts, but flagged content or concerns may prompt a deeper investigation.

Here are the key factors:

• Time Frame Depends on Relevance
• Public Availability of Posts
• Depth of the Review Process
• Flagged Content or Concerns

For more details on background checks, refer to this article on How Long does a Background Check Take. If you want more control over social media background checks, try our Background check with AI.

Can Colleges See Employee Social Media If It's Private?

While admissions officers typically focus on publicly accessible social media content during the application review process, they generally do not have the time or resources to investigate private accounts. If an applicant’s social media profile is set to private, the admissions team cannot access it unless granted permission, such as through a friend request or by sharing the content directly.

However, applicants should be aware that public information, including posts on platforms like LinkedIn or other personal websites, may still be reviewed by admissions officers. Even private accounts could be exposed if shared publicly by someone else or if screenshots circulate, potentially influencing the admissions decision.

Additionally, some schools have policies in place regarding online presence, so it's important to understand how a school handles social media. While it's rare for private social media to be scrutinized, applicants should remember that online behavior, even in private settings, could eventually be seen by others and potentially impact their application.

Do All Colleges Look at Social Media?

Not all colleges actively review social media accounts. However, some students may directly link to their social media accounts on applications, prompting admissions officers to check them out.

Some colleges and organizations that are more likely to review social media include:

• Competitive Schools
• Scholarship Committees
• Niche Programs

How to Manage Social Media Presence?

If you are concerned about how colleges may view your social media presence, here are some steps to manage your online reputation:

• Audit Your Profiles – Regularly review and update your profiles.
• Adjust Privacy Settings – Ensure only your desired audience can view your content.
• Highlight Accomplishments – Showcase your achievements and talents.
• Be Authentic and Positive – Stay true to yourself and maintain a positive tone.
• Avoid Controversial Topics – Stay clear of posts that may cause harm to your image.

For more information on conducting background checks, consider a Background check with AI from Ferretly.

How Ferretly Helps Colleges in Social Media Screening

Ferretly’s AI-powered social media screening tool is designed to help colleges and universities streamline the background check process. Using advanced technology, we can help institutions monitor online content in a non-invasive way while focusing on relevant factors that impact campus safety and student success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1- Can you go to college with a criminal record?

A person with a criminal record or who has been charged with a felony can still attend college. However, some colleges may conduct background checks as part of their admissions process. Having a criminal record might decrease your chances of acceptance, depending on the school's policies and the nature of the offenses.

2- Can you attend college with a felony?

Yes, it is possible to attend college with a felony. There are no legal restrictions preventing individuals with felony convictions from enrolling. Each college has its own admission process, and while a criminal history may lower your chances, especially at more competitive schools, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you.

3- Do college admissions look at social media?

Some colleges do review applicants' social media profiles as part of their admissions process. According to a 2019 Kaplan survey of 288 college admissions officers at top-ranked colleges, 36% admitted to checking an applicant's social media to gain additional insight during the decision-making process.

4- Do colleges do background checks on parents?

Colleges typically do not conduct background checks on applicants' parents. However, they may consider certain information about parents, such as their educational background and occupation, to help assess an applicant's personal situation and evaluate their achievements in the context of available resources.

5- Do colleges look at criminal records?

Yes, colleges do run background checks on applicants, which may include criminal records. However, having a criminal record doesn’t automatically result in rejection; the decision will depend on the nature of the offense and the policies of the individual school.

6- Do schools do background checks on students?

While most colleges do perform background checks on prospective students, this doesn't mean they will automatically reject you. In fact, studies show that 66.4% of colleges gather criminal background information for at least some of their applicants.