Curating a Social Media Presence as a College Applicant
We at myKlovr put a lot of thought into helping high school students like you plan for the future. Users can custom-tailor their action plan and recommendations to meet their college or career goals. Our service provides students and families with the latest financial aid advice and resources. And users can begin filling up their digital portfolio as soon as 9th grade with their best academic and extracurricular achievements.
Yes, myKlovr offers a lot of tools to help high school students plan for the future and achieve their potential. But one thing we can’t control is what users do in their free time. One of those things is using social media. To say the least, social media has put a few high school seniors, such as Kyle Kashuv, into some seriously hot water.
myKlovr doesn’t want you to fall into a similar trap. But instead of focusing on what not to do, we want to emphasize how you can create a positive social media presence. We’ll even explore how your myKlovr membership can help you along the way.
What Is a Positive Social Media Presence?
Well, it’s obviously not doing what Kyle Kashuv did. More importantly, it’s presenting an honest (but slightly curated view) of who you are to the outside world. Doing so is no different than an adult trying to find a job on LinkedIn. Put up a nice picture, emphasize your strengths, make positive comments to others…that sort of thing.
However, comparisons go only so far. Teenagers aren’t newly minted college graduates networking with peers or experienced professionals wanting a career boost. You’re trying to get into college. That said, here are some tips on how you can make yourself look good while still emphasizing this transformative part of your life.
You’re Curious
It doesn’t matter whether you have an academic or career path planned out at this stage in your life. What matters is that you’re curious. You want to explore new things and tackle new challenges. College admissions counselors love that stuff. It means you have an intellectual spark that’ll contribute to campus culture.
Consider discussing the following in one or more social media posts:
- Learning a new skill (e.g., cooking, playing an instrument)
- Taking learning into your own hands (e.g., reading a book about something that interested you in class)
- Discussing the books you read or posting an interesting article you found online
You’re Responsible (Enough)
Teenagers aren’t 100% responsible 100% of the time. No college admissions counselor expects that. However, those checking your social media want to know you’re not openly proud of any teenage discretions. That’s the key. So, whatever irresponsible things you do in high school (please keep them to a minimum), keep quiet about them online.
Here are some ways you can make yourself a responsible (even respectable) college applicant through social media.
- If you volunteer, post a pic of what you or your team achieved. (Avoid selfies, if possible.)
- Post a good grade with a caption about how you improved from a previous exam/test. (This should be a true story, obviously.)Â
You’re Using Social Media for Good
Social media isn’t just a place to keep a record of your life and message people. It can be a tool to make some positive change in the world. Now, some of the following suggestions might be a little big to take on for upperclassmen, especially if you already have a lot on your plate. But if you’re a 9th or 10th grader, think about how/if you could do one of these (or a similar) projects before you graduate.
- Start (or amplify) a GoFundMe for an important cause.
- Around the holidays, create a program to raise money for families in need whose children attend your school.
- This doesn’t have to be just money. You can encourage peers to drop off supplies.
- Network with peers for any good cause.
Is Any of This Going to Make a Difference?
College admissions counselors are busy people who might not have the time to scrutinize social media. But let’s say the admissions committee is having a hard time deciding among you and a few other very competitive applicants. Them checking what you’re posting online might make some or all the difference in the world. So, it’s a small chance, but a very real one.
How myKlovr Helps
Don’t know where to start? Well, lucky for you, as you have a myKlovr digital portfolio. If you’ve been using it, you have a few examples you can brag about online. Ace a test? Throw that up online. Create a beautiful piece of art? Post it. Get a 5 on an AP exam? Well, I’m sure you get the point by now. Also, consider your personalized career or college goals. Discussing these goals and how you’re working toward them shows you’re a forward-thinking, responsible young adult.
Final Thoughts
Social media isn’t good or bad by itself. However, how you use it says as much about yourself as your GPA, AP test scores, or college admissions essays. Keep that fact in mind throughout your time in high school. Your college admission experience will be a lot smoother if you do.
