Before you hit submit on your college applications, it’s smart to take a close look at your social media accounts. Colleges may not always check, but admissions officers, scholarship committees, and even future employers often do a quick online search. What they find should reflect the best version of you.

Here’s how to make sure your online presence supports your college goals:

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🧹 1. Google Yourself

Start by typing your name into Google.
✅ Check the first few pages of results.
✅ Review images and social profiles that appear.
✅ If you find anything negative or outdated, take steps to remove or hide it.

💡 Tip: Try searching your name with your city or high school — that’s often how others find you.

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📸 2. Review Your Profiles

Look at every platform you’ve used — Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Ask yourself:

• Would I be comfortable showing this post to an admissions officer or future employer?
• Does this reflect who I am now, not who I was a few years ago?
• Do my photos, bios, and comments reflect positivity and maturity?

💡 Tip: Archive or delete old posts that might send the wrong message.

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💬 3. Check Your Comments and Tags

Even if your posts are clean, others can tag or mention you in ways that don’t reflect well.
✅ Review photos you’re tagged in.
✅ Remove or untag yourself from anything questionable.
✅ Delete inappropriate comments you’ve made in the past.

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🔒 4. Adjust Privacy Settings

Set your personal accounts to private if you don’t want them to appear publicly.
✅ Review who can view, comment, or tag you.
✅ Turn on review options before tagged photos appear.

💡 Tip: Keep one profile (like LinkedIn or a professional Instagram) public to highlight your positive activities, volunteering, or accomplishments.

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🌟 5. Build a Positive Online Presence

Don’t just delete — add content that shows your strengths and interests.
Consider sharing:

• Volunteer projects or community involvement
• Academic achievements or creative work
• Leadership roles, sports, or hobbies
• College visits or goals

💡 Tip: A thoughtful, professional-looking profile can make a great first impression!

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🎯 Final Thoughts

Your social media tells a story — make sure it’s the story you want colleges to see.
Taking time to clean up your accounts now helps you stand out for the right reasons and shows maturity, responsibility, and readiness for college life.