Digital Footprint and College Admissions: What Do Colleges See Online?

We all post things online. Maybe it’s a TikTok, an Instagram story, a comment, a picture your friend tagged you in, or even an old account you completely forgot about.

But what happens when you’re applying to college?

Your digital footprint is everything you leave behind online. And while your social media probably isn’t the first thing you think about when you hear “college admissions,” it can still tell people a lot about you.

Do Colleges Actually Look at Social Media?

Sometimes.

Colleges do not necessarily search every applicant’s social media. For example, Dartmouth says that routinely checking applicants’ social media is not part of its normal admissions process. However, public information can still be considered when relevant.

A 2023 Kaplan survey found that 67% of admissions officers believed checking an applicant’s social media was fair game, while 28% said they had actually checked an applicant’s social media.

So, no, an admissions officer probably isn't spending their entire day scrolling through your Instagram. But that doesn't mean your online presence can never be seen.

What Does This Mean?

Think about your social media as another version of your résumé.

👍 Positive Digital Footprint

Imagine someone searches your name and finds:

• A student-run blog about something you care about

• A volunteer project

• Educational videos

• Your artwork, photography, or other creative work

• Posts showing your involvement in school activities

• Projects connected to your intended major

These things can show your interests and personality beyond what fits into your college application.

For example, if you say you're passionate about law and someone finds a project where you educate other students about their legal rights, that can reinforce that interest.

🚩 Negative Digital Footprint

Now imagine the opposite.

Someone finds public posts showing harassment, hateful content, cheating, threats, or other inappropriate behavior.

Even if the post is old, it could raise questions about your judgment and character.

According to Kaplan's survey, when admissions officers who checked social media found something that affected their decision, negative information was more common than positive information.

Why Does This Matter?

Your online presence doesn't have to be perfect.

You're a student, and you're allowed to have fun online.

The point isn't to delete every funny picture or make your Instagram look like a résumé. It's simply to remember that the internet doesn't always forget.

Before posting something publicly, ask yourself:

“Would I be okay if a teacher, college, or future employer saw this?”

If the answer is no, maybe it's worth thinking twice.

Your college application tells schools who you are on paper.

Your digital footprint can tell them who you are online.

Make sure both tell the same story.