Can what I post on Facebook affect my chances of getting accepted to college? Experts share their opinions.

“As the age of the admissions officers become younger and younger, Facebook and other social networks are simply part of their culture. It used to be that admission offices would have a lot of hoops to get through to ever access this information. Now, many grandparents have a Facebook account. While there aren’t many schools actively searching students Facebook accounts for incriminating information, when you look at who is working in admission, there are often many students. Some student could be from your school or hometown. Play this out and it wouln’t take much for inappropriate behavior to reach the eyes of someone in an admission office. Best-case scenario is to play it safe!”

“You should have absolutely no expectation of privacy online. Your words and pictures should not portray unethical, illegal or unflattering behavior. Even with the privacy settings you (hopefully) place on your own account, when posting on another wall, you don’t know who might read it, save it, or maliciously use it against you. While I doubt admissions officers have the time to look you up on Facebook, why risk it. As my mother always says, don’t put anything in writing that you would be embarrassed to have your grandmother read 10 minutes, 10 weeks, or 10 years from now.”

“Be smart, be vigilant, and be mature as you post on Facebook. It is important to know that many admission counselors are just a few years older than you are. All are members of the technology generation, which make lives very public. It is a wonderful vehicle for illustrating contributions you’ve made and special accomplishments you’ve enjoyed with organizations. Keep the information current and consider postings that might reflect the kind of involvement the college might expect from you as a member of their community.”

“I do not specifically know of students who have been advantaged or disadvantaged by what is posted on their sites. There are plenty of stories stating that prospective schools and employers do look to see what is posted with negative outcomes. I am sure that with thousands of applicants, they look only if alerted and I have heard that some schools do actively search sites for inappropriate behavior poor language and other alarming information. Remember that colleges and universities are looking for responsible students to “fit” into their campus.”

“College admissions officers are generally way too busy for Facebook, but if they have a question or concern, they may look you up. Since many young, tech-savvy people work in admissions, and because you don’t know whom your Facebook friends know, you should never have a comment or photo visible or linkable that does not pass “the grandma test.” That means no pictures, links or posts (even as a joke) about partying, drugs, sex, guns or anything else that could be misinterpreted by someone who does not know you. Keep it clean. An admissions officer (or grandma) may be checking.”

Get the full story from 37 more experts- including the VP of the College Board, Dean of Admissions from University of Illinois and more- at http://www.unigo.com/expertnetwork. To send your question to our experts, visit http://www.unigo.com/expertquestions.
About the Unigo Expert NETWORK:
The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts across the US dedicated to the success and well-being of high school students as they make the transition to college life. With members from two-years, four-year, private, public and independent institutions, the network has over 3,000 years of collective experience, spanning all areas of admissions, financial aid and how to succeed in college.
To see all members of the Unigo Expert Network, visit http://www.unigo.com/admissionsexperts.
Unigo.com is the web’s largest, 100% free resource for college information, used by over 4 million high school students and parents.

Senior Signs with College

The score is tied. With the game on the line he drives the ball down-field. Heart pumping with adrenaline as he shakes past a defender. Now the only obstacle in his way of the game winning goal is wearing a long sleeve shirt, a different jersey than his teammates, and a pair of gloves. He takes the shot. The crowd cheers with excitement as the ball finds its way to the back of the net. The Dalmatians win.

Since the days of enjoying sliced oranges after his game or getting the routine McDonalds on the drive home, Aaron Kurtz has had the dream of playing soccer his whole life. His dream continues as of Feb. 25 when he signed with Wayland Baptist University.

“My goal is to get a higher education, play soccer, and survive college,” Kurtz said.  “I think college soccer will be better.”

Kurtz currently plays soccer for Rider and competitively with Express Soccer.

“I always seem to enjoy competitive more because you surrounded by people who want to be out there,” Kurtz said. “I’m not saying high school kids don’t want to play but people out there have to pay, so they are actually trying.”

Kurtz’s parents support him in his chosen plans.

“My mom is really excited,” Kurtz said. “She just can’t wait to see me play some college ball.”

Kurtz hopes to be a starter by the beginning of his Sophomore year.

“The coaches there are really cool,” Kurtz said. “If you work your butt off, you’ll get to play.”

As the days near, Kurtz’s dreams get closer and closer.

“I love it all,” Kurtz said. “When you get a sweet goal or something and the crowd goes wild — it’s just amazing.”