Chances are you have a profile on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or one of hundreds of social media websites out there. Don’t think your friends are the only ones checking out what you wrote: colleges and universities may be using what you post as a deciding factor as to whether or not you receive that all important acceptance letter!

Matt Hamm

We’ve mentioned that colleges are using social media like never before.  The cold hard truth?  Colleges are all over social media sites and have a lot of students to choose from — so don’t give them a reason to  pass you by!  Avoid these all too common mistakes — protect yourself and your future.

1. It’s nothing personal. Sure, it’s tempting to vent about your ex-boyfriend or blab about your wild weekend, but stop right there!  In this case, your mom was right: if you can’t say anything nice…don’t say anything at all (or, at the very least, consider private messaging instead)!

2. Mind Your Manners. While you may not be posting anything too personal, excessive swearing is a red flag to admissions and a potential turn off.  Keep it clean and keep it rated “PG.”

3. Strike a Pose? Guess again!  Colleges won’t stop at reading your posts – they’ll scope out your photo albums as well.  Underage drinking, smoking, or worse will put a definite damper on your future plans.  But don’t think it stops there: photos that your friends post of you could be just as damaging!  Consider changing your profile setting to “private” where applicable to prevent prying eyes from seeing something less than flattering.

Do you have any tips to add?  We’d love to hear them!  Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.