The Dos and Don’ts of Social Media: Are Colleges Quietly Scrolling Through Your Feed?

What if the part of your college application that says the most… isn’t something you submitted? Imagine you’ve put together a polished application—strong academics, thoughtful essays, impressive extracurriculars. Everything you worked so hard for feels in place. But then a tweet, a tagged photo, or a resurfaced post tells a different story than you intended.

As college admissions grows more holistic, social media has become part of the broader context. In fact, a 2023 Kaplan study found that 67% of admissions officers believe it’s appropriate to review applicants’ social media profiles. While not every school checks, the number of officers who do is rising—especially when an application references online projects or public-facing work.

And no, privacy settings won’t protect you completely. If it’s on the internet, it’s findable.

Here’s the same guidance we share with Ivy Link students to help ensure their digital presence supports—not undermines—the story they’ve worked hard to tell.

✔ Do post content that reflects who you are

You don’t need to build a personal brand. But what you share online contributes to how others see you. That includes colleges.

Use your feed to show curiosity, creativity, or growth. Maybe that’s a project you’re proud of, a passion you’re exploring, or a thoughtful take on something happening in your community. These small choices can reinforce what you’ve written in your application—and reveal depth beyond your resume.

Even if social media reviews aren’t standard, all it takes is one red flag or one unexpected insight for your feed to become part of the conversation.

✗ Don’t post images or references to alcohol or drugs

It might seem obvious, but it’s still one of the most common slip-ups we see. A party photo. A red Solo cup. A blurry inside joke in the caption. Even if the moment was harmless, it may not read that way out of context.

If a college or employer misinterprets what’s in the image, you probably won’t get the chance to explain. Our advice? Take the photo, enjoy the memory, but keep it private.

✔ Do be intentional about who you follow

It’s not just what you post. It’s what you engage with. The accounts you follow—whether they’re influencers, creators, or public figures—reflect your interests and values.

Admissions officers can sometimes see who you follow or interact with. If something feels misaligned with who you are or the communities you want to join, reconsider whether it belongs in your feed.

✗ Don’t share content that could be seen as offensive—even as a joke

What felt funny two years ago might not hold up today. And in some cases, the consequences are real.

More than any other Ivy, Harvard has repeatedly made headlines for rescinding offers over inappropriate social media content. In 2019, the university revoked its offer to Parkland shooting survivor Kyle Kashuv after racist comments he made resurfaced online (U.S. News). Two years earlier, it rescinded 10 admissions offers after students shared offensive memes in a private group chat. And in 2020, multiple colleges withdrew acceptances over racist posts shared during the summer’s national protests.

This includes not just public posts, but private chats, comments on others’ pages, and content shared in group threads. If something could be misinterpreted—or if you’re unsure—it’s best to delete it or keep it offline entirely.

Before you post or reshare, pause and ask yourself: “Does this reflect who I am right now?”

✔ Do audit your feed regularly

You’re evolving. So should your online presence.

Scroll back every few months. Look at old posts, retweets, and tagged photos. If something no longer feels aligned with your values or goals, it’s okay to delete or archive it. Colleges aren’t expecting perfection, but they are paying attention to how you carry yourself over time.

A clean, thoughtful feed signals maturity.

✗ Don’t let social media become a distraction

It’s easy to lose track of time on social media. We all do it. But during application season, it’s important to be intentional with your focus.

Set boundaries. Prioritize your work. And be mindful of when you’re posting. A mid-morning TikTok from your internship desk sends a message—even if it wasn’t your intention.

Use social media to express who you are, not to derail what you’re working toward.

At Ivy Link, this is the level of thinking we help our students build. We don’t just help students apply to college. We guide them in shaping a story that feels aligned, intentional, and compelling—across every part of their profile, from essays and activities to digital presence.

If you're ready to make sure every piece of your application supports your goals, we’re here to help.