Should You Make Your Social Media Private When You Apply for Colleges?
When you apply to college, your application tells one version of who you are. You’ll work hard so that your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and essays are all carefully put together to make a strong impression. There’s another version of you that admissions officers can see with a quick search – the one that shows up on your social media profiles and other parts of the internet.
How much do you want an admissions officer to see? Should you make your social media profiles private in your 2026 college applications, or leave them open so anyone can see who you really are? Everybody will have a different answer to this question, but you should at least ask yourself – especially if you’re applying for a competitive academic program or scholarships. My College Companion is here to help you think this through.
Do Colleges Actually Look at Your Social Media?
A survey by Kaplan Test Prep found that nearly 70 percent of college admissions officers believe it’s fair game to look at applicants' social media profiles as part of the review process. For competitive programs and schools where the difference between being accepted and getting waitlisted can come down to very small details, a quick search of your name costs an admissions officer nothing and only takes a couple of minutes.
This applies to transfer students just as much as first-time applicants. If you are applying to transfer to a more competitive school, your existing college record could make your online presence even more important. Admissions offices want to see the full picture of an applicant, especially if there were disciplinary actions against at a different school.
Federally Funded Programs
What are college admissions officers looking for in an applicant? It depends on the school, the program, and even whether admission comes with federal funding. Sometimes admissions offers are verifying what you claimed in your application. Sometimes they are looking for red flags.
Importantly, in 2026, many colleges are also navigating significant pressure related to federal funding, campus climate, and student activism. Institutions that are already under scrutiny are paying closer attention to whether incoming students might bring controversy with them. An applicant who appears focused on political organizing may raise concerns for an admissions committee that is trying to manage the image and stability of the institution.
Reviewing Your Online Presence Before Applying for College and University
Before you submit an application, do a thorough audit of your online presence.
Google Yourself
Open a private or incognito browser window and search your full name. Look at the images tab too. What comes up? Is it something you would be comfortable showing an admissions officer? If there are results you do not recognize or do not control, see what you can do to remove them.
Visit Your Social Media Profiles Anonymously
Check every platform you use. Go through Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, and anywhere else you have posted publicly. Look at old posts, comments, and anything you may have liked or shared that appears on your profile. What seemed funny or edgy at fifteen may look very different to an adult reading it as part of an admissions review.
Picture and Tags
Even if your own posts are clean, photos that other people have tagged you in can show up in a search. Ask friends to untag you from anything that you don’t think makes you look good, and review your tag settings on each platform.
Legal Issues
If your name has appeared in connection with a criminal allegation, a news article, or a public incident, admissions officers will likely find it. You cannot always control what is out there, but knowing what exists allows you to think carefully about whether and how to address it.
Get Advice for Getting Into the College of Your Dreams from My College Companion
Your online presence is part of your application, and in 2026 it’s very important to make sure it accurately reflects your values and character. For more practical advice on succeeding in the college admissions process, check out the My College Companion blog or contact My College Companion online.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
How do I find scholarships that match my major and background?
There are many scholarships available for students from different backgrounds or who are pursuing specific degrees. By searching online, you can find scholarships for specific majors, as well as scholarships for specific types of students, such as single parents or members of the military. My College Companion can help you find a scholarship that will meet your needs.
Can I still apply for financial aid if I missed the FAFSA deadline?
You will typically want to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) while you are planning to attend college. Submitting this form before you enroll in college can help ensure that you have financial aid lined up. However, even if you have missed the FAFSA deadline, you may have other options, since states and colleges have their own timelines. You may also apply for private scholarships or find other options for financial aid.
How Can I Improve My Time Management Skills in College?
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed as you begin attending college. Attending classes and completing homework and projects may be your main focus, but you will probably also want to maintain a social life and participate in activities, and you may also need to work. Finding the right balance can be tricky, but with the proper preparation, you can set yourself up for success.
To make sure you are managing your time effectively, you may want to set up a calendar to help you keep track of when you need to attend classes or labs while also blocking out time for homework, meetings with professors or advisors, study groups, social events, activities at school, or other events. You can set reminders for yourself, making sure you will not miss any deadlines and will be prepared for exams. Finding ways to prioritize what is important while still making time for yourself when necessary can help you get the most out of your college experience.
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