You’ve probably heard the rumors: “Colleges are stalking your socials.” “Admissions officers have a secret TikTok FBI team.” But how much of that is actually true? Let’s break it down.

Are Colleges Checking? Not Exactly… But Maybe.

The reality? Most admissions officers aren’t spending their evenings scrolling through every applicant’s TikTok. They have thousands of applications to review, and your social media isn’t a regular part of the process.

However, there are some cases where colleges do check:

• If someone reports you. If a teacher, student, or even a stranger flags something concerning (like offensive posts or academic dishonesty), a school might take a look.
• If you’re applying for a high-profile scholarship or program. Some competitive programs Google finalists before awarding scholarships or leadership roles.
• If you’re an athlete. College recruiters often check social media to see how players present themselves outside of the game.

What Can Get You in Trouble? 🚩

Most colleges aren’t looking for minor cringey posts from middle school. But certain types of content can be red flags:
❌ Offensive language, racism, or harassment
❌ Bragging about cheating or dishonesty
❌ Posts that contradict your application (like lying about extracurriculars)

There have been real cases of students losing admission offers because of inappropriate social media posts. So before you hit "post," ask yourself: Would I be okay with a college admissions officer seeing this?

When Social Media Can Actually Help You

It’s not all bad! Social media can boost your application if you use it strategically. If you’ve:
✅ Built an online community (STEMTok, BookTok, fostering rescue animals, etc.)
✅ Showcased a passion (art, coding, writing, activism)
✅ Created a project, business, or social cause

…then that’s something worth highlighting in your application! Colleges love students who take initiative, and an impactful online presence can set you apart.

Final Takeaway

Colleges aren’t lurking on your pages, but your social media isn’t invisible either. The best move? Keep it clean, make it count, and use it to your advantage.

Would you ever put your TikTok or Instagram on a college app? Let us know!