Whether students know it or not, everything posted online becomes part of their story. Colleges are paying attention to that story now more than ever. A quick Google search or glance at a public profile can easily lead an admissions officer to content a student never intended them to see. Without attention to curating that story, parts of your online life could end up being included in your evaluation, whether they truly reflect you or not.

The good news is that with a little discernment and intention, your digital footprint can become one of your strongest assets instead of a liability. Your online presence doesn’t have to be separate from your personal brand - it can be an extension of it. Here are three ways to curate your online presence if you want it to reflect your best self and strengthen your college applications:

1. Clean up your digital footprint

Start by searching your own name the way an admissions officer might. What shows up first? What image or tone does it create? This digital “audit” helps you see yourself from an outside perspective. Delete old posts that don’t reflect your current values, untag yourself from questionable photos, and adjust your privacy settings if you would prefer that your personal life stays personal.

This isn’t about erasing your personality—it’s about protecting it. When you control what others see, you ensure that your story begins where you want it to.

2. If You’ve Decided to Maintain a Public Presence, Create content that reflects your goals

Once you’ve cleared out what doesn’t serve you, start filling your feed with things that do. Share projects, achievements, or experiences that align with the interests you mention in your college essays. Post about community work, creative passions, or learning experiences that show curiosity and depth.

You don’t have to sound like a press release, authenticity still matters. However, intentional posts help shape your digital identity into a personal brand. If you’re applying to study business, maybe share a thought on a startup you admire. If you’re into design, showcase a project you’re proud of. Think of your social media as a highlight reel of who you are becoming.

3. Be consistent across platforms

Your story should feel connected wherever someone finds you. That doesn’t mean posting the same photo everywhere, but your tone, interests, and values should align across Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or anywhere else you’re maintaining an active, public profile. Consistency builds trust. Over time, it also helps you grow into the personal brand you’re crafting, both for college and for the professional opportunities that follow.

The takeaway

Your digital footprint is already part of your college application, it’s up to you to decide what that means. By controlling privacy settings/cleaning up what no longer fits, creating content that reflects your goals, and maintaining a consistent online presence, you can turn your digital identity into something powerful.

Curating your story doesn’t mean controlling every detail; it means choosing what you want to stand for. And that kind of intentional storytelling always stands out.

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Stay connected with ESAI on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Share this post with a friend applying to college or post it on LinkedIn to help others understand how digital footprints, social media, and personal branding shape modern admissions. For more insights, explore related reads like Is it Okay to Use AI in Admissions Essays? and Do Colleges Care about your Social Media?

Authored by: Nicole Jaiyesimi, ESAI Founder's Associate