The Social Networking Age Meets College Admissions

College Admissions Meets The Social Networking Age

This is the social networking age. Now, Facebook and Myspace are just as much a part of a person's social sphere as their friends at school and around the neighborhood. Social networking allows people to stay in contact with friends, co-workers, classmates and family members and also post work, exchange ideas and news, post photos and videos, blog, meet people and much more. As far as education is concerned, this allows an admissions committee to get to know those students that are prospective winners of free college scholarships much better.


Recently, univeristies started using the Internet and some of the different social networking tools for college PR and recruiting. Already students can do a search on the internet to find schools and read through their websites. College recruiting information and admissions requirements is available on the internet at school websites and other sites as well. Several colleges and universities now request that test scores and college admissions applications be submitted on the internet to streamline the process of applying. Networking trends are also making the process easier for recruiting and admissions screening with online submittal.

Not so long ago, students had to depend mainly on good test scores and GPAs in order to get noticed by admissions boards. Athletes had to rely on college recruitment efforts, but for those living in rural areas the chances of being noticed were lower than if you lived in urban areas. Athletes can send highlight videos using the web to potential coaches and college recruiting officers anywhere. Athletes in places that don't receive much attention from college admissions officers or aren't recruited much can make themselves noticeable with the Internet and social networking.

Services online are bringing schools and prospective students in a way that wasn't really possible before. The pinnacle of most any high school student's graduation is getting accepted into college. Students and prospective students have more resources and tools than ever because of social networking to market themselves to and develop connections with universities and colleges. While grade point averages and ACT/SAT scores still remain the primary criteria, students with lower GPAs and test scores have the chance to feature other things are talented in. College admission requirements and criteria is being slowly stretched to include prospective students' jobs, work experience, creativity, talents, special interests, activities and other determining factors. These factors have always been an influence in college recruitment, but online services make it easier for students to show thier talents and schools have the opportunity to distinguish and see them easily. Athletes from all sports; football, volleyball, basketball, cheer, track, swimming, softball, hockey, soccer, baseball and others can submit highlight videos on the internet to be given to recruiting offices, coaches and college admissions offices. Recruitment tools and resources can be used and accessed through the internet.

Students reap the benefits of social networking by creating relationships and networks with peers. Students can share information and passions with other people who have common passions and expertise and then develop them. Many different clubs, organizations, and groups exist in social network groups that bring students and prospective students together from all over. Previous students and prospective students can make inquiries and give tips to help students facing college admissions.

Students now can connect themselves with schools around the country throughout their entire high school experience. No longer do university or college searches require you to visit a campus, but students can access college admissions and data from the comfort of their own home. Students get the opportunity to present to college admissions officers what their dreams and aspirations are, what they've accomplished and who they are as a person.

By: Richard Lorence

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

R. Lorence is an freelance writer who has done writing and research for www.zinch.com. Get information and advice on college search and social networking.