College admissions: Is your Facebook page a factor?

A Penn Masala YouTube video warns students against a "Facebook stalker." But, according to a recent study, the person carefully studying your facebook page may be none other than a college admissions officer.

According to the Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions' fifth-annual survey of college admissions officers, "one in 10 college admissions officers visited students' social-networking pages as part of the evaluation process."

However, Penn hopefuls need not add Nietzsche quotations to their Facebook profiles or take down pictures with red plastic cups.

Though some Penn admissions officers do have Facebook pages, both Dean of Admissions Eric Furda and officers at peer institutions said applicants' Facebook profiles do not play a role in the admissions process.

"We are pressed for time" said Ramon Torres of Columbia University's undergraduate admissions department. "Decisions about applications are solely based on what information" Columbia asks for and receives from students.

College admissions consultants do not believe there is a huge cause for concern. Additional research on applicants, they say, is generally restricted to exceptional cases where the university has a specific reason to find more information.

"I don't think that it will be a mandated part of the admissions process," said Sally Rubenstone of College Confidential.

Rubenstone said more admissions officers could turn to Facebook in the future, but for now, "it's more often done where there is a 'red flag' or unanswered question in the application itself."

Furda said that in case of an anonymous tip or a red flag, "the first step would be to call the school, rather than fishing around." He said that any anonymous tips to an admissions office are "taken with a grain of salt."

Michele Hernandez, president of Hernandez College Consulting, said most admissions officers do not have time to check Facebook or MySpace profiles. But, she added, "I think that all kids should realize that it is public and very easy to do."

Hernandez said she warns her students about their online profiles and emphasizes that "it is important for kids to be professional."

She also suggests creating professional e-mail addresses.

"Hotbabe105@gmail.com just does not look good," she said.

Additionally, when applying for jobs or graduate school, a clean, professional online profile will be necessary.

"You don't need to look like an investment banker when you're 16," explains Rubenstone. Admissions officers "are not looking for the beer can," she said.

She also suggests seeking the opinion of a peer or adult to make sure nothing crosses the line.

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