Is it true that they check your facebook/twitter/instagram? And how much does it affect an applicant’s chances?
I attended a presentation from an admissions officer who said that they couldn’t possibly check on everyone, but that they occasionally receive tips about an applicant, or otherwise see some sort of “red flag,” and then they might do that. She said it occurs at least once a year.
I guess as long as your profile pic isn’t of you chugging a bottle of vodka or smoking marijuana, you’re alright then?
^well, I wouldn’t be smoking cigarettes or shotgunning a beer either ;), but yeah basically. Just make your Facebook, instagram, twitter, etc. private and you’re fine.
Lol yeah. At least until you’re accepted and decisions are over 
Oh yeah, once you’re accepted, then you should have pics of you drinking out of the schools shot glass, of you rolling the school banner into a blunt, etc.
Or just like
don’t do things that will get you kicked out
@safireonfire Well, even after, most schools would probably rescind an acceptance if you got in trouble with the law for that kind of stuff. So don’t get arrested, everyone! 
Yo, I didn’t mean I do stuff like that. I was just giving extreme examples. Chill
I asked because I know people with profile pictures that are somewhat controversial.
@safireonfire I do as well. It’s really stupid. I try to convince them to take it down, but they’re stubborn about it, as if the pic proves something to the world. Ugh.
They do, sometimes. Red flags include: underage drinking, drug use/advocacy, racism/sexism/homophobia, the usual.
Stalking makes it sound so creepy. I like your second description better. What if the schools are just “checking”, or perusing their applicants’ postings?
Stalking isn’t really the proper word. I think colleges have the right to see who they’re accepting into their college. No one really should be posting those pictures holding vodka, blacked out on the floor, or participating in drug use. It’s like an employer; employers, I am sure, check potential employees’ social media to see what type of person they are hiring. You can tell a lot from social media, but sometimes the perspectives can be blurred. That’s why it’s so important for you to not raise any red flags!
@TheDidactic Right on point. I guess I just meant “stalking” in a broader sense though, more as looking through our profiles and getting an idea of who we are amongst our friends.
^^ Or red cups.
Know that any potential employer down the road WILL “stalk” your social media. Pretty much guaranteed.
Colleges will look if they are tipped off or if theyre deciding between multiple people for one or two positions. Just delete any post or picture that could possibly be taken wrong by admissions.