Instagram "offensive meme" account, college admissions.

A year or so back in freshmen year, I created a meme account on Instagram. Lets just say it isn’t exactly “politically correct”. Fast forward to now, and I’m scared that I won’t be admitted to my dream college. The account is not linked to my name in any way, but I’m sure they’ll find it somehow. Will this hurt chances getting into college?

It could. If offensive enough to the college and of discovered.

Highly unlikely. Colleges spend about 8 minutes reviewing your application, which doesn’t leave them any time to check our your social media.

That’s not to say what you put on social media doesn’t matter. It does. You never know if a jealous “friend” might share it with the teacher or guidance counselor who happens to be writing your letters of recommendation. Admissions officers hear their share of tattle tales after-the-fact too. Fortunately they know that teenagers do dumb things sometimes and they don’t have enough free time to investigate most of those accusations. If your memes aren’t making the evening news in connection to the recent charges filed against you - relax. You’re 99.9% okay.

Okay, so there’s this…
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/2154807-harvard-freshman-deported-after-officials-review-friends-social-media-posts-report.html#latest

If you’re accepted the review time can increase.

It might if someone turns you in. Do a lot of classmates know about it?

No, only 2 of my closest friends.

Obviously delete it if you haven’t already. And move on. It’s probably something people will forget.

colleges probably won’t care, but future professional employers will undoubtedly do their due diligence to anything shady WRT social media. I’d probably get rid of it now while you’re still in your schooling period.

You were 14 years old or whatever. There’s so much nonsense on social media nowadays, I don’t think anyone will hold it against you. Delete and move on.

Let me give some advice that’s off the subject a bit. The meme isn’t really the issue, it’s actually using “dream” and “college” in the same sentence. A real dream should supersede the college you go to, and it should translate into a profitable career. College is just a tool to get you an entry level job. It’s no more a dream than owning a Chevy. Dream schools almost always turn into a poor fit for students. Shop around and find an affordable school that fits your interests and personality.