Should I delete my social networking websites since I'm applying to college now?

[dogluver704]

I'm in the process of applying to colleges and I used to hear about this all the time. I don't have anything incriminating on my Myspace, Facebook, or Twitter, but I feel like I shouldn't take chances, just in case there is something that is in fact deemed inappropriate.

The better question should be is there any way I can make it so that I can keep my Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter and still be fine applying.

[eri]

If you make them all private, the schools won't be able to see them if they do bother looking (and most will not).

[rafferty]

make everything private, don't friend anyone you don't already know, and don't put up pictures of you that you wouldn't want your mother to see.

[Kenna]

It's true that some institutions will Google search some applicants and anything on a social networking site will appear in the results. However, since you do not have anything inappropriate on any of these sites and it's a slim chance they will actually do that much searching on you, I would keep your accounts and continue applying normally. Just be aware of any pictures you put on these websites during college as they may come to haunt you while looking for a job. Good Luck in college!

[Christopher H]

The actual university will not Google you, but someone on the faculty you will be working with at a Graduate school may do it just to see what kind of person you are. They will have to work with you for a long time to come so they do care. As long as you come across as motivated, professional, and kind, then you have nothing to worry about.