The Effect Of Twitter And Social Media On College Admissions

Written on December 25, 2009 by Forrest W. Kobayashi in News
3 Comments - Leave a comment!

The college admissions process is typically a stressful time for any student.

But thanks to social media websites like Twitter, the communication between an admissions office and a student has never been better.

The University of Maryland-Baltimore County has an admissions account on Twitter.

According to two college directors at Virginia universities, social networking websites make it easier for offices to connect with students. One director even said that sites make the application process easier for students.

While admissions offices have relied on call centers for years, some schools have found that support is needed for email and social networking communications as well.

Twitter’s effect on college admissions will only continue to grow in the future. Seeing the sheer number of applicants to schools, having an active Twitter account for admissions questions and answers could be very helpful for applicants. The real-time communication and succinct update length only add to the usefulness of the platform.

Another thing to consider (which the article does not address) is whether extensive contact over social networking sites from an admissions’ office to a student is acceptable. There are bound to be disputes in the future over Twitter or Facebook updates that may have swayed an admission decision. Whether colleges understand that there is a risk involved with these platforms is yet to be seen.

What do you think? Do you think Twitter and social media should be used in the college admissions process?

(Story via DailyPress)

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  • OfficialBLopez
    I disagree, I don't think that Social Media sites should be used in helping complete the Admissions process. I think it's extremely unprofessional, and unethical. An adult professor, or admissions director should not be communicating with their student VIA Social Media Websites. Social Media sites should be used to check the background of a student, and to see what they are about, but not to communicate and help complete the admissions process. This world is becoming too dependent on technology. When computers crash for a day, I want to see what everyone will do.
  • Thanks so much for leaving a comment.

    I can see where you are coming from. Using social media sites to perform background checks is one thing, communicating directly is another. Admissions offices have been using standard phone calls to communicate with prospectives for so long, so I think that many offices are joining up just for ease of communication.

    In a world with direct messages and private messages, I'm not sure if I'm on board with admissions and social media due to the possibility of inappropriate communication. I would love to have an admissions officer from a school chime in here.
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