Instagram is a great source for admission officers to find out if a candidate is Light, Bright & Polite™.

Instagram is an extremely popular photo and video sharing app. At least 75% US teens and 30% of adults 18+  have Instagram accounts ( CBS News & WhaTech). It allows you to explore millions of pictures from amazing places around the the world, as well as from Insta-photographers, who live in your neighborhood. Instagram is even widely used by talented artists as their work portfolios.

Companies posts pictures of products to promote their businesses.  Yet, most users just share their everyday moments with friends and followers. In spite of almost limitless possibilities to show a wonderful world around us, the most popular photos posted on Instagram are selfies. Moreover, some people’s self esteem depends on the number of likes their photos collect (Quartz). It comes to no surprise that most Instagram accounts could tell a very detailed stories about their owners.

Each Instagram account can tell a very detailed story, but is it a good story?

The main question in this case would be “Is it the story you actually want others to know?” Many researches confirm that college admission officers and hiring managers search their applicants online before to make a final decision. Instagram could be a great source for them to find out if a candidate is as Light, Bright and Polite™ as they appear in their college application forms. In this article we will explain how important to have a good Instagram “portfolio” and what can you do to create a positive online image.

Why is it important to have good photos?

Your Instagram photos tell more about you than the message below each pic.

1. Colleges and employers are searching their applicants online. In a highly competitive environment you can use this in your favor.
2. Colleges DO have time to check your photos. During application process colleges are analyzing thousands of  candidates’ resumes. Most of applications look very similar, that’s why college admission officers need to look for additional sources of information.
3. Colleges CAN see photos that appear in search results and are posted on Instagram and/or shared on Twitter and Facebook.
4. Your Instagram forms their first impression as an applicant.
5. Your photos tell more about you than the message below each pic. However, don’t disregard the caption, better include more “thanks” than “hate” words.

How can Instagram help or hurt your future?

Instagram can be a great way to support your story, or it can be diversion from it.

• You describe in your resume/application your accomplishments and skills. You are trying hard to be an exceptional candidate, because you want to be selected over others.
• Instagram can be a great way to support your story, or it can be diversion from it.
• Photos quickly show the college admission officers what your hobbies are, who your friends are, and what you will do in your free time on campus.
• If they can’t quickly find your account (in case it’s private or you have a fake name), they will keep searching and perhaps find someone else that looks like you with the same name (or get frustrated or confused).
• You decide: Are you going to use Instagram to tell a college about your Friday night party, your selfies or your volunteer work/projects and use it as a resume builder?

What can college applicants do?

Sit down with your friends and have them tell you what Instagram images are your best (and worst).

1. Follow positive influencers on Instagram and see what are they posting.
2. Sit down with your friends and have them tell you what images are your best (and worst).
3. Ask your friends what photos you should delete from your account.
4. Help your friends to clear up their Instagram accounts, and suggest which photos should be kept.Post
5. more photos of beautiful places you’ve visited, good friends you have, great time spended with your family and adorable pets, your favorite sport activities, and interesting hobbies. Be grateful in your picture descriptions, share your excitement and positive comments.
6. Avoid posting pictures from parties and night clubs, red cups and bottles with alcohol or any cigarettes. Take less bathroom selfies and silly faces photos, but more of happy and joyfool moments.
7. Keep each post Light, Bright & Polite™.

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We hope that our tips will help you to use Instagram to stand out for college admission officers.  Share your tips and ask us questions about how to use social media to become the best candidate.

Additional Resources

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