Graduate School Admissions in an Online Society

Times have certainly changed over the last several years in the graduate school admissions landscape. Not too long ago a student´s prospects for admission were dictated primarily by the scores he or she submitted and the all-important admissions essay. A prospective student was largely a number, and considerations surrounding their acceptance to the school were limited to an examination of their academic performance and relevant social or community involvement. That is not the case any longer.

It should come as little surprise that the Internet has worked its way into the graduate school admissions process, as it has increasingly permeated nearly every facet of our lives. From online shopping to social bookmarking, the Internet has become a predominant force in American society. It has made virtually anything available at the fingertips of America´s youth, and has made their lives immeasurably easier in many ways. Gone are the days of poring over books at the college library when one can view many complete texts of books with a simple online search. However, as many in the generation now entering college and graduate school have spent their formative years on the Internet, they have also built up an online footprint. From their cub scout troupe photo from 12 years ago to that embarrassing moment captured at a keg party in college, much of it is now out there floating around in cyberspace.

What are the potential implications for this in regards to the graduate school admissions process? They are many indeed. First, unlike times past, many current graduate school admissions personnel will do more than a cursory look at their potential students. Indeed, in recognition of the current reality, they too have ventured onto the Internet in a quest to make their lives easier. They have realized that they can often learn a great deal more about a potential applicant with a mere google search than through a close reading of their personal statement. Not surprisingly, the Princeton graduate with a 3.4 looks a lot less desirable to them when he is plastered on Facebook passed out with permanent marker etched across his forehead. The young woman who describes herself as very shy appears much less so while being held up by two friends whilst doing a keg stand in her profile picture on Myspace. Sometimes these indiscretions are located upon the applicant´s own personal website or social bookmarking page. This shows incredibly bad judgment and it is duly noted by the admissions staff.

So, what should one be careful about in this regard? Well, for starters it is a good idea to be extremely careful what one selects to put online in both text or image form. That 3 a.m. rant in your blog about how Communism really isn´t a bad idea overall, might put some people off just as easily as an inappropriate picture. Also, it is vital to consider that once information or pictures are put up on the Internet they are essentially released from one´s control. With a simple cut and paste they are there for anyone to take, replicate, or even distribute. So, the general rule of thumb is to not put anything up that you would not wish your potential employer or school to see. Always assume that anything that you put up online is visible to all. Keeping this in mind can help students ensure that they do not harm their own chances in the graduate school admissions process.