If you’ve ever posted a photo, commented on a video, or created a social media account, you already have a digital footprint. And whether you realize it or not, that online presence can shape how others see you.
The good news? You have more control over your digital footprint than you might think. Taking a little time now to clean up and strengthen your online presence can help you present the best version of yourself when it’s time to apply to college.
Your digital footprint is the trail of information connected to you online.
Your digital footprint can include:
Basically, if it can be searched online and connected to your name, it may become part of your digital footprint.
The answer is... sometimes.
Most college admissions offices are not spending hours scrolling through every applicant’s Instagram or TikTok. However, some schools may review public online content if questions or concerns come up during the application process.
For example, colleges may look online to:
And it’s not just colleges. Scholarship organizations, coaches, internship programs, and leadership opportunities may also look at public online content.
This doesn’t mean you need a “perfect” social media presence. It just means it’s smart to be thoughtful about what people can see.
Before improving your online presence, it helps to know what’s already out there.
Start by searching your full name. You can also try looking up:
See what pops up. Are there old accounts, photos, comments, or websites connected to you?
Check all your accounts (even the ones you rarely use anymore). Common platforms include Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, X, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Look through old posts, captions, reposts, and comments. Ask yourself: “Would I feel comfortable if a teacher, coach, or admissions officer saw this?”
You might be surprised how many old comments stay online forever. Check out platforms like:
Even jokes or arguments made years ago can still appear in search results.
Quick Tip: Be sure to also look at reviews that you have left on sites like Google or Yelp.
Building a positive digital footprint doesn’t mean pretending to be someone you’re not. It simply means showing the parts of yourself you’d want colleges and future opportunities to see.
Think about using your online presence to highlight things you genuinely care about.
You could post about:
You don’t need to post constantly. Even a few positive, authentic posts can help create a strong impression.
LinkedIn isn’t just for adults. High school students can use it too.
A simple LinkedIn profile can help showcase:
Quick Tip: your LinkedIn profile, resume, and college applications should match. Consistency helps reinforce credibility and authenticity.
Take time to check who can see your posts, photos, tagged content, and personal information. You may want to limit public access to personal accounts if the content is meant for friends only.
But remember: even private accounts are never fully private. Screenshots and shared posts can still spread beyond your intended audience.
A good rule to follow is if you wouldn’t want it shown on a school projector in front of your class, it’s probably better not to post it publicly.
Try to avoid:
Being respectful and mindful online can go a long way.
Your digital footprint is part of your story. Before applying to college, it’s worth taking time to review what’s online and decide how you want to present yourself. You shouldn’t become a completely different person online, but you do want to make sure your digital presence reflects the best, most authentic version of who you are.