The Social Networking Age Meets College Admissions

Social Networking Age Meets College Admissions

Welcome to the the age of social networking. Today, Myspace and Facebook are just as much a part of people's social sphere as their friends in the neighborhood. Social networking lets users stay in touch with classmates, family members, work associates and friends as well as post work, exchange news and ideas, post photos and videos, blog, meet new people and so much more. In regard to education, this would allow a scholarship committee to get to know those students that are the potential winners of free college scholarships in more detail.

Recently, colleges and universities began using the Internet and social networking tools for college publicity and recruitment. Students and prospective students are already able to do a <---****HYPERLINK****--->"http://www.zinch.com/Anonymous/CollegeSearch.aspx" target="_blank">university search online to get more information about schools and find out more on their web sites. College admissions criteria and recruiting information is posted via the internet at school sites and other sites as well. Several colleges and universities now offer and request that test scores and admissions applications be submitted via the internet to streamline the application process. Social networking trends and technology are also easing the process for college recruiting and college admission screening by allowing online submissions.

Not so long ago, students needed to lean heavily on good GPAs and test scores to get noticed by admissions boards. Athletes relied heavily on college recruitment efforts, but those who lived in urban areas had a better chance of being noticed than those in rural areas. Athletes are now able to send sample videos and highlight videos over the internet to potential coaches and college recruiting officers all over the place. Athletes in places that aren't usually recruited much or don't get much attention from college admissions boards can make themselves available using social networking and the Internet.

New internet services are bringing colleges and potential students in a way that wasn't really an option in the past. The high point of most high school seniors' graduation is going to college. Prospective students have more tools than ever before via social networking to create connections with and market themselves to universities and colleges. While SAT/ACT test scores and GPAs still remain the primary criteria, students who have poor grade point averages have a chance to show off other criteria they excel at. College admissions criteria and requirements is slowly being stretched to include prospective students' interests, experiences, activities, jobs, talents, creativity and other determining factors. These factors have influenced college recruiting, but social networking services make it far easier for students to showcase their talents and schools have the chance to easily recognize and appreciate them. Athletes that participate in hockey, softball, soccer, baseball, track, swimming, football, basketball, cheer, volleyball and others can turn in highlight videos through the internet that can be issued to recruiters, college admissions offices and coaches. Recruitment tools can be accessed and used through the internet.

Potential students reap the rewards of social networking by creating networks and relationships with peers. Students can share dreams and thoughts with others that have similar hobbies and skills and then develop them. Various groups, organizations, and clubs exist within social network groups that bring students and prospective students together from everywhere. Previous students and potential studnets are able to give practical advice and make inquiries to help students facing college admissions.

Students have the chance to get connected with great schools around the country all through their experience in high school. College or university searches no longer require a personal visit to college campuses, but students can access recommendations and college admissions from their own home. Students have the chance to present to admissions officers what their dreams and aspirations are, what they've accomplished and the kind of person they are.

Author's Bio:Mr. Richard Lorence is an independent writer. Zinch is one of the very first web sites that is pushing to connect potential students in high school with admissions staff and recruitment officers in a way that's never been done before, with social networking. The targeted college search should transform the process of college admissions.