Besties, there’s nobody that loves a good selfie dump like ya girl. But these days, social media isn’t all fun and games, unforch. Everything you post online lives forever, which is a scary thought (I’m looking at you, 14-year-old me).

Growing up as a chronically-online teenager, I loved posting on social media as a creative outlet, and it wasn’t until later that I realized that my online presence is a huge part of my public identity.

And for my Kitelings on the scholarship hunt, you might find yourself worrying about your digital footprint. I’m not talking about that Minecraft t-shirt you wore for 18 weeks straight – I mean the really sus stuff.

When it comes to scholarships, social media has the power to either open doors or close them. College admissions and scholarship committees might search you up to make sure that you’re the type of student that they’re looking for.

Ya girl Jane has put together a small guide for the dos and don’ts of how to conduct yourself on social media during the scholarship process. Let’s get into how social media can impact your chances, for better or worse.

The Positive Power of Social Media

When used smartly, social media can majorly boost your scholarship apps. Here’s how:

1. Showing Off Your Achievements: Just aced your math final? Organized a fundraiser? Flex a little! Posts about your wins – big or small – can help reinforce your scholarship story. You could create an Instagram Story Highlight of these, or Tweet about it on X (formerly Twitter).

2. Building a Personal Brand: If your feed screams “future climate scientist” or “community change-maker,” scholarship reviewers will take note. Post about things that matter to you… no, not your cat wearing sunglasses for the 12th time (okay, maybe later).

3. Engaging with Organizations: If you follow and interact with scholarship providers, universities, and/or nonprofits, you’re showing that you’re interested. Liking and commenting on scholarship posts will help the algorithm recommend them to you more often, keeping you in the loop about opportunities.

4. Sharing Your Voice: You’ve got opinions that are worth sharing! For example, I believe that Beyoncé is the greatest living artist… but I digress. When it comes to scholarships, you might consider starting a blog – or making a YouTube channel – centered around what you’re passionate about. Even a clever Instagram caption can give scholarship readers a glimpse of your personality and dedication.

The Risks of a Reckless Digital Footprint

Of course, not everything you post will fit into in a scholarship committee’s dream applicant file. Proceed with caution in these areas:

1. Inappropriate Content: If you wouldn’t want your grandma seeing it, maybe don’t post it. Rude comments, NSFW content, and/or shady memes can send your application straight to the nope pile.

2. Inconsistency with Application: Soooo you claimed that you’re passionate about education equity in your essay, but you’re dragging your teacher on Twitter? Big yikes.

3. Questionable Associations: Even if your best friend merely tags you in a sus picture, there’s a chance that scholarship providers will see it. Guilt by digital association is real.

4. Oversharing: Honesty is always a good policy, but a blow-by-blow of your breakup? Not so much. Let’s keep it classy, now.

Tips to Keep Your Social Media Scholarship-Ready

• Audit Your Profiles: Scroll back. Cringe a little. Clean it up. It’s good to review your posts every few months or so, or at least once a year. I promise that it won’t take very long – even if you’re a heavy poster – and it’s worth it in the long run, for more than one reason. You’ll definitely find that at least a few of the things on your profiles are worth archiving, both for scholarship purposes and your own sanity.

• Adjust Privacy Settings: You might consider making your account private in order to protect your peace during the scholarship season. But remember: screenshots are forever, so even if you’re certain nobody will find out, don’t go posting some crazy stuff.

• Google Yourself: See what pops up and adjust anything sketchy. It’s also interesting – and frightening – to see how much of your information is out there. Stay safe!

• Be Authentic, But Professional: You don’t need to be a robot; just be the version of yourself you’d want a scholarship judge to meet. An overly-polished, education-oriented profile can be suspicious in its own way, too, because it can come across as inauthentic. Scholarship committees are humans, just like you, and they don’t expect you to be perfect!

How Red Kite Can Help

Not sure where to start your scholarship search? That’s where we come in. Red Kite makes finding and applying for scholarships easier (and way less stressful).

Our platform matches you with opportunities that actually fit your background, interests, and goals – no endless scrolling required. We also offer tips on how to stand out, what mistakes to avoid, and yes, how to make your digital presence support your application (and not sabotage it).

Think of us as your scholarship sidekick! 😎 Create your profile, get matched, and let Red Kite help you fund your future – no awkward TikTok dance challenges required.

In 2025, your online presence might be just as important as your GPA. Social media isn’t just for funsies – it’s a part of your personal brand.

Whether you’re posting memes or your latest Model UN trophy, what you share online paints a picture, and scholarship committees are watching.

When done right (and thought through), your posts can help you stand out in the best way. Of course, when done wrong, your online presence can haunt you worse than your middle school YouTube channel.

So be smart. Be you. And maybe think twice before posting that story at 2 a.m. Your future self – and your bank account – will thank you.