{"id":1304,"date":"2025-05-23T15:00:26","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T20:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myredkite.com\/blog\/?p=1304"},"modified":"2025-07-11T15:32:33","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T15:32:33","slug":"social-media-help-hurt-scholarship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myredkite.com\/blog\/social-media-help-hurt-scholarship\/","title":{"rendered":"How Social Media Can Help (or Hurt) Your Scholarship Chances"},"content":{"rendered":"

Besties, there\u2019s nobody that loves a good selfie dump like ya girl. But these days, social media isn\u2019t all fun and games, unforch. Everything you post online lives forever, which is a scary thought (I\u2019m looking at you, 14-year-old me).<\/p>\n

Growing up as a chronically-online teenager, I loved posting on social media as a creative outlet, and it wasn\u2019t until later that I realized that my online presence is a huge part of my public identity.<\/p>\n

And for my Kitelings on the scholarship hunt, you might find yourself worrying about your digital footprint. I\u2019m not talking about that Minecraft t-shirt you wore for 18 weeks straight – I mean the really<\/em> sus stuff.<\/p>\n

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\u2019re the type of student that they\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n

Ya girl Jane has put together a small guide for the dos and don\u2019ts of how to conduct yourself on social media during the scholarship process. Let\u2019s get into how social media can impact your chances, for better or worse.<\/p>\n

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The Positive Power of Social Media<\/h3>\n

When used smartly, social media can majorly boost your scholarship apps. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    Showing Off Your Achievements:<\/strong> 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).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Building a Personal Brand:<\/strong> If your feed screams “future climate scientist” or “community change-maker,” scholarship reviewers will take note. Post about things that matter to you\u2026 no<\/em>, not your cat wearing sunglasses for the 12th time (okay, maybe later).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Engaging with Organizations:<\/strong> If you follow and interact with scholarship providers, universities, and\/or nonprofits, you\u2019re showing that you\u2019re interested. Liking and commenting on scholarship posts will help the algorithm recommend them to you more often, keeping you in the loop about opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Sharing Your Voice:<\/strong> You\u2019ve got opinions that are worth sharing! For example, I believe that Beyonc\u00e9 is the greatest living artist\u2026 but I digress. When it comes to scholarships, you might consider starting a blog – or making a YouTube channel – centered around what you\u2019re passionate about. Even a clever Instagram caption can give scholarship readers a glimpse of your personality and dedication.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    The Risks of a Reckless Digital Footprint<\/h3>\n

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

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    1. \n

      Inappropriate Content:<\/strong> If you wouldn\u2019t want your grandma seeing it, maybe don\u2019t post it. Rude comments, NSFW content, and\/or shady memes can send your application straight to the nope pile.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n

      Inconsistency with Application:<\/strong> Soooo you claimed that you\u2019re passionate about education equity in your essay, but you\u2019re dragging your teacher on Twitter? Big yikes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \n

      Questionable Associations:<\/strong> Even if your best friend merely tags you in a sus picture, there\u2019s a chance that scholarship providers will see it. Guilt by digital association is real.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    4. \n

      Oversharing:<\/strong> Honesty is always a good policy, but a blow-by-blow of your breakup? Not so much. Let\u2019s keep it classy, now.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      Tips to Keep Your Social Media Scholarship-Ready<\/h3>\n