Do colleges really look at prospective applicants' MySpaces and Facebooks?

Yes, we do. It tells us a lot about an applicant that we can't find out from just a transcript. And you put the information up online in a public forum, so you should not be surprised that people are looking it up. While it may not make a difference about the actual admittance, it may hold some sway when we're looking at nominations to things like an honors or a scholars program, a teaching program, or other additional programs where we expect a minimun level or decorum or personal presentation.

Don't put anything up on the web that you wouldn't want a college to look at, because we do. I do it with my prospective students all the time -- and I learn quite a lot.

Do colleges really look at prospective applicants' MySpaces and Facebooks?

They shouldn't the only think they really look at are your transcripts. And your SAT or ACT scores. But I dont think they

look at Myspaces and facebooks that I am aware of.

Do colleges really look at prospective applicants' MySpaces and Facebooks?

they shoulnt any to be honest I believe its agaisnt privacy laws and all that

Do colleges really look at prospective applicants' MySpaces and Facebooks?

Some will, yes. It's not against any privacy laws - you put that stuff up there in public for people to see. If you have anything there that you think will be detrimental to your college application (pictures of you drunk, naked, high, breaking the law, etc), take it down now. They might not look, but some do.

Do colleges really look at prospective applicants' MySpaces and Facebooks?

Generally no because of the quantity of applications they have to go through. If, however, you are applying to graduate school, your potential supervisors may. You also don't know who will look at your pages in general (outside of applying to colleges). Be careful what you post since future employers can view those websites.

Do colleges really look at prospective applicants' MySpaces and Facebooks?

yep, sure do. You can learn a lot about someone from their facebook and myspace pages. Some especially look at these when considering highly competitive scholarships or departmental admissions.

There is a case from relatively recent news where an education student was removed from the teacher education program because of some picture of "drunken pirate" she had up.

There is not an invasion of privacy when you post the material in a public place for everyone to see. There would be fewer people looking if you just got a billboard in town that says "I'm a big drunken pot head" instead.

Other people who look at facebook and myspace are potential employers, law enforcement, your enemies, potential BF/GF, BF/GF's parents, your parents, your parents friends...

Think about it, put yourself in the place of the professor that has to pick either you or Jane for that scholarship. Mightn't you take a look at facebook and myspace to learn who is more deserving? hmmmmmm