However, my colleagues at SoMD CAN /College Access Network recently had a discussion about a new app for online college applicant info and came to the following conclusions:

while this would be especially interesting for sports and artistic candidates for the same reasons, we also observed that admissions professionals would likely have limited interest or resources in checking out first what was on the online resource like the one we were discussing, then doing due diligence to see if the other social apps (Facebook, MySpace) were schizophrenic in comparison to the profile represented for admissions. Our former admissions counselor felt that if a school actually had the time and interest to do all of this due diligence that it probably wasn’t a school you’d want as your first choice.

After asking a recent top rated, smaller honors school Admissions director at a college night presentation about that site, he had not heard of it and from what he said, we realized that it was the in person, memorable details that his group was seeking and that the likelihood that they would routinely be consulting this kind of app was pretty small.

I’m still thinking about the LinkedIn profile. I think that will resonate (perhaps) with some savvy B-school officials, but may or may not be something the students immediately understand the importance of. You need to build up the LinkedIn over time usually, and some kids can’t stand do anything in advance

I think that many students would enjoy the approach that you have outlined, but that mainstream adoption by schools and may take some cultural shifting. Parents may have some trouble with this, as they either may or may not be aware of what is going up and why. I like it cause I like things like this, but it would have to sit well and get traction with diverse user groups (schools, parents-guidance counselors & applicants!) Will pass this along to our group for discussion!

Great to read about and your idea about including SKYPE info. Very intriguing – I especially look forward to passing this on to one of my seniors who is applying to some super heavy hitting institutes of technology.

I guess my summary comment is – great outlet for students if they aren’t already overwhelmed with too many things to populate. Not sure if the other stirrers in the pot will adopt – at least in the near term. Will keep for consideration!!!!

http://exposay.net/2007/11/12/social-media-college-application/

On my blog I recently announced the schools I’m applying to, and I’m working full-time on essays and applications (http://exposay.net/2007/11/11/let-us-begin-with-courage/), so this topic is on my mind.

I think that maybe a more simple approach than you described might work for someone who isn’t going with the arts or sports approach. On the “Additional Information” box, say something along the lines of:

“Regrettably, I think most college applications fail to capture who the applicant is. In order to correct this, here is a link to my personal blog online where you can see my writing, web design, and movies that I have created. http://exposay.net/”

I’ll play with this idea in my head.