I was privy to many wonderful conversations this past weekend at a digital citizenship conference at Microsoft Headquarters in Los Angeles, California.

As I listened to the college admissions panel speak, it was obvious to me that our students need to understand the importance of their digital footprint, now and for the future, and recognize that it has permanence.

76% of college admissions officers state that they googled applicants and their news feed as a step in the admissions process. What are they looking for? On balance in the college application process, they are looking for GRIT, authenticity, sincerity, consistency and what sets the student apart from other applicants.

For example, UCLA has approximately 119,000 applicants a year. Approximately 5,500 are accepted. How will your student(s) set themselves apart?

In a serendipitous turn of events, this article came out today regarding a new tool that the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success has made available. It is essentially a “locker” where students house their important and essential documents as they pave their journey to college…items that showcase who and what they stand for in written and photo format.

I challenge 7th and 8th graders to begin this process as well. It is never too early to begin creating your own positive online presence through mediums like zeemee.com, Weebly websites, LinkedIn, and the like.

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2016-09-16/high-schoolers-have-a-new-college-application-tool?src=usn_tw

This week I will be traveling to St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Jackson, Mississippi as part of their SAPA speakers series, to share our expertise on
digital citizenship and the many challenges and joys it can bring.

We would love to come visit your community on our roadshow.

Together, we can transform digital distress to digital success!