by Adam Petrilli
Do colleges do background checks? This is a pressing question for many students, especially those worried about what criminal history checks may uncover.
Going to college is a milestone in the lives of many young people, but this is also a very stressful period. Choosing a college and preparing yourself to potentially leave home is exciting, but it can also be frightening at the same time.
There are lots of different components to think about, including whether you can afford college, if you will fit in with the campus community, how you’ll handle the coursework, etc.
With all of that on your mind, the last thing you want is for a college background check to hold you back from obtaining a college degree.
At NetReputation, we work with prospective students who are preparing to apply to colleges and universities. Don’t let a mistake from your past ruin your future.
Read on to learn more, or give us a call today at 844-461-3632 to speak with one of our team.
Yes — Many Colleges Conduct Background Checks
It’s not uncommon for colleges to run background checks on applicants. For some people, and particularly those with a slightly checkered background, this can lead to significant stress. They may worry that they will be automatically rejected because of the mistakes they have made in the past.
Luckily, a problematic past or even a criminal record does not immediately lead to rejection from higher education institutions. Moreover, the type of college background check performed will vary by student.
Colleges typically have a section of the application where they ask if the applicant has a criminal past. (Keep in mind that it’s important to be honest here — if you lie and the truth is found out later, it could impact your enrollment.)
During the review process, you’ll likely be contacted by an admissions team member tasked with looking into criminal history information. You’ll probably be asked to provide court records and other official records with information about the situation, and the documents will be carefully reviewed.
In some cases, this is the only background check that will occur, and depending on the situation, it may have no impact on the admissions decision.
Other types of possible background checks include looking up public records through law enforcement websites; utilizing people-search services like Spokeo or Whitepages; or conducting a social media screening.
Are you worried about how your past will affect the college admissions process? Call us at 844-461-3632 to speak with an expert about improving your online reputation.
Why Is There a Need for Background Checks?
There are several reasons why a background check may be conducted. Most often, it’s for the purposes of maintaining a safe environment for students.
This is particularly true when it comes to colleges with dorms (unlike community colleges, which don’t usually have dorm living). Knowing who has had drug or alcohol arrests, violent convictions, or sexual offenses is necessary for campus safety.
It’s also possible that affiliation agreements — meaning contracts between the educational institution and an external organization — require background checks. For example, internships, volunteer partnerships with local organizations, and work-study programs may have background check policies that the college or university has to abide by. By running those checks preemptively, it’s easier for students to access those opportunities when ready.
Lastly, there are certain courses where passing a background check is a requirement. These include care professions such as nursing, medicine, and psychology.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take control of your online reputation before beginning the college admissions process. Call us at 844-461-3632 for more information.
Do Colleges Check Your Social Media?
Since many college-bound students have social media profiles, it makes sense that colleges would include this in their background checks. If you have public social media accounts, prepare for college admissions officers to check out your social media profiles.
According to a Kaplan survey, 66% of admissions officers feel there’s no problem with social media screening being part of the admissions process, and 27% of admissions officers review social media profiles to learn more about applicants.
Moreover, 38% of admissions officers say that a potential student’s social media presence has had a positive impact, while 57% say it’s had a negative impact.
How do college admissions officers find your social media? Some colleges ask you upfront if you have any social media accounts, while others will do a brief search for you on different platforms.
Final Thoughts
Most college students expect a review of their academic records and standardized test scores when applying to college. However, fewer will anticipate their social media accounts or public records to be looked into. And if there’s a red flag online about you, it could mean a real problem regarding your academic future.
For virtually all colleges that perform background checks, the nature of the conviction or crime is important.
Having negative information on your background check does not automatically disqualify you from attending college. Depending on the university and the severity of the situation, they may conduct due diligence and decide to accept you.
Sometimes, though, certain criminal behaviors will exclude students from gaining admission, preventing them from getting a much-needed degree.
At NetReputation, we provide a broad range of services to individuals who want to create, grow or repair their online reputation. Before beginning the application process to colleges and universities, make sure your public profiles and online reputation reflect the best version of yourself.
Speak with one of our team members at 844-461-3632 or by filling out the form below.