Kaplan Test Prep Infographic Illustrates the Use of Social Media and Google in the Law School, Business School and College Admissions Processes

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A newly published infographic (www.kaptest.com/socialmediainfographic) by Kaplan Test Prep, a leader in tracking the use of social media in the college, law school and business school admissions processes, shows the degree to which Facebook and Google are becoming parts of the admissions evaluation landscape. According to Kaplan’s most recent annual surveys, 41% of law school admissions officers said they have Googled an applicant to learn more about them, while 37% have checked out an applicant on Facebook or other social networking site. This compares with 20% of college admissions officers and 27% of business school admissions officers who have Googled an applicant; 24% of college admissions officers and 22% of business school admissions officers have visited an applicant’s Facebook page.

“Our overall message for all students: Since the Internet has a very long memory, use good judgment and be careful what you post.”

Additionally, not only are some admissions officers checking applicants’ digital trails, but what they find can be damaging to applicants. 32% of law school admissions officers who researched an applicant online said they discovered something that negatively impacted an applicant’s admissions chances, while 12% of college admissions officers and 14% of business school admissions officers found something online that negatively impacted an applicant’s admissions chances. (See infographic for explanation on why the greater scrutiny by law schools.)

“Since Kaplan Test Prep first began surveying admissions officers on this topic in 2008, we’ve seen the growing influence of social media in the admissions process. While social media is primarily used for recruiting, rather than evaluation, and traditional factors like standardized test scores, GPA and personal essays are still by far the most important admissions factors, it’s no longer uncommon for schools to check applicants’ digital trails as part of the admissions evaluation,” said Jeff Olson, vice president of data science, Kaplan Test Prep. “Our overall message for all students: Since the Internet has a very long memory, use good judgment and be careful what you post.”

For a list of the top 10 ways students can manage their social media footprint, visit: www.kaptest.com/socialmediatips. Additional Kaplan Test Prep research on the topic can be found at http://press.kaptest.com.

Reporters who want to schedule an interview with a Kaplan Test Prep social media expert can contact Russell Schaffer at 212.453.7538 or [e-mail].

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

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