How High School Students Are Using Instagram to Research Colleges

Students are no longer relying solely on college guides, brochures or websites to learn about their potential future schools. Increasingly, they are turning to Instagram to get a more realistic sense of what life is like on campus. From following schools & students to seeing photos of classrooms and dorms, high schoolers are using the platform in new and innovative ways to research colleges. And it's not just students who are benefitting from this trend - parents can use Instagram as well to get a better idea of what their child's future might hold.

With the prevalence of Instagram in today's society, it's no surprise that it is becoming an invaluable research tool for high school students looking to further their education. Using the platform to explore college campuses or find information about a specific school can be extremely helpful, allowing students to get a better understanding of colleges before making a decision. Curated accounts on topics such as prospective student programs also mean that students can access reliable advice from older peers and alumni who can help them make informed decisions about where to continue their studies. Overall, Instagram is quickly becoming a go-to source for high schoolers trying to decipher their future education, and its impact is undeniable.


By following colleges on Instagram, you get to see inside the 'real' life of any school through photos and stories which give an invaluable insight into what college culture is like. From sports teams digging deep in practice, thought-provoking displays of student artwork, or simply just capturing what their peers are up to on campus - nothing gives a better view into student life than the very words and images of those who shape it.


One of the most helpful ways of learning what life is like on campus is by following current students on Instagram or other social media outlets. Through posts and stories, these current students can show what their everyday life looks like, whether it be academic, social, or both. Just being able to get an inside peek into a student's daily routine at that school can give you great insight into what makes the campus unique and special.


Hashtags are one of the most convenient tools for students researching potential colleges and universities. From #Accepted2024 to #TechLife, there are a plethora of hashtags students can use to search for exactly what they’re looking for. Whether it be housing options, scholarship opportunities, or simply finding out about student life at a specific school, using hashtags will quickly provide access to current students’ perspectives and reviews. Students no longer need to rely on college fairs and tours given by representatives; just type in the hashtag associated with the school into any social media platform and get your questions answered.


There is no doubt that Instagram has become a valuable and important resource for high school students as they embark on their college search. From researching schools to connecting with current students and admissions counselors, Instagram can give students an inside glimpse of college life they wouldn't be able to get anywhere else. While it is important to recognize any bias behind the accounts you are looking at and do your own homework too, Instagram can be a great way to compare what's out there and help make this big decision easier.

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