How often do adcoms google applicants?

[truffles90]

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Is it a common tactic? When in the process would they do it? While reviewing applications, right before the interview, while making a decision, after the applicant is accepted etc.?

 

[gyngyn]

Is it a common tactic? When in the process would they do it? While reviewing applications, right before the interview, while making a decision, after the applicant is accepted etc.?

Usually only for outliers who might otherwise be good candidates for interview or when more information is indicated after interview.

 

[truffles90]

Usually only for outliers who might otherwise be good candidates for interview or when more information is indicated after interview.

In regards to what? What part of an application would compel you to look them up and why?

 

[gyngyn]

In regards to what? What part of an application would compel you to look them up and why?

Any number of things. Did you have something in particular in mind?

 

[bc65]

Some probably google before the interview invitation, some after, and some never. But my advice to everyone is to avoid getting unflattering personal information online, and if it's there, try to remove it or obscure it.

If I were a Dean of Admissions, I would google everyone before issuing an interview invitation. But I can't speak for them.

 

[doc05]

it's not just the dean of admissions...
you will likely meet several faculty members...remember how EASY it is to google an applicant before/after the interview...this will obviously affect their impression of you ... good or bad? depends on what's out there...

 

[Goro]

I'll do it if something flips on my radar. No, I'm not sharing.

 

[Stagg737]

Just speculation, but any accomplishments that sound too good to be true or some an award or event that is very specific. Like if you say you played professional baseball, or said you were a first author on 3 articles in Nature. Things like that where it would take 30 seconds or less to find out if you're exaggerating/making stuff up or if you're the real deal.

 

[snowflakes]

I don't interview applicants, but if I did, I would probably Google and Facebook search anyone I interviewed (unless we're explicitly prohibited from doing so). I suspect several of my classmates who do interview applicants might do the same.

Also, changing your name on Facebook does not make you unsearchable. Pick a decent profile and cover photo, and make sure everything else is private on your page.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I Google everyone invited for an interview.

 

[Dormouse]

Isn't it problematic if an applicant has a common name? For instance, my name is not at all one that anyone would consider common, but if you Google my name or search for it on Facebook, lots of people with the same name come up, none of which is actually me!

 

[chocoholicsoxfan]

When I did my BS/MD interview at Wayne State, the man doing my interview still had the tabs open with a Google search of me and my Facebook page. I thought that was kind of bizarre.

 

[Goro]

How many John Does or "Jane Roes" will be going to X State U? the app can give a lot of narrower search terms to go with a common name.

Isn't it problematic if an applicant has a common name? For instance, my name is not at all one that anyone would consider common, but if you Google my name or search for it on Facebook, lots of people with the same name come up, none of which is actually me!

 

[mimelim]

I google every person that I interview either the day before or the morning of.

 

[gannicus89]

I hope I don't get googled. One of the things listed is a poem that I wrote for school when I was 11. It is quite awful. Maybe I can pretend that that isn't me. Lol.

 

[Grace184]

I hope to be googled. I'm awesome.

I have a very unique name so it's not hard to find me. But a few months ago I found out there's a little girl with my name....she's like 6 and won a sports award or something. I'm very proud of her. I hope we can be pen pals but I don't want to be arrested.

 

[PreciousHamburgers]

For state schools, are there any ethical restrictions on what sources you may use to get information on applicants? I work for a state and when I am on a hiring committee, I am told I can only use what is written on the resume, what is said during the interview, and what references tell me. Are there any similar restrictions when recruiting students for a state school?

 

[Mad Jack]

I'm the only one with my name in the country, so I've been fairly careful about my internet presence. I've heard a mix of things from the adcoms at my school, from always to never in regard to the googling.