Back to SoWal Lounge

Posting college acceptances/other good news on Facebook. Is it wrong?

hkem1Beach Fanatic
1,184 views
There has been some debate around me lately whether or not it is appropriate to post college admission decisions on Facebook.

I got my first acceptance last Monday from a state school that I was not surprised to get into and I really like but is definitely not my first choice. I was honestly way more excited than I expected to be after receiving the acceptance.

I quickly made my Facebook status: Admitted to the Kelly School of Business!!

I received many congratulations, even one from my middle school English teacher that made me especially happy.

One person though thought it was in bad taste to post this information because it might make other people feel bad. At first I immediately rejected this persons comment because I just thought it was ridiculous.
But after thinking about it some more I have second guessed my original action.

December 15th is going to be a extraordinarily good day for some people at my school. They will hear back from extremely selective colleges they have dreamed of going to since they were little. Of course for others, it will be an extremely disappointing day. They will get rejected or deferred.

So maybe it is in bad taste to post acceptances on Facebook. Or maybe accepted students are just trying to enjoy the moment and have no intent to make others feel bad.

Any Ideas?

Edited

Replies

21
beachmouse avatar
beachmouseBeach Fanatic
#2
Your classmates need to learn that they are not in fact special snowflakes and that the big meanie world doesn't care one iota about their feelings.

If someone is concerns problems with hurt feelings and a college with a 25% acceptance rate, then they're in for an even bigger shock when they discover they were one of 87 applicants for their dream job after college. (or in the case of jobs around here, is one of 64 applicants for an office job that pays $24K a year but actually has decent health insurance)
hkem1Beach FanaticAuthor
#3
I think that's all very valid.

So do you think that rubbing something in another persons face is a respectable behavior to partake in?

I personally think I was just excited about my acceptance and was not trying to rub it into people's face; but I think that is more what the debate is about.
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#4
Posting what schools you get into (especially when you assumed you would get in and have little interest in going there) can be seen as bragging - especially when others are stressing, getting denied, and/or couldn't get in there/afford to go.

It is an exciting process! Congratulations on your first acceptance and I hope they put confetti in the letter like some of my schools did!

It also depends on what you posted: "I am so excited and relieved that I just got accepted to college U!" when your Facebook photo shows you wearing a college U t-shirt is far different from "postman brought a fat envelope from College U, I hope I can choose between all the colleges fighting for my brains - will depend on the best scholarship deal."

Definitely you should post when you decide where to go or if there is a school your friends know you have been worrying about and are really excited to get into - and IMO anyone who is truly your friend will be happy for your happiness.
Rita avatar
Ritamargarita brocolia
#5
.
I think you may be over analyzing this. You were excited and expressed it. Leave it at that and move on. Most will happy for you and congratulate you. Some, no matter what you do, may find fault. Mentioning good news on facebook is not a bad thing. Let it alone.
Totally agree with Beachmouse.

Just forget it and chalk it up as the complainer's problem.


.
SHELLY avatar
SHELLYSoWal Insider
#6
I'm not a fan of Facebook to begin with, but, when ranking from the very worst to best things to post on Facebook, I'd put posting college acceptance news at about 3,092.

People who "feel bad" about such triffle should not be your concern.

.
beachgirl66Beach Lover
#7
I can understand how you would be concerned about this, but look at it this way..... I think anytime you share good news on facebook though it could be perceived as "bragging" when you are merely expressing your excitement. What about posting about being on vacation in Florida when other people either aren't on vacation, or have never been to Florida before and would love to go? Or...posting that you are pregnant when there are women that read it that might be upset because they have had a miscarriage or will never be able to have kids?? I could go on and on. I think you should be able to express your excitement about your college acceptance and not worry about how it will be perceived. By the way , congratulations!!
puglet avatar
pugletBeach Comber
#8
I think it is interesting to consider all the firsts that communicating on a new medium like Facebook will bring. The "rules" will evolve over time. I recently had a Facebook friend announce the death of their spouse on Facebook. That was the first I had seen that and it really made me think about this new era of communication.
I certainly think expressing a happy moment is very appropriate. Congratulations!!
hkem1Beach FanaticAuthor
#9
It is an exciting process! Congratulations on your first acceptance and I hope they put confetti in the letter like some of my schools did!


Thank you scooterbug44 it is definitely an exciting process.

You bringing up the confetti reminded me of something though. I absolutely cannot stand the online admission notifications that colleges have practically all begun doing.

I have always had this very movie-like idea of waiting for the letter from the postman then eagerly anticipating what could be inside in the kitchen with my parents.

Now the reality is I check my decision on my ipod walking out of the movie theater with my friends.

I would much rather have a letter.
ameliaj avatar
ameliajBeach Fanatic
#10
Thank you scooterbug44 it is definitely an exciting process.

You bringing up the confetti reminded me of something though. I absolutely cannot stand the online admission notifications that colleges have practically all begun doing.

I have always had this very movie-like idea of waiting for the letter from the postman then eagerly anticipating what could be inside in the kitchen with my parents.

Now the reality is I check my decision on my ipod walking out of the movie theater with my friends.

I would much rather have a letter.

I like that letter idea too. Its a lot more personal than point and click. A letter is much more personal and would seem to make you feel a lot more wanted.
Smiling JOe avatar
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert
#11
Go watch the facebook movie.

BTW, later in life, you will likely be paying (via taxes) for anyone who is upset by your posted acceptances.
Douglas the Intrepid avatar
Douglas the IntrepidBeach Fanatic
#12
Never let anyone elses hangups prevent you from expressing your happiness. If someone else has a problem with it, well...it's their problem! Congrats
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#13
Electronic admission notification - how lame!

Try putting that in a scrapbook - plus, IMO we need the sanity of just waiting for the postman, then waiting for the next day - not checking 24/7!

I found the style/happy level of the admission letters I got reflected quite well how I felt about each school pre-letter. For example, the school I thought was a very friendly place send a handwritten card w/ confetti in it, one I was so-so on sent a regular old envelope with a computer generated letter and signature. And the one I liked the best played hard to get and sent their acceptance letter last. :lol:

And since we won't crab at you, feel free to keep us all updated on all your admissions and excitement!
Alicia Leonard avatar
Alicia LeonardSoWal Insider
#14
Posting what schools you get into (especially when you assumed you would get in and have little interest in going there) can be seen as bragging - especially when others are stressing, getting denied, and/or couldn't get in there/afford to go.

It is an exciting process! Congratulations on your first acceptance and I hope they put confetti in the letter like some of my schools did!

It also depends on what you posted: "I am so excited and relieved that I just got accepted to college U!" when your Facebook photo shows you wearing a college U t-shirt is far different from "postman brought a fat envelope from College U, I hope I can choose between all the colleges fighting for my brains - will depend on the best scholarship deal."

Definitely you should post when you decide where to go or if there is a school your friends know you have been worrying about and are really excited to get into - and IMO anyone who is truly your friend will be happy for your happiness.


Ditto!:clap:
hkem1Beach FanaticAuthor
#15
Would anyone on this board be willing to critique one of my admission essays?

I would really appreciate it. Of course, I have college counselors going over them but I feel like the more opinions the better.

They are only 500 words so it shouldn't take up too much time. And it would really help me.

Counselors have told me it is a bad idea to post essays on an open forum like this. So if you would do this for me could you please PM me?

I know that people on this board are pretty good writers and are always quick to point out a mistake. But even if you wouldn't consider yourself a good writer, I am certain there is something you can comment on. For example am I clear enough with what I am attempting to say in the essay.

Thank You.

Edited

ClintClint avatar
ClintClintBeach Fanatic
#16
Would anyone on this board be willing to critique one of my admission essays?

I would really appreciate it. Of course, I have college counselors going over them but I feel like the more opinions the better.

They are only 500 words so it shouldn't take up too much time. And it would really help me.

Counselors have told me it is a bad idea to post essays on an open forum like this. So if you would do this for me could you please PM me?

I know that people on this board are pretty good writers and are always quick to point out a mistake. But even if you wouldn't consider yourself a good writer, I am certain there is something you can comment on. For example am I clear enough with what I am attempting to say in the essay.

Thank You.
It probably goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: do not include another person's input as your own in the essay without giving them credit. Academia is real touchy about this, Congrats and good luck. P.S. one of the best courses I ever took was "I really don't give a shiot what anyone else thinks 101"
hkem1Beach FanaticAuthor
#17
It probably goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: do not include another person's input as your own in the essay without giving them credit. Academia is real touchy about this, Congrats and good luck. P.S. one of the best courses I ever took was "I really don't give a shiot what anyone else thinks 101"

Thank you

I had thought about this because having someone proofread my paper would definetely be academic dishonesty at my school. But for some reason that I have not been able to figure out, admission essays seem to have different rules. So I am not worried that this is cheating.

From stanford.edu
Begin work on these essays early, and feel free to ask your parents, teachers, and friends to provide constructive feedback. When you ask for feedback on an essay draft, ask if the essay's tone sounds like your voice. If your parents, teachers, and friends do not believe your essay captures who you are or what you believe, surely we will be unable to recognize what is most distinctive about you. While securing feedback is suggested, you should not enlist hired assistance in the writing of your essays.

So I can't hire people, but I can ask people to do it for free.

Edited

Rita avatar
Ritamargarita brocolia
#18
From stanford.edu
Quote:
Begin work on these essays early, and feel free to ask your parents, teachers, and friends to provide constructive feedback. When you ask for feedback on an essay draft, ask if the essay's tone sounds like your voice. If your parents, teachers, and friends do not believe your essay captures who you are or what you believe, surely we will be unable to recognize what is most distinctive about you. While securing feedback is suggested, you should not enlist hired assistance in the writing of your essays.
.


To me this disqualifies message board members from being good choices.

Our daughter used a language art teacher, her father who has good editing skills, and a cousin who had been through the process more recently. All knew her well, knew grammar and coherency. It was very much her essay.


.

Edited

ItzKatzTime avatar
ItzKatzTimeBeach Fanatic
#19
There has been some debate around me lately whether or not it is appropriate to post college admission decisions on Facebook.

I got my first acceptance last Monday from a state school that I was not surprised to get into and I really like but is definitely not my first choice. I was honestly way more excited than I expected to be after receiving the acceptance.

I quickly made my Facebook status: Admitted to the Kelly School of Business!!

I received many congratulations, even one from my middle school English teacher that made me especially happy.

One person though thought it was in bad taste to post this information because it might make other people feel bad. At first I immediately rejected this persons comment because I just thought it was ridiculous.
But after thinking about it some more I have second guessed my original action.

December 15th is going to be a extraordinarily good day for some people at my school. They will hear back from extremely selective colleges they have dreamed of going to since they were little. Of course for others, it will be an extremely disappointing day. They will get rejected or deferred.

So maybe it is in bad taste to post acceptances on Facebook. Or maybe accepted students are just trying to enjoy the moment and have no intent to make others feel bad.

Any Ideas?

Facebook friends should be just that....friends! If someone posts something that makes you feel uncomfortable then block them and go on celebrating!

Congratulations on your acceptance! :clap:
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#20
If this is the lead off to you posting every other day which college acceptance letter you've gotten then yes it's in BAD taste. I don't think that the first is that big of a deal to post about. That person is essentially saying that you should receive the letter, sit quietly, and only tell your parents calmly about your news. :roll:

I knew kids who literally went screaming out of the house they were so excited. In some cases I've heard of peoples parents bringing letters to school, those were generally Ivy Leagues and the kid had either had a realistic chance or the parents had steamed it open and couldn't wait.

The idea that you shouldn't share that news probably means that getting a job, marriage proposal, or buying a house are all things that might make other people feel bad.

As to the online notifications it is fairly inhuman (although every denial letter and most acceptance letters are auto penned) and I'm sure one of your friends will get a fake like the one below. Note to parents: You can call the admissions office and request a hard copy instead of an email, this is especially easy if your child is a legacy.


HARVARD COLLEGE
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID
BEVERLY HALL - 8 GARDEN STREET - CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS 02138

Mr. Spartan1
1234 Anystreet Dr.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Dear Mr. Spartan1,

I am delighted to inform you that the Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid has voted to offer you a place in the Harvard Class of 2012. Following an old Harvard tradition, a certificate of admission is enclosed. Please accept my personal congratulations for your outstanding achievements.

This year over twenty-seven thousand students, a record number, applied for admission to the entering class. Faced with many more talented and highly qualified candidates than it had room to admit, the Admissions Committee took great care to choose individuals with exceptional character as well as unusual academic and extracurricular strengths. The Committee is convinced that you will make important contributions during your college years and beyond.

Our faculty and students extend a special invitation for you to visit Cambridge over the next few weeks. If you feel a visit would be helpful in making your final college choice, we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. An invitation is enclosed.

We need to know by May 1 whether or not you plan to accept our offer of admission. You may fill out and return the enclosed postcard or you may respond online at https://admapp.admissions.fas.harvar...NevoLanding.do. If you accept admission for this coming September, further information will be sent to you over the summer by the Freshman Dean's Office.

Each year some admitted students choose to defer entrance for a year and find their many and varied experiences extremely rewarding. If you would like to defer, please tell us about your alternative plans. More information about deferring admission can be found at Harvard College Admissions Office: Prospective Students.

Among the enclosed materials you will find a final School Report Form, which must be completed by your school counselor and returned to us at the end of this academic year. The Committee on Admissions reserves the right to withdraw its offer of admission under certain conditions described on the postcard enclosed for your response.

We have a longstanding commitment to meet the financial needs of our admitted students. No limit has been set on the financial resources devoted to making the College fully accessible to all students of promise, and we have a firm policy of making supportive offers of need-based financial aid. We encourage you to contact us now or at any time during your years here if you have questions or concerns about financial aid or if you have additional information that might be helpful to us in understanding your family?s financial circumstances.

I very much hope that you will decide to join us at Harvard. We have enclosed a statement about Harvard?s opportunities which might be helpful to you in making your college choice. Whatever your decision may be, you have my best wishes for every future success.

Sincerely,

William R. Fitzsimmons

Congrats on the acceptance letter from Harvard signed by Louis Pasteur. 😀 That took about five minutes and with another 10-15 minutes I could have a very fake email address that looks real, in 2 minutes I could send it from my own email and make it look like Harvard.

Checking your forum account

Please wait while we verify your forum account.