Track 2 · Grades 11–12 · Module 1 of 6

Your Permanent Record

Everything you have posted, shared, or been tagged in follows you into college applications, job searches, and background checks. The question is not whether it is there — it is what it says.

[ RUNWAY VIDEO: Digital footprint timeline — trail building from posts to college/employer screen ]

The Reality

Your Digital Footprint Is Your First Impression

Before a college admissions officer reads your essay and before a hiring manager sees your resume, there is a strong chance they have already searched your name. What they find — or do not find — is your first impression.

79%

of college admissions officers search applicants online

70%

of employers have rejected candidates based on social media content

47%

of employers found content that strengthened a candidacy

What Is in Your Footprint

Everything you have posted publicly on any platform
Everything others have tagged you in — including old posts you forgot about
Forum posts, comments, gaming usernames linked to your identity
News articles, school publications, event listings that mention you
Images indexed by Google from any platform with public posts

The audit you should do now: Search your full name in an incognito browser. Search your username. Search your name plus your town and school name. What comes up? Is it what you want colleges and employers to see?

Building a Positive Footprint Intentionally

A positive digital presence does not require a professional website. It requires intentionality. Published writing, project documentation, volunteer work recognition, and thoughtful social media posts all contribute to a footprint that helps rather than hurts. The goal is to ensure that when someone searches you, they find something — and that something reflects who you are.

Audit Activity

Your Footprint Audit

Tap each scenario for guidance.

Module Quiz

Test Your Understanding

8 questions.

Parent & Educator Information →