How Social Media Affects College Admissions

How Social Media Affects College Admissions Years ago, personal essays, interviews, and grades mattered most in college admissions. Today, however, there is another factor that plays a role in your chances of getting into college: your social media profiles. Social media can affect college admissions in both positive and negative ways. Oftentimes, students post items that they dont realize might be controversial. But in a time when admissions counselors may check out your social media identity, its vital to exercise smart thinking when posting online. Now that you know admissions counselors are looking at your online profiles, how exactly does social media influence your chances of getting into college? Read on to find out which of your social media posts may affect your college admissions. [RELATED: What College Students Should Know About Social Media] Social media posts that can bolster your college admissions chances Community participation Social media posts that convey your commitment to building a positive community within your high school or neighborhood can create a great impression, as admissions counselors hope to see that you will be a meaningful part of their campus communities. Examples can include: Instagram photographs of you working to create a club or program that opens space for communication or artistic expression. Twitter posts to increase participation in your group. Academic or extracurricular awards Pictures or a description of an award you received but didnt mention in your application may positively affect your impression on admissions counselors. Even if you did mention these awards in your application, posts on social media that reference them can reinforce your dedication to your education. Unique accomplishments Have you founded your own business or completed a large research project? Social media posts about your unique accomplishments will likely helpnot hurtyour chances of college admission. [RELATED: 3 Questions to Ask Your Guidance Counselor About College] Social media posts that can harm your college admissions chances Discrimination Racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination can greatly harm your college admissions chances. They suggest that you are capable of intolerancesomething that is unwelcome on college campuses. Illegal activity Many college applications include a section that asks about previous arrests or criminal activity. If you lie about your history of illegal activity, the college or university may rescind your application. In recent years, it has become more common for people with criminal histories to share their stories on social media in order to dissuade others from illegal activity. While this can be a form of healing, admissions counselors may view it unfavorably if you fail to disclose this past on your application. In addition, posting photographs with alcohol or drugs will reflect very poorly on you. Violence Posting pictures or videos with weapons, violent language, or threats is a massive red flag to admissions counselors. Remember that college campuses are meant to be places of peace and inclusion. [RELATED: What to Do After Youve Submitted Your College Applications] The bottom line on social media and college admissions Not all admissions counselors scan students social media pages as part of the application process. However, with an immense number of college applicants using social media, some admissions counselors do turn to it for additional information when vetting applications. Take note of the above tips to ensure your social media posts help your chances of getting into college. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

A Little Bit of Country Easy Classic Country Songs for Guitarists

A Little Bit of Country Easy Classic Country Songs for Guitarists Sign up successful From the early days when he was writing hits like Crazy for Patsy Cline, to the 80s gypsy anthem On the Road Again, Nelson has inspired several generations of guitarists with his guitar Trigger, a 1969 Martin N-20 guitar. Nelson says that his favorite guitar player is Django Reinhardt. His simple chord progressions often flavor Django-like riffs, making his tunes perfect for someone learning guitar, but also great for more experienced musicians. So whether youre a beginner or an advanced guitarists, here are two Willie Nelson hits youll love to play. Crazy Written by Willie Nelson  Recorded by Patsy Cline Crazy has a good amount of chord changes over relatively simple chords. The song is slow enough that the chord changes are not too difficult, but once mastered, this is a very satisfying song to play. It starts on a G chord, then moves to an E chord, which is an extremely easy transition for a beginner guitarist. The E then moves to an Am chord, which is the same chord form, just moved to different strings. Next, move to D7. This simple pattern repeats for the rest of the verse, before moving to a basic C-G-D7 pattern for the chorus, with an A7 thrown in for good measure. So instead of including difficult jumps and chord movements, Nelson shows an economy of motion when he moves from one simple chord to another. Plus, the song includes simple chords that any beginner should know. G E7 Am Crazy Im crazy for feeling so lonely D7 G Im crazy crazy for feeling so blue E7 Am I know youd love me as long as you wanted D7 G And then someday youd leave me for somebody new C G Worry why do I let myself worry A7 D7 Wondering what in the world did I do G E7 Am Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you C D7 Am G Im crazy for trying crazy for crying Am D7 G And Im crazy for lov-ing you E7 Am Crazy Im crazy for feeling so lonely D7 G Im crazy crazy for feeling so blue E7 Am I know youd love me as long as you wanted D7 G And then someday youd leave me for somebody new C G Worry why do I let myself worry A7 D7 Wondering what in the world did I do G E7 Am Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you C D7 Am G Im crazy for trying crazy for crying Am D7 G And Im crazy for lov-ing you On the Road Again Written and Recorded by Willie Nelson This classic country song has a gospel-like chord progression. It moves from the beginning C chord to an E7, and just like many gospel songs, moves to a Dm chord before finishing with a standard cadence of F to G. The chorus is also interesting, as it revolves around the simple I IV V of C F and G, but Nelson uses the Dm and the E7 chords to flavor the chorus. This simple but catchy song is easy to learn, and satisfying to the beginning guitarist whos learning to branch out from the basics of I IV and V, and add a few more chords to their bag of tricks. What are some of your favorite classic country songs? Let us know in the comments below! C E7 On the road again just cant wait to get on the road again Dm The life I love is making music with my friends F G7 C And I cant wait to get on the road again C7 F C On the road again like a band of gypsies we go down highway F C Were the best of friends insisting that the world keep turning our way G7 C E7 And our way is on the road again just cant wait to get on the road again Dm The life I love is making music with my friends F G7 C And I cant wait to get on the road again C E7 On the road again goin places that Ive never been Dm Seein things that I may never see again F G7 C And I cant wait to get on the road again C7 F C On the road again like a band of gypsies we go down highway F C Were the best of friends insisting that the world keep turning our way G7 C E7 And our way is on the road again just cant wait to get on the road again Dm The life I love is making music with my friends F G7 C And I cant wait to get on the road again Give these songs a try and let us know what you think. Need some extra help? Find a guitar teacher in your area. What are some of your favorite classic country songs? Share them in the comments below! Willy M. teaches guitar, ukulele, and mandolin lessons in Winston, NC. He is the author of the Dead Mans Tuning series of mandolin songbooks, and is a former member of the American Federation of Musicians. Willy has been teaching for 20 years, and his students have ranged in age from young children to folks in their 80s. Learn more about Willy here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by John P.