Warning: Friendster, Myspace, Facebook, Public Domain, Applications And You!
The scope of this subject probably reaches beyond the bounds of "Getting into Medical School", but it's in this context that I came across this information and it's in this context that I pass on this information on to you:
When submitting your application to medical school (or any school or job for that matter) review boards or employers may Google your full name and use that information against you when considering your application. For the most part, anything that pops up from a Google search is within the bounds of Public Domain and is fair game.
Keep in mind how Google actually functions. Google search results are based off of backlinks. This is how it judges popularities or relevance. This means that if you have your real name listed on very popular sites like Friendster, Myspace or Facebook, they will most likely be at the top of the list when regurgitated back at you.
Try it.
If it is that easy for you to find your Myspace or Facebook page, it's just as easy for a potential school to do just the same. This also means that every embarrassing photo you've uploaded it there for the world to see. This also means that two dozen pages of you throwing up at your buddies' dorm may come into question during your interview.
Have you ever picked on someone to the point that they made a website dedicated to you because you're such a horrible person?
I'm joking, but I'm really not.
We've all heard the stories about female high school teachers that have entered wet teacher contests at Mari Gras during Spring Break, possibly kissing young men around the same age of their students, only to have their pictures pop up on the internet, eventually finding their way to their local news station and unfortunately find themselves out of a job soon after.
That's a little extreme, but that's the idea.
No one's perfect. No one's an angel. Just don't put it online. Ask yourself this question, "Is there anything posted on the internet that could seriously hinder your chances of getting into medical school?" Chances are, there isn't. But you should think before you post anything online. Just because it's not included in the application you sent doesn't mean it can't be found.
On the other hand...
...you could use it to your benefit. Have you ever had your name published in a scientific paper? Have you made the school news paper because of your outstanding work? Was it posted on the school website?
Your name can pop up in all kinds of places. If you've never Googled your full name, you should. You might be surprised.
(Be sure to use quotes around your full name when searching.)
