The top colleges in the US aren’t shying away from social media. Whether Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, or blogs, colleges are using social media to recruit new students, interact with alumni, inform parents, and to showcase their university to the world.
The list below represents the top 4 colleges in the US. Take a look at how they’re using social media to stay ahead.
1. United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy uses a wide variety of social media tools. On Facebook, the admissions office claims 2,345 fans and potential students interact on the Facebook wall daily. The Facebook page also links to the Admissions blog where interested prospects can find out more about USMA student life. On YouTube, USMA’s online audience can watch the online show “The Point,” which is based around the lives of current students at USMA. USMA also uses YouTube for Media Relations where they show off their students and highlight press coverage.
USMA’s parents of students are also involved online with 2,290 Fans on Facebook and 247 followers on Twitter. Through these sites, parents share event information, photos, and advice while welcoming new members into the USMA family.
The West Point Association of Graduates has also gotten in on the action with 4,230 Facebook fans, 414 Twitter followers, and active accounts on Picasa, Flickr, and YouTube. With social media, alumni reconnect, keep up on current WestPoint events, and share stories and photos from their college days.
Princeton uses Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, iTunes, and a blog to keep up with students, faculty, and prospects. On Facebook, YouTube, and the blog, Princeton posts articles that highlight the achievements of the university and its faculty, students, and graduates. The Twitter page links back to the blog and features events. On iTunes you can find presentations or lectures on topics ranging from quantum computing to women in theatre. There’s even a presentation on social media’s debut at Princeton.
Princeton’s Alumni Facebook and Twitter pages feature content from the blog and allow alumni to continue interacting after graduation.
3. California Institute of Technology
Caltech‘s admissions office features 5 student blogs that detail the lives of students at various places in their college career as they attend CalTech. Caltech also runs a Twitter account focused on the latest interesting science news.
Caltech’s Alumni Association has really embraced social media through a LinkedIn group, Facebook page, Flickr photostream, and an active Twitter account. The alumni reconnect and post news about CalTech and its graduates.
Facebook and Twitter for Williams College serve as a way to connect with students, faculty, and graduates and distribute the latest news about Williams College and higher education. On YouTube, Williams College offers video lectures and presentations, special videos for alumni, and videos from commencement.
So what do you think? Which college is using social media in the best way? How does your alma matter use social media?