Researching Applicants Online in the Veterinary Program Admissions Process: Perceptions, Practices, and Implications...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medical Education
• Digital Professionalism
• Admissions Processes

Background:

• Social media use is increasing among young adults.
• Employers increasingly use online information for hiring decisions.
• A minority of veterinary practitioners use online data for associate selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine veterinary admissions committees' attitudes toward using applicant social media data.
• To assess the impact of online disclosure on veterinary school integrity and graduate e-professionalism.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to Associate Deans for Academic Affairs at AAVMC-affiliated veterinary schools.
• Twenty-one schools completed the survey.

Main Results:

• Most veterinary schools do not currently incorporate online research into their admissions.
• A majority of admissions committee members consider using social media data acceptable.
• Previous research indicates most applicants view this as a privacy invasion.

Conclusions:

• A discrepancy exists between veterinary admissions committees' attitudes and applicants' privacy concerns regarding social media.
• Educational initiatives are needed to guide veterinary students on appropriate online behavior and privacy management.