<p>Long story "short", I've been going by a name that isn't my legal name and I used my nonlegal name on my college apps (UC/CSU- Cali resident), SATs, AP Exams, school records, scholarships, you name it. My dad literally confirmed that the name I was using was not my real name a few days ago, and now I am really freaking out.
I've been looking at Legal Name Change processes, and I want it changed asap.
But more importantly, I'm worried that my nonlegal name and legal name will clash and mess up my college applications/acceptance letters...
And FAFSA is open now, and I'm really scared and unsure of which name to use now..
Please help. SOS.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about this. It happens a lot. Send an email to the colleges and universities that you have applied to, and let them know that you have used your school name (or what ever you want to call it) on the common app, SATs, AP exams, etc., and that your FAFSA will be filed under your legal name because it matches with your social security number. The colleges/universities will let you know if you need to send them further documentation.</p>
<p>Changing your name legally takes time and costs money. For most things you need to do, you can use whatever version of your name you feel like. You don’t have to fix your legal name just yet.</p>
<p>yes i was in the same situation. my last name in high school was wrong. my last name has 2 names and the high school only had 1 part of it. but when i applied to college, i applied with my full last name. i had no trouble but just let the people in admissions know.</p>
<p>@happymomof1
@Engstudent1</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I was really worried last night.</p>