<p>Hi,
I'm currently an incoming senior, and throughout my student life I've used my "nickname" as my name on ALL of my records. By all, I mean everything - school records, ACT, SAT, AP's, extracurriculars (awards, etc.), work, etc. As I'm getting ready to apply to colleges, however, I'm facing the problem that my legal name is not on ANY of my past achievements (the only record that shows my legal name is my social security card).
A lot of what I've done (including AP's) don't allow me to change the name on the record (so I have to keep it my "nickname")</p>
<p>Any of you have any experiences on this issue? Do you think it would cause any trouble if I put my "nickname" as my primary name and my legal name as my "other name I use" on my college apps?
Cal Grants, FAFSA?</p>
<p>depends how big a difference the two names are. If nothing can be done, you should use the name you've been using to fill out important documents, etc.</p>
<p>Thanks for your answers.
By important documents, do you mean using my "nickname"?</p>
<p>And my two (first) names are completely different, unfortunately.
However, all my records have either my legal name as the "middle name" or the initial.</p>
<p>Since at least some of the applications will require your legal name as it appears on your SS card, Birth Certificate, Passport, etc. you will need to write a formal letter to the colleges/universities explaining that you are indeed one and the same person. Using an alias is not very common, but you aren't the only person ever to have done so. The adcoms and recorders offices at your potential colleges/universities will be able to cope just fine.</p>