<p>I am really worried about this situation: my social security name is native, while my school name is American. Someone told me that, in order to change my name, I have to go to court. What my real question is....does this in any way affect college admission, including financial aid? I want to continue to use my school name since I used it basically my entire life, including for SAT's. This is all very confusing for me, and it'll be great if someone who dealt with this situation b4 would give me some insight. Can I continue to use my "illegal" name for college and still be able get financial aid? I know that u have to give ur SSN if u want aid, and that is what is bothering me. Please help!~</p>
<p>You should speak with the guidance counselors at your school about including your legal (SSN) name on your school records. They probably have handled this kind of situation before.</p>
<p>You can also include a note with your college application stating something like:</p>
<p>My legal name as recorded on my Social Security Card and US Passport (or green card) is ABC. However, throughout my years at DEF High School, GHI has been consistently used as my name of record.</p>