<p>When registering for the SAT online it asks for SS# but there is a small info box that says its optional. </p>
<p>I have read a few posts that mention putting the SS# on the SAT test. Is this optional?</p>
<p>Why are the SAT people asking for SS#? Shouldn't that be a protected piece of info only used for financial transactions?</p>
<p>How many of you gave your SS# to the College Board company?</p>
<p>Based on past threads it would appear that SS# on tests is optional too. Some have reported problems when a SS# entered into the collegeboard.com website but not included on a test. The key appears be be consistent. If you decide to use SS# then include it on all tests. If you are inconsistent there is a risk that multiple accounts will be created for the test taker.</p>
<p>SS# is an optional alternate ID process, in case the student number stickers are not all in the proper place. It is also a way for matching up answer sheets that may have errors in the identifying information.</p>
<p>It would be much safer if the CB and ACT created a unique ID for each test taker when they registered for their first test and then used that ID for all tests. The SS# is confidential information that should only be used for financial transactions with trusted sources.</p>
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<p>Trail–my son registered with CB w/o providing SSN. He has taken the test twice w/o issue.</p>
<p>I agree with you about the threat of identity theft. We have frozen our (adult) IDs but we were unable to freeze our children’s. (This was five years ago so I probably should look into possibility of freezing for children now.) My son has not applied to colleges yet but I have the feeling his SSN will be needed for that process.</p>
<p>On the common app the social security number is requested if the student is applying for financial aid otherwise it is optional. I don’t like including the number on the common app but at least there is a financial reason for it, unlike with the SAT/ACT tests where its simply used as an alternate identification tool.</p>