<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I have submitted my applications to two colleges. However, I have realized that I have been using the incorrect social security number for some time now. The social security number matches on all my test scores for collegeboard, as well as throughout my application. </p>
<p>Both of the colleges I applied to have their own identification numbers they assign to applicants. I also DO NOT plan to apply for financial aid. </p>
<p>My question is: how concerned should I be? Do colleges run background checks on SSNs? I'm assuming "no" since: a) they have their own id number system, b) I do not plan to apply for financial aid to begin with, c) everything I have submitted "matches" (the only problem is that the ssn is incorrect), d) the SSN is optional to begin with.</p>
<p>Please give me your honest feedback.
Much appreciated.</p>
<p>Pick up the phone. Call the admissions offices and the College Board. Tell them that it has come to your attention that you have been using the wrong SSN, and that you’d like to have this corrected in their files. This kind of thing happens all the time. They surely have a way of fixing it.</p>
<p>Then sit down and memorize your SSN. You are going to need it for all kinds of things over the course of your lifetime.</p>
<p>Thanks, happymomof1.</p>
<p>Does anyone else have any takes on this issue?
Do colleges legitimately check your SSN? Or is it mostly for scholarship/financial aid purposes?</p>
<p>It’s mostly used for scholarship and fin aid purposes but it can come back to bite you later, for instance if a future employer checks on your education it may not match. Also, if you get a job on campus they will need the correct SSN to report wages. Get it fixed now.</p>