<p>If you used an alternative name through out middle school/high school, is it beneficial to note it? I have a Vietnamese name, but changed it to Chloe when I was in the 2nd grade. We never legally changed it, but teachers, friends, coaches call me by Chloe.</p>
<p>I .. remember reading somewhere that you shouldn't, but it was a long time ago and I don't remember the reasons.</p>
<p>I'm looking at the common app and it asks for a "preferred name"? </p>
<p>Thanks for all the help,
First time poster long time reader :)</p>
<p>Well, if your teachers recommendations will be referring to Chloe, which is how they have all known you, then I would put down that you go by that name so your preferred name matches the name in all of your rec letters. Seems like a lot of people have nicknames. Anyone know why it would be a negative to put one down?</p>
<p>Just be sure that when it asks for your actual name, you use your legal name. Save the nicknames for questions like preferred name. Otherwise, you will have difficulty with important paperwork getting lost. Its fine to prefer a different name just as long as all the legal stuff is in your legal name.</p>