<p>Why do applications ask for your social security number? What do they need it for? I mean i can see if they ask for it on financial aid apps but on the regular application...</p>
<p>It's to make sure you are who you say you are. Chances are other people other than your immediate family won't know your SSN.</p>
<p>i'm sure they don't go running people's ss numbers through a database to confirm you identity though at least not in the undergrad admission office. right?</p>
<p>
[quote]
Federal law requires you to provide your social security number on your federal forms to be considered for financial aid. Colleges request that you also include your social security number on your application (Page 1). This number is used to verify your identity and retrieve your record. Most institutions require you apply for federal student financial aid before you can be considered for institutional need-based aid.
[/quote]
From Common App website. I know it's only brief.</p>
<p>If you have a name that is at all common, it benefits you to make sure that your data does not get mixed up with someone else's.</p>