Should I Put My SSN on the Common App? (Spoiler Alert: It’s a Little Tricky)
Ah, the Common App. That glorious, yet slightly terrifying, gateway to your college dreams. You’ve probably spent hours agonizing over your essays, carefully crafting your extracurricular activities list, and meticulously polishing your GPA. But then, you stumble upon that dreaded question: “Social Security Number.”
Should you put your SSN on the Common App?
The short answer: It’s not required, but it’s strongly recommended.
The Long Answer: A Tale of Financial Aid, Identity Verification, and a Touch of Confusion
Let’s break down why you might want to include your SSN and why it’s not a complete disaster if you don’t.
Why You Should Consider Putting Your SSN On the Common App:
- Financial Aid: If you’re even remotely considering applying for financial aid (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you’ll need to submit your SSN to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Your SSN on the Common App allows colleges to link your application with your FAFSA, making the financial aid process smoother. It’s like giving them a cheat-sheet to easily find your financial aid information.
- Identity Verification: Colleges use your SSN to verify your identity, especially in cases where they have multiple applicants with similar names. It’s like having a unique barcode that tells them exactly who you are.
- IRS Form 1098-T: This form documents your tuition expenses for tax purposes. Colleges need your SSN to issue this form accurately. Think of it as a little “thank you” for attending their institution, with a tax break thrown in.
Why You Don’t Have To Put Your SSN on the Common App (But It’s Probably a Good Idea):
- Not Required for Admissions: The Common App itself doesn’t require your SSN for admission. Colleges are more interested in your academic achievements, extracurriculars, and personal essays (although they definitely want to know you’re not a robot pretending to be a student).
- You Can Update It Later: If you forget to include your SSN initially, most colleges have a system to add it later through their admissions or financial aid portal. It’s like a second chance to fix a little slip-up.
The Bottom Line: It’s a Balancing Act
So, should you put your SSN on the Common App? It’s a bit of a catch-22, a balancing act between privacy and convenience.
If you’re applying for financial aid, it’s highly recommended to include your SSN. It’ll make the process smoother and less likely to create confusion.
If you’re not applying for financial aid, you can skip it for now and update it later if needed.
Important Note: Providing your SSN on the Common App doesn’t necessarily mean you’re giving it to every college you apply to. Some colleges may require you to submit it separately through their own portals.
A Word of Caution:
As always, be vigilant about your personal information. Double-check the website you’re submitting your SSN to and make sure it’s legitimate. If you’re unsure, contact the college directly to verify.
Just Remember:
Applying to college is stressful enough without worrying about your SSN. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the college’s admissions or financial aid office.
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling lost in the world of SSNs and Common Apps, the JobLoving community is here to help! We’re a group of seasoned professionals ready to answer your questions and guide you through the college application process. Let’s get you into your dream school, one application at a time!