Which name should I use? What if I never use my legal name for anything?

To receive federal financial aid, you need to use your full, legal name. If you’re a U.S. citizen, this is the name that appears on your Social Security card (with your Social Security Number). It doesn’t matter if this is not your preferred name, or even if you have enrolled at school (or applied to college) using your preferred name. Your college will still be able to connect your FAFSA® application with your college admissions application using your social security number, so don’t worry! There will be no confusion.