Use this worksheet for a first pass in 5–15 minutes. Fields are temporary and are not saved when you leave or reload. Copy or print your work before leaving, and keep sensitive identifiers and full records outside this worksheet.
If your application, transcript, test record, or recommendation uses a different version of your name, help the receiving college match the records through its official process. Do not alter an official document yourself or create another application simply to make the names look identical.
Differences can arise from a name change, preferred name, transliteration, spacing, hyphenation, or the order of family names. The right response depends on the record and the institution's instructions.
Identify the exact mismatch
Use the names exactly as they appear when identifying the issue. A preferred-name field, legal-name field, and former-name field may have different purposes. Follow the form rather than forcing the same answer into every field.
Ask the correct office to act
If the school record is incorrect, ask the school how to correct it. If the college needs a former or alternate name added to an application, use the college's process. If a testing record needs an update, follow the testing provider's requirements.
Explain which document is involved, when it was sent, and the name it carries. Include the application identifier only through an approved private channel. Send identity documentation only when requested and through the institution's designated method.
Avoid solving one mismatch by creating another
Changing several accounts at once can create inconsistent records. Coordinate the correction through the official offices, keep the instruction you received, and do not assume a change in one application platform updates every college, testing organization, or school system.
Confirm the record was matched
Check the relevant portal after the published processing period. If the item remains missing, refer to the earlier inquiry and the specific document rather than reopening the whole application question.
Use the application checklist to track receipt.
If you want help organizing the decision and next steps, IvyReady can help you compare the planning choices. The institution, platform, or issuing office remains the authority on its requirements.