Preferred Name Policy

What is the difference between a legal and a preferred name?

Your legal name is the name that generally is used on official / legal documents. It is the name that appears on your birth certificate, as well as on other government-issued documents (unless you’ve legally changed your name). Many students prefer to use a first name that is different from their legal name. We refer to this as your “preferred name.

How does Oberlin collect my preferred name?

You may provide your preferred name directly to Oberlin while filling out an inquiry form, registering for a campus visit, or submitting an admissions application. We may also receive your preferred name if you use it when registering with a third party that shares data with colleges (such as college search websites).

How will my preferred name be used?

If you provide us with a preferred name, we’ll use your preferred name in most communications to you and your family, including emails and postal mail. If this raises any concerns, please provide your legal name only.

How will my legal name be used?

We collect your legal name because we need it to connect your application to other official documents, such as transcripts, test score reports, and financial aid forms. In most cases, we’ll use your preferred name when corresponding with you, but there are some exceptions. When a document is considered official, such as your admissions decision letter or financial aid award, we will use your legal name. If you change your legal name, please provide us with appropriate documentation and we will be happy to update it for you.

How can I add/remove a preferred name from my admissions record?

You may change your preferred name at any time by emailing the Admissions Office at college.admissions@oberlin.edu. If you have any questions about Oberlin's use of your preferred or legal names throughout the admissions process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Already enrolled at Oberlin? Current students should refer to the Registrar’s Office for information on how preferred names are used on campus and how they can be updated.