How could changing my last name effect the scholarship process?

[PeacockRaj]

Hello,

Firstly, thank you to everyone who participates on this wonderful website; I have been regularly reading threads for a number of months and they have been incredibly helpful.

I am aiming for an ROTC (Army or Marine) scholarship (2024 high school graduate/class of 2028 for college). While I need to keep training to ensure that I meet the physical standards, I believe that, by the time of applications I should be fine (for the Army, at least). However, I intend to change my last name upon turning 18 in March of 2024 and thus am worried that the issues with having records show a different last name (although my birth certificate does not record one, luckily) for as long as they have may cause issues with the scholarship process.

Does anyone have any advice/guidance on this matter?

Thank you.

 

[MohawkArmyROTC]

In regards to the Army. You are tracked by SSN and cadet ID number. If you get a scholarship award it will be under the old name. Once you enroll in ROTC, you will have to provide the name change documents to update your name in the database records.

 

[Capt MJ]

For the security questionnaire, the eQIP/Sf-86, keep good track of the details of the name usage, because you would also have to include “aka” names.

 

[PeacockRaj]

In regards to the Army. You are tracked by SSN and cadet ID number. If you get a scholarship award it will be under the old name. Once you enroll in ROTC, you will have to provide the name change documents to update your name in the database records.

For the security questionnaire, the eQIP/Sf-86, keep good track of the details of the name usage, because you would also have to include “aka” names.

Thank you! That makes sense and I will make sure to do so. Much appreciated.

 

[TBVADAD]

For the security questionnaire, the eQIP/Sf-86, keep good track of the details of the name usage, because you would also have to include “aka” names.

+1 on this one. I am so use to going by my commonly used nickname. Think Bill for William. The investigator said he was shocked when no one knew my name was xxxxx or even heard anyone call me that.

I was like its my real name.

"Well why isn't your nickname listed as an alias."

 

[Capt MJ]

+1 on this one. I am so use to going by my commonly used nickname. Think Bill for William. The investigator said he was shocked when no one knew my name was xxxxx or even heard anyone call me that.

I was like its my real name.

"Well why isn't your nickname listed as an alias."

I remember my dad loathed his first name, which his family and school friends still used, but he switched to using his middle name. That first name was Aloysius. Family further nicknamed him “Wishus.” As a kid I found this hilarious. I think many people don’t realize they could have an AKA situation.