You have the right to decline to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) when you apply for admission to Foothill College. However, there are several reasons why it may be to your advantage to provide your SSN. These include:

• Financial Aid – Your SSN is required if you are applying for federal and state financial aid programs.
• Easier Access to MyPortal (Coming June 1, 2010) – To reset your registration system password if you forget it, you'll need to use the last 4 digits of your SSN.
• Tax Credits and Deductions – Providing your SSN helps you (or someone claiming you as a dependent) receive tax credits or deductions to which you are entitled.
  

If you do not provide your SSN:

• Your enrollment or degree may not be found in the National Student Clearinghouse.
• Employers may not be able to verify that you received a degree or certificate.
• You may encounter difficulties sending transcripts to other colleges or universities.

After you submit your application for admission, you will be assigned an 8-digit identification number. In most cases, you can use this number instead of your SSN to conduct your college business. In all cases, your personal information is protected.

For more information about providing your Social Security Number, contact Admissions & Records at (650) 949-7325.