If you’re unsettled by the thought of your private information being accessible to others, you may have been wondering—”Is your Social Security number on your high school transcript?”
Your SSN serves as more than a unique identifier—it grants access to various personal records and financial histories. Having it displayed on your high school transcript could potentially expose you to a range of risks, including identity theft. To put your mind at ease, this article will discuss whether high school transcripts typically include your SSN, the dangers associated with that practice, and the measures you can take to ensure the security of your data.
What Is a High School Transcript Used For?
As a comprehensive record of your academic performance throughout your high school years, a high school transcript is meant for various purposes. It serves as a crucial tool for colleges, universities, and potential employers to evaluate your academic abilities and potential. Here are four common uses of a high school transcript:
- College applications—When applying to colleges and universities, students submit their transcripts to help admissions officers decide whether they’re a good fit for the institution
- Scholarship applications—Many scholarships require applicants to include their transcripts as part of the evaluation process. This helps assessors determine if the student meets the academic performance requirements for the scholarship
- Employment—Some employers who offer entry-level positions to graduates may request transcripts as part of their assessment process so they can gain insight into a candidate’s abilities and relevant coursework
- Transfers—If a student intends to transfer to another school or even pursue education at a post-secondary institution, their transcript acts as an official record of their past academic achievements
What Information Is Included in a High School Transcript?
High school transcripts include information such as:
- Personal details—Information like your name, date of birth, and contact details are essential for identifying and attributing the transcript to you
- Time of graduation—This section specifies the date and year you completed your high school education
- Courses taken—A comprehensive list of subjects you studied, including the names of the courses, the grades you achieved in each course, and the number of credits earned
- Grade Point Average (GPA)—A numerical representation of your overall academic performance. It’s calculated by averaging all the grades obtained in your courses
- Standardized test scores—Results from exams like the SAT or ACT offer insights into your abilities and can be used by colleges and universities to evaluate your preparedness for higher education
- Extracurricular involvement—It might also encompass details regarding your involvement in activities, community service, and leadership positions you undertook during your school years
Does Your High School Transcript Have Your Social Security Number?
In the past, SSNs were utilized as a means of identification on high school transcripts to avoid mix-ups among students who shared names. However, due to the rise in identity theft and privacy concerns, educational institutions have shifted away from including SSNs on transcripts.
Instead, schools are now implementing methods of identification, such as student ID numbers, to safeguard information. These unique identifiers serve the purpose of SSNs by ensuring identification without exposing sensitive data.
However, even if your high school transcript does contain your SSN, it’s highly unlikely for it to be easily accessible. Educational institutions are bound by laws and regulations that prioritize safeguarding students’ privacy—in fact, high schools and colleges have protocols in place to protect student records and prevent any misuse of sensitive data.
If you have any concerns about your SSN being included on your high school transcript, you can try these options:
- Opt-out—It’s advisable to opt out of having your SSN on your high school transcript to minimize the chances of it being exposed or stolen
- Partial display—If an identifier is necessary, only provide the last four digits of the SSN. This limits the exposure of your full SSN while still allowing identification if necessary
Should a High School Transcript Have a Social Security Number?
Determining whether to include an SSN on a school transcript ultimately depends on the policies and practices of the school. Each institution may have its requirements when it comes to the information included in transcripts.
However, there’s a growing concern regarding the extent of personal identifiable information (PII) that’s shared. While colleges and universities sometimes require a student’s SSN for administrative or financial aid purposes, including it on a high school transcript isn’t always necessary.
Students and their families must be aware of the risks associated with including an SSN and advocate for privacy practices that align with their needs and preferences. By staying informed, you can help protect your information throughout your educational journey.
Potential Risks of Having Your SSN on Your High School Transcript
Here are some potential risks you should consider when contemplating whether to include your SSN on your high school transcript:
| Risk | How It Works |
| Identity theft | With access to your SSN, malicious individuals can impersonate you to open bank accounts, obtain credit cards under your name, and engage in various forms of fraud. This can lead to debt accumulation and damage to your credit score that may take years to resolve |
| Unauthorized access | Transcripts pass through many hands during their circulation process—administrative staff, college admissions offices, and potential employers, among others. During this process, it’s important to be cautious about any access that could potentially lead to your SSN being misused |
| Tax fraud | Criminals can use your SSN to file fraudulent tax returns under your identity, claiming refunds or benefits that rightfully belong to you. Consequently, when you file your tax return, it may get flagged as a duplicate by the IRS. This can result in prolonged investigations and delays in receiving your refunds |
| Medical identity theft | Your SSN could also be exploited to gain access or tamper with your medical records, putting your healthcare at serious risk |
| Digital breaches | If your personal information, including your SSN, is stored electronically in a transcript, it becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks. Institutions that possess data repositories can become targets for security breaches |
How To Protect Your SSN on Your High School Transcript
It’s essential to take steps to protect your SSN on your high school transcript to prevent identity theft and fraud. Here are five critical measures you can take to safeguard your SSN:
- Limit sharing
- Store safely
- Beware of scams
- Use strong online security practices
- Sign up for identity monitoring services
Limit Sharing
Only provide your high school transcripts when absolutely necessary. To reduce security risks, it’s advisable to limit the amount of copies you share, particularly if they contain your SSN. Before sharing transcripts, always inquire about why they’re being requested, how they’ll be utilized, and what security measures are in place to ensure protection.
Store Safely
Store high school transcripts containing your SSN in a secure place like a lockbox or safe. Avoid carrying them with you unless required for a specific purpose. Additionally, remember to shred transcripts or documents that contain sensitive information before disposing of them to prevent any unintended exposure.
Beware of Scams
Be cautious of the various scams, especially those related to education or job applications. Scamming techniques have become increasingly sophisticated, with scammers often masquerading as reliable institutions like banks or government agencies such as the IRS. Keep in mind that legitimate organizations typically don’t ask for your SSN through email or over the phone unless you initiate contact with them.
Use Strong Online Security Practices
If you’re storing digital copies of your transcript, ensure they’re protected with strong, unique passwords. When sending your transcript through email or online platforms, make sure to use encrypted communication channels. You should also exercise caution when sharing information on social media—identity thieves can exploit the details from your online profiles to respond to security questions or create convincing phishing scams.
Take Advantage of Paid Identity Monitoring Services
Identity monitoring services provide peace of mind and help you stay informed about any changes in your credit history. They offer real-time notifications, credit score updates, and identity theft protection features. Some services even assist with resolving issues related to identity fraud.
While most of these services are available for adults, more comprehensive options include coverage for children. This means you can rely on your parents to get you help in watching over your personal information until you’re mature enough to handle it yourself. If you need such services, FreeKick is an excellent choice.
FreeKick’s ID Theft Protection for Children, Young Adults, and Parents (Coming Soon)
Helping ensure your SSN safety, FreeKick combines a deposit account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) with identity monitoring and credit-building features.
When you register for FreeKick, your chances of falling victim to identity theft will decrease since your information will actively be monitored. The following services are available for minors:
- Credit profile monitoring
- Social Security number monitoring
- Dark web monitoring for child’s personal information
- Up to $1 million identity theft insurance
- Full-service white-glove concierge credit restoration
- Sex offender monitoring—based on sponsor parent’s address
As a legal adult or parent, you’ll get the following perks:
- Credit profile monitoring
- Social Security number monitoring
- Dark web monitoring for personal information
- Up to $1 million identity theft insurance
- Full-service white-glove concierge credit restoration
- Lost wallet protection
- Court records monitoring
- Change of address monitoring
- Non-Credit (Payday) loan monitoring
- Free FICO® Score monthly
- FICO® Score factors
- Experian credit report monthly
All of the above is available to two parents and six children aged 0–25, making it perfect for larger families.
FreeKick’s Parent-Sponsored Credit Building (Coming Soon)
A strong credit profile can help children save over $200,000 throughout adulthood, and FreeKick lets them get an early start through parent-sponsored credit building.
With the help of your parent, you can get started in three steps—here’s what they need to do:
- Create an Account—Visit FreeKick.bank and select a deposit option that aligns with the family budget
- Set It and Forget It—Once the account is activated by selecting Activate Credit Building, FreeKick will automatically create a credit history for 12 months, requiring no further action from the account owner
- Keep Growing—Continue nurturing the credit profile by renewing the account for another term (up to 48 months) once the initial 12-month period expires, or close the account and receive a deposit refund
When it comes to pricing, FreeKick offers multiple budget-friendly options, as follows:
| Deposit | Annual Fee |
| $3,000 | $0 (Free) |
| $2,000 | $49 |
| $1,000 | $99 |
| $10 | $149 |
Note that all FreeKick plans are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 and cover two adults and six children (minors and legal adults).
Protect personal information and pave the way for a more financially stable future with the help of your parents—opt for FreeKick.
