Q: What options do I have to get The College Board to honor a legal name change for student records?
I am aware of FERPA, and that their protections generally apply to College Board records. I also know that I can't sue, only file a complaint with the Dept of Education, under FERPA. Is there any other legal option available to me? They are claiming student records more than 4 years old cannot be updated in any way. However other official CB docs show this not being the case. The inability to have my records updated to my legal name is causing me a significant burden in trying to utilize them to pursue college today.
A: Why not simply provide the colleges to which you are applying a copy of any court order showing your legal name change, which should state the old name and the new name, when providing them a copy of old documents and records? The College Board policy seems reasonable enough so that it does not create a significant burden for them to worry about changing names on records that are older than 4 years. It's a private, non profit organization, and when you take tests through the College Board, you are agreeing to their contractual terms and policies. That is important to remember. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AliEsq.com. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, WA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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