How would a college check a facebook account?

I am a senior at a highschool where at least a quarter of those online have changed their facebook full names, so that they are harder to find with a simple search.

I have always watched my privacy settings carefully, and think the name change is stupid considering most people use the same email to register that they use with colleges…

I feel there must be something I’m missing… With all your privacy settings locked down so the most someone who didn’t know you could see was a picture and a name, what is the worry? Why do I see this in the news time and time again? Do they take advantage of peoples “regional settings” and create accounts for each persons home city?

Any discussion or input is appreciated.