is a credit rate of 678 decent for apts?recent grad considering moving for a job?

You should be fine. Landlords tend to charge higher security deposits when credit is below 650. 673 is pretty good score. You shouldn't worry about renting (actually you could probably even get a mortgage with that score).

Primarily by your name and address. A family name and postcode are sufficient to positively identify nearly 95% of the popluation. When you add in the exact address, date of birth, and a first name initial you are uniquely identified in the credit reporting system. Changing the details when you apply for credit isn't going to help you as there won't be any history of your name at that address or for that period of time. You can't get prime rates simply because you've trashed your credit through your own actions. Providing false details on a credit application form with the intent to defraud the creditor is a crimminal offense. At the very least you'll be found out and your application will be refused. And your credit record will probably be annotated to reflect the fraudulent attempt, further worsening your situation. In the worst case you could find yourself in front of a magistrate. Better you than me when it comes to that!