Bulk Import
The Bulk Import tool helps you quickly add student information to CounselMore from spreadsheets and documents. It can import students, contacts, GPAs, test scores, activities, application outcomes, and more.
To get started, go to Settings → Bulk Import.

Common File Types to Upload
Here are some common examples of files you can import into CounselMore:
| Data to Import | Recommended File Type(s) |
|---|---|
| Student Information | CSV, DOCX, PDF |
| Contacts | CSV |
| Test Scores | CSV |
| College Application Outcomes | CSV |
| Academic Resume | DOCX, PDF |
| Transcript | DOCX, PDF |
Tip: Spreadsheet files (CSV) are best for structured data, while PDF and Word documents are ideal for transcripts, resumes, and other documents that require AI extraction.
Spreadsheet vs. Document Imports
CounselMore supports two types of imports:
Spreadsheet Imports
Supported file type:
- CSV
Spreadsheet imports use mapping screens to help you review and match your data before importing.
You may see:
- Column Mapping
- College Mapping
- Outcome Mapping
- Import Summary
Document Imports
Supported file types:
- DOCX
CounselMore automatically scans these documents, extracts student information, and maps it to the appropriate fields.
Document imports use AI quota.
After the import is complete, you'll see:
- Number of documents processed using AI
- Remaining AI quota
Before You Import
On the Bulk Import page, CounselMore displays this reminder:
Please confirm your files contain your most current information before importing. Existing records may be updated with values from this import. Only fields with a value in your file will update existing data, and list-based data adds new entries instead of replacing prior entries.
This means:
- Existing student records may be updated.
- Blank fields in your file will not erase existing student information.
- List-based data, such as activities or outcomes, will be added as new entries.
- New students will be created as Prospects.
Open Bulk Import
Click Choose Files and select the file or files you want to upload.
You may upload one file or multiple files at the same time.

Importing Your Files
For spreadsheets, CounselMore opens the Smart Import — Column Mapping screen.

After uploading your files, simply follow the on-screen prompts to:
- Review field mappings
- Confirm college matches
- Verify application outcomes
CounselMore will guide you through the remainder of the import process.
Only mapped fields are imported.
If you click Cancel in the mapping dialog, the import does not begin and no data is created or updated.
Importing Multiple Files
You can upload multiple files during the same import.
If the files contain matching student information, such as a student's name or email address, CounselMore will automatically associate the records whenever possible.
For example, you may upload:
- One file with student information
- Another file with application outcomes
CounselMore will look for shared fields that connect the records.
Example: Linking by Name

Example: Linking by Email

If files do not have enough overlapping information, CounselMore may skip linking or show a low-confidence suggestion. The mapping dialog still opens so you can review the import.
Review Import Complete Results
When the import is complete, CounselMore displays a summary of what was imported.
Depending on your files, the summary may include:
- Students created
- College outcomes imported
- Files processed
- Documents processed using AI
- Remaining AI quota

AI Quota
Only PDF and DOCX imports use AI because CounselMore scans the document and extracts the information automatically.
Spreadsheet imports (CSV) use guided mapping and do not consume AI quota.
Troubleshooting
If a PDF or Word document contains no readable text, it may be skipped during import.
This commonly occurs with scanned image-only PDFs that have not been processed with OCR.
If a file is skipped, upload a version with selectable text or run OCR on the document before importing.

Past Imports
The Past Imports section shows a history of completed imports.

This section helps you track previous import activity.
Where Imported Data Appears
Imported data is placed in the student's Academic Bio Banner.

Depending on the file content, imported information may appear in:
-
Student Information
-
Contacts
-
Fit Assessments
-
Testing Strategy & Planning
-
Extracurricular Activities
-
Potential & Post Applications
-
Course Planning
For the smoothest import:
- Use your most current files.
- Use spreadsheets for college outcomes.
- Use email addresses when possible to help match students accurately.
- Review all column mappings before continuing.
- Review all college matches.
- Review all outcome mappings.
- Use readable PDFs or Word documents for AI document imports.
- Avoid scanned image-only PDFs.
- Check the Academic Bio Banner after import to confirm the information appears correctly.
AI Bulk Import reduces manual data entry by helping counselors bring student information into CounselMore quickly and accurately.
Use spreadsheets when your information is already organized in rows and columns. Use PDF or DOCX files when you want CounselMore AI to scan and extract information from documents.
Always review mappings, matches, and imported student data before relying on the final record.