There are two different type of custom columns you can create: Custom Data Column & Custom Status Columns
Custom Data columns created in the Custom Columns banner of the Data Menu will track information per school and be available for every school, displayed on any list, seen by all, editable only by the counselor.
Custom Status columns created in the Application Status banner of the Data Menu will be used in the Student List and App Tracker, per student. Application Status columns are for counselors to track the status and chart the strategy per each application requirement - per school. These Status cells have special super powers in the App Tracker.
Custom Column Creation
How do I build Custom Columns?
-
Go to Settings, College Data Menu Defaults.
- Open the banner
- Add your desired label, make green to show on the List, then click the + button to the right.
- Click the Merge with All Students button if you would like the Custom Column to show up for all students. If not, then don't click Merge with All and instead chose per each student from within the student's record.
- After Merge with All Students, any columns that already existed on a current student's list WILL NOT DISAPPEAR. Any new columns will be appended to the right of any current columns on their college lists.
2 types of Custom Columns:
-
Custom Data Column: An information column, that you create and is only seen by you. Track any unique college information in a separate column. Available to you as any other data point.
- There are many information columns to choose from but what if there was something specific you'd liked track. A custom column would provide an empty editable column for you to keep that information.
-
Custom Status Column: Allows you to add editable columns for both you and your student in the Student List and Application tracker.
- Many counselors have a proprietary application process. Although there are several status columns to choose from
Do not use a Custom data Column for notes or tasks specific to a student. These are for your information keeping. Custom columns are only editable to you. The column is a general information column as is any data point on the menu.
How to add/edit information in custom columns
What are Custom data Columns used for? Why would a counselor use these?
We have seen counselors use it in these ways:
We have one counselor who created a custom column for her specific contacts in each school's athletics dept.
Another showed us how she tracks in person audition specifics.
Another shared with us that she tracks, internal on campus scholarships.
Use these to track items about schools that are specific to your style or practice.
What are Custom Application Tracker columns used for? Why would a counselor use these?
We have seen counselors use it in these ways:
We have one counselor who added Campus Visit, to her list of Application Tracker columns. Her student uses their Application Tracker to record their progress on scheduling campus visits, for each school on their application tracker list.
We have one counselor who added Ast. Coach Connections, ensuring that the student has emailed each Ast. Coach.
Use these to add tasks to the student's Application Tracker and track the task for each school.
To review this article, follow along in your Settings menu (top right hand corner)
Go to the College Data Menu in Settings