Overview: why use configurable join queries for CollegeVine?
CollegeVine’s AI Recruiter enables your team to scale its outreach by connecting with qualified prospective students through personalized engagement. To make this work, your team must provide a tailored dataset of student records from Slate—ensuring that only the right segments (e.g. high-intent, high-fit, or in-need-of-engagement students) are included.
This is where configurable join queries come in. They allow schools to:
Combine multiple data sources (e.g., person, application, test scores, events) into one streamlined export.
Apply filters (e.g., GPA thresholds, event attendance, application status) to refine outreach targets.
Build queries that can be scheduled for regular delivery to CollegeVine.
What is a configurable join query?
A configurable join query in Slate allows you to combine data from multiple tables using "joins." Joins connect rows from different tables based on related fields—enabling complex, multi-table reporting within a single export.
Core components
Base Table: The main table from which your query starts (e.g., Person)
Joins: Additional tables/views to pull related data (e.g., Applications, Test Scores).
Filters: Criteria used to narrow down your dataset (e.g., by application status or class year).
Exports: The specific fields to include in your final report (e.g., name, email, intended major).
Step-by-Step: Build a Configurable Join Query
Step 1: Open the Query Builder
Log into Slate.
Navigate to Queries / Reports.
Click New Query to begin.
Step 2: Select a Base Table
Choose the appropriate base table depending on your target population.
For most recruitment or outreach queries, use:
Base: Person
Step 3: Name and Describe Your Query
Enter a descriptive query name (e.g., CollegeVine AI Recruiter Query – Fall 2025).
Optionally add a description for clarity and collaboration.
Set Type to Configurable Joins.
Click Save.
Step 4: Add Joins
Scroll to the bottom right of the query screen to find the Filter section.
2. Next to it, click the small join icon (resembles interconnected nodes).
3. In the Edit Part popup, click Join.
4. Search for and select the table you want to join (e.g., Application).
5. The selected join will now appear in the Edit Part window.
Step 5: Apply Filters to the Join
Within the Edit Part tab, click Filter.
2. Search for relevant fields (e.g., Application Status).
3. Choose your filter condition:
IN for including values (e.g., Status IN Awaiting Submission).
NOT IN for excluding values.
Step 6: Add Additional Filters
Repeat Step 5 to apply more filters to your current join, or to the base table.
Step 7: Add Additional Joins
Repeat Steps 4–5 for each additional table you want to join.
Ensure each join has relevant filters applied to maintain query performance and relevance.
By the end, your Filters section will list all joins and applied criteria.
Step 8: Schedule Data Export
Refer to your internal Slate Integration Guide for detailed steps on exporting your query results to CollegeVine or another destination.
Common use cases for join queries
Use case | Base Table | Joins | Key Filters |
Leads (Pre-Applicants) | Person | Application (does not exist), School Interest, Test Scores | Class Year = 2025/2026; Application does not exist |
Incomplete Applicants | Person | Application, Checklist, School Interest | Application Status = Incomplete |
Admitted Students | Person | Application, Decision, School Interest | Decision = Admit |
Event Attendees Not Applied | Person | Application (does not exist), Event Registrations | Attended event; Application = null |
High GPA/Test Score Prospects | Person | Test Scores, School Interest | GPA > 3.5; SAT > 1300; Application does not exist |
Deposited Students | Person | Application, Decision, Checklist | Decision = Admit; Deposit Received |
Outreach to Reengage Cold Leads | Person | Interactions, Application (does not exist) | No interaction in 60+ days |
International Prospects | Person | Address, Application (does not exist) | Country ≠ United States |
For more information about Slate queries, feel free to explore Slate’s knowledge base or reach out to your CollegeVine partnership team.