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How to create a basic query in Slate

For uploading lead records to CollegeVine’s AI Recruiter

Updated over a week ago

When to use this guide

If you’re preparing a student list to share with CollegeVine and all the required data exists in a single object in Slate—such as the Person table—then you can use a basic query. Basic queries are fast, straightforward, and ideal for:

  • Exporting names and contact info

  • Sending pre-filtered leads from a single data source

  • Simple outreach segments based on demographic or academic data already tied to the base

If your data spans multiple tables—for example, if you need to filter by application status, test scores, or event attendance—you’ll need to build a configurable join query instead.

See our Configurable Join Query Guide for that setup.


What is a basic query?

A basic query in Slate is a report built from a single table. This makes it a good fit when:

  • You only need fields stored directly on the Person record (or another single object)

  • You do not need to pull in related data from other records like Application, Test Scores, Event Registrations, or Interactions


Typical use case for CollegeVine

You want to send CollegeVine a list of prospective students where:

  • All data is already stored directly in a single table

  • You’re filtering by criteria like class year

  • You aren’t using application status, event attendance, or checklist items as part of your segmentation


Step-by-step: Build a basic Slate query

Step 1: Open the query builder

  1. Log in to Slate.

  2. Go to Queries

  3. Click New Query.


Step 2: Name your query and select your base

  • Use a clear name, like:
    “CollegeVine Leads – Class of 2026”

  • Optionally add a description (e.g., “Leads for AI Recruiter, filtered by GPA”)

  • Choose your query’s base (the table where the information lives)

  • Click Save


Step 4: Add filters

Use filters to define who should be included in your lead list to send to CollegeVine.

Examples:

  • Class Year IN 2026, 2027

  • GPA > 3.5

  • Intended Major = Engineering

To add a filter:

  1. Click Add Filter

  2. Search for the field (e.g., “Class Year”)

  3. Set your criteria

  4. Click Save


Step 5: Add export fields

These are the fields CollegeVine will receive in your upload.

To add an export:

  1. Click Export

  1. Search for and select the fields you want to include in your export

  2. Click Save


Step 6: Schedule your export

Check out our Slate integration guide for information on how to schedule your export


Basic vs. configurable join queries: Quick guide

Use a basic query if...

Use a configurable join query if...

All required data is in a single table

You need fields from multiple tables (e.g., Application, Test Scores, Events)

You only need basic filters (e.g., class year, zip code)

You need advanced filters like "Application Status = Incomplete"

Your goal is a quick, flat export of leads

You’re segmenting based on cross-table relationships

Need more flexibility?

If your lead list depends on filters or data from other records—like Application Status, Event Attendance, or Test Score Ranges—you’ll need a more advanced query structure.

Jump to our Configurable Join Query Guide to get started.

For more assistance, please contact your CollegeVine partnerships team.

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