1. Review whether to update or replace your data export
There are two ways to realign your lead uploads with your updated goals:
Option 1: Update your existing export
Modify the logic behind your current data export or report (from your CRM, database, or data warehouse) to adjust:
Admissions year (
Class Year/Graduation Year)Program or academic interest filters
Geography or region filters
Opt-in or communication permissions
Any other segmentation or prioritization fields tied to your new strategy
Keep the export file connected to your current SFTP drop — no integration changes required, just updated export logic.
Option 2: Create a new export and reconnect it to the SFTP server
Build a brand-new export or report that fully aligns with the new strategy, instead of modifying the old one.
Update the SFTP configuration by:
Setting up a new file export and ensuring it matches our data requirements.
Reconnecting your SFTP integration to the new export file path or location.
2. Confirm required fields and export settings
Whether you update or create a new export, make sure your file includes all required fields:
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Phone Number (if available)
Class Year / Admissions Year
Any segmentation fields relevant to your targeting (e.g., major, region, source)
For details, refer to our guide on required import fields here.
Export settings checklist:
File type: Typically CSV, cleanly formatted with no extra header or footer rows
Encoding: UTF-8
Column headers: Labeled clearly and matching the expected field name
3. Validate the SFTP setup
If you create a new export and connect it to SFTP, perform these technical checks:
Confirm that the SFTP integration points to the correct export file (and that old connections are disconnected if no longer needed).
Run a test export and verify that the file lands successfully in the SFTP drop location.
Final technical checklist
Have you decided whether to update the existing export or create a new one?
Are you targeting the correct admissions year, programs, and segments for this term?
Are all required fields present, properly labeled, and formatted?
If you created a new export, have you reconnected it to the SFTP integration?
Have you validated the file delivery and tested the SFTP drop?
Does the number of records in your export fall under your allocated lead upload limit?