How to Add a Custom Applicant Field in openSIS

How to Add a Custom Applicant Field

Description

Custom Applicant Fields allow institutions to collect additional information that is not included in the default applicant form. These fields can be configured with different field types, marked as required, hidden when necessary, and optionally mapped to student fields for automatic data transfer during enrollment.

Use custom fields to tailor the admission form to your institution's unique admission requirements.

Info
Settings → Admissions Settings → Applicant Fields

Steps to Add a Custom Applicant Field

  1. Navigate to Settings → Admissions Settings → Applicant Fields.
  2. From the Categories panel, select the category where you want to add the field.
  3. Click Add New Field.
  4. In the Add Custom Field dialog, configure the field:
    • Field Name – Enter the name of the field.
    • Field Type – Select the appropriate field type.
    • Default – (Optional) Specify a default value for the field, if applicable.
    • Required – Enable this option if applicants must provide a value before submitting the application.
    • Hide – Enable this option to hide the field from the applicant form while retaining it in the configuration.
    • Map to Student Field (Optional) – Select an existing student field if the applicant's response should automatically populate that field during enrollment.
  5. Click Submit.

The new field is added to the selected category and becomes available on the applicant form based on its configuration.

Mapping Applicant Fields to Student Fields

When a custom applicant field is mapped to a student field:

  • The value entered by the applicant is automatically transferred to the selected student field during enrollment.
  • This reduces manual data entry and helps maintain consistent student records.

If no mapping is selected, the field remains available only within the applicant record.

Field Configuration Options

OptionDescription
Field NameName displayed on the application form.
Field TypeDetermines the type of information applicants can enter.
DefaultPre-populates the field with a default value where applicable.
RequiredMakes the field mandatory for applicants.
HideHides the field from the application form without deleting it.
Map to Student FieldAutomatically transfers the value to the corresponding student record during enrollment.

Best Practices

  • Add custom fields only when additional applicant information is required.
  • Use meaningful field names that applicants can easily understand.
  • Mark only essential fields as Required to keep the application process simple.
  • Map fields to student records whenever the information will be needed after enrollment.
  • Organize custom fields within appropriate categories for better form structure.

Notes

  • Custom fields are created within the currently selected category.
  • Mapping to a student field is optional but recommended for information that should become part of the student's permanent record.
  • Hidden fields remain in the configuration and can be made visible again later.

Expected Outcome

A new custom applicant field is added to the selected category and is available for use in the admissions process according to its configured settings.