Add Data Validation to Track Document Status

In this video, you will create a dropdown menu in your spreadsheet to track the status of the documents you need to collect for the FAFSA.

This will allow you to quickly see whether you have everything you need for your application.

It will also allow you to update document statuses as you collect them, rather than having to type in information over and over.

To do this, you will use data validation.

"Data validation" controls the text or other value that is entered into a cell.

Adding data validation to your spreadsheet creates a dropdown menu where you can track the status of tasks or other information.

To begin, add data validation to the status column of your spreadsheet.

Next, type the text that you want to use to track the status of your documents.

The statuses you add will show if you have requested a document from someone, if you've received the document, or whether the document is missing.

Now, use the drop-down list to change the status of your documents.

The data validation acts as a checklist to ensure each document is tracked and organized so nothing is forgotten.

You can also increase the width of your spreadsheet's columns to make it easier to read all of your information.

Highlight the columns and then right-click to get the resize column option.

This example shows one size, but you can choose the size you want.

Now, it's your turn: use data validation to update the status of each document, and resize the width of the columns.