How do I fix name mismatches when importing student picks?

When you import student picks, ClassSeats tries to match names from the spreadsheet to your roster. If a name doesn’t clearly match, you’ll be asked to review it before anything is applied.

When this happens

You’ll see a message like Name mismatches need review during the import preview.

Import preview banner that says name mismatches need review — The import preview flags mismatched names before anything is applied.

This usually happens when:

a student typed their name slightly differently
a nickname was used
there’s a spelling or formatting difference
the student isn’t currently on your roster

Nothing is applied until you review these names.

Import preview screen with the review name mismatches link — Use the review link to open the mismatch resolution screen.

Open the name mismatch review

Start importing student picks as usual.
When you see the warning, click Review name mismatches.

This opens the Resolve name mismatches screen.

Resolve name mismatches modal with a table of options — Each mismatch is listed with options to match or add a new student.

Review each mismatched name

Each row shows:

the name from the spreadsheet
a dropdown to match to your roster
an option to Add as new

Match to an existing student

Use the dropdown under Match to roster to select the correct student.

This is the best choice when:

the name is a clear match (for example, “Ellie Quinn” → “Ellis Quinn”)
the student already exists in your roster

Match to roster dropdown opened with student list — Pick the correct student from your roster list.

Add as new

Check Add as new if this is a student who is not already on your roster.

ClassSeats will:

create a new student for this period
apply their picks to the new student

Name mismatch row with add as new checked — Add as new creates a roster entry for that student.

Leave unmatched

If you’re unsure or want to skip a name for now, leave it as Leave unmatched.

When you do this:

that student’s picks are skipped
no student is created or updated for that row

Apply the fixes

Review all mismatched names.
Click Apply Picks.

Apply Picks finalizes the mismatched name decisions.

Only after this step will the student picks be applied.

Tip: If you’re not sure whether a name belongs to a current student, it’s safer to leave it unmatched and fix it later than to match it incorrectly.