1. Pivot Tables to the Rescue!
Excel Tips & Tricks for FAA’s
2018 ILASFAA Annual Conference: Celebrating the superhero in all of us!

2. Training materials
This session is interactive and will be guided by your participation. Access to internet, laptop, and excel is advised for this presentation.
Please download files ahead of time online from: ILASFAA EXCEL WORKSHOP Google Drive folder

3. Filters are your Friends
Good for data with Column headers
Quick Counts
Easy Sorts
Be wary of over filtering and mixing up your data

4. Freeze Panes & Duplicate Values
Use Freeze Panes to Review Data easily
Identify and Remove Duplicate Values
Conditional Formatting for easy identification

5. Formulas are only logical
Use formulas to not only do simple math, but identify issues with your data
“IF” logic can be very useful in comparing data
Copy and paste as value to make it usable for other tools such as Pivot Tables
For fixed Data Points, click on value in formula and hit “F4”

6. The Power of the VLOOKUP
=VLOOKUP(lookup value, Table Array, Column Index Number, Range Lookup)
Handy when comparing data
The sheet where you have the data that is being “looked up” will need to have the identifier (usually your student ID) in the first column (Column A)
Use ISNA formula to omit any NA’s
Copy and paste as values once done to make useable for other formulas and tools

7. Pivot Tables are where the MAGIC Happens
Select sheet containing data
Under Insert in the Menu Ribbon, Click on ‘Insert Pivot Tables’
Make sure that New Worksheet is selected in the pop up and click ‘OK’
Select Pivot Table Fields you want to report on

8. Garbage in, Garbage out
Your data is only as good as how well you maintain it
When working with a large amount of data and complex formulas, block off time on your calendar to concentrate
Watch out for sorting/filtering issues, and check the math!

9. When in doubt… GOOGLE IT!
If you think there is an easier way to do it, chances are, there is! Google is one of the best resources for finding formulas and methods to make your life easier.

10. Questions???
Michelle Ortiz Wortel
Assistant Director
Chicago Office of Financial Aid
Northwestern University