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Overview

The Snapp Data Standard XSD supports the inclusion of file attachments in the AttachedFiles entity. Providers can use this construct to include files commonly found in scholarship applications such as a transcript, a portrait of the student, and so forth.

The AttachedFiles entity is optional. The Snapp XSD supports 0-n attachments.

Details

This section contains usage notes and detail about the elements in the AttachedFiles entity:

Table of Contents
maxLevel2
minLevel2
exclude.*Contents.*

General Note: File Size

The Snapp XSD specifies no technical limits on the number or size of attachments. This raises an issue for API implementers. If the overall Snapp XML data file can contain multiple files and/or very large files, system designers have to consider issues like resuming dropped connections

The Snapp community, and the Snapp Central API addresses these issues by convention.

  • The Snapp Central API does not send attachments by default. Implementers must provide the header value to the Snapp Central API when receiving a file. Implementers may implement the same behavior when sending files to Snapp Central. Snapp Central will be prepared to accept attachments in any exchange, so this is optional.
  • Snapp Central limits individual file sizes to 5mb and the overall Snapp XSD file to YY. Implementers that interact with Snapp Central MUST to do the same when sending to Snapp. Implementers SHOULD do the same if they support transfer with other organizations. 

General Note: Virus Scanning

Implementers are strongly encouraged to scan files for viruses prior to sending attachments – and upon receipt or first use of files received.

AttachedFile.FileName

Required. The name of the attached file. 

Generally includes the file extension (e.g., StudentNamePortrait.png).

AttachedFile.FileNameExtension

Required. The file name extension used to indicate the file type (and type of application used to open the file). For example, PDF for a Portable Data Format document, DOC or DOCX for a Microsoft Word document, and so forth.

  • Case-insensitive. 
  • Omit the leading dot (i.e., DOCX not .DOCX). 

AttachedFile.FileDescription

The FileDescription element is defined by the AttachedFileTypeList enumeration. Many of the types are, by design, general in nature, usually where implementers have requested the ability to exchange a type of attachment but where norms aren't established in the application space.

By convention, the following usage is recommended for each type:

Enumeration ValueDescriptionUsage Notes
AudioAny audio file.General-purpose type.
College Board CSS PROFILE - DataThe College Scholarship Service PROFILE data from College Board. Detailed financial information typically used by private universities to determine an applicant's financial need.This CSS PROFILE type is used to convey a machine-readable version of the PROFILE. College Board provides this information as XML. Student applicants will typically not upload this file themselves. Programs should only provide this file if they have the rights to do so.
College Board CSS PROFILE - PrintableSame as above, only human-readable.This CSS PROFILE type is used to convey a human-readable version of the PROFILE information.
Degree CertificateA file or image of a degree proving attainment of a degree.Typically a PDF or image type.
Diploma CertificateA file or image of a certificate of graduation.Typically a PDF or image type.
FAFSAA file copy of a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid information. Used by most public institutions and many private institutions to establish financial need.

Typically a PDF.

See USDoE MyStudentData File for a machine-readable version of this information.

Formal Student Portrait - Large

A formal portrait of the applicant. Typically:

  • Is professionally produced
  • Is on a neutral background or backdrop
  • Has only the student in the frame

Typically an image file type such as JPG, PNG. Can be a GIF, but that doesn't help the complexion.

Contrast with Informal Picture of Student.

Formal Student Portrait - SmallSame as above, only smaller file size.

Typically a small image file type such as JPG, PNG, GIF.

Contrast with Informal Picture of Student.

Informal Picture of StudentA selfie, snapshot, or other informal picture of the student.Contrast with the two Formal Student Portrait items above.
Medical DocumentAny medical document.For all practical purposes, a general-purpose type. (X-rays? Doctors' notes? Admission form?)
PictureAny picture.General-purpose type.
Portfolio DocumentAn example of an applicant's work.Can be any human-readable document type. Typically PDF.
Proof of AchievementAn award, certificate, affidavit, or other proof of an applicant's achievement.Can be any human-readable document type.
Proof of EmploymentA letter from an employer, pay stub, or other proof that the applicant is employed.Can be any human-readable document type. Typically PDF.
Recommendation/Reference LetterA letter of recommendation or reference on behalf of the applicant. Typically a formal letter from an institution.Can be any human-readable document type. Typically PDF.
School Acceptance LetterEvidence that an applicant has been accepted into a particular school or program. Typically contains the word "congratulations" somewhere in the text.Can be any human-readable document type. Typically PDF.
Student Aid Report (SAR)The Student Aid Report summarizes the information an applicant submits on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.Can be any human-readable document type. Typically PDF.
TranscriptThe student's academic history.Can be any human-readable document type. Typically PDF.
USDoE MyStudentData File

A downloadable version of the FAFSA information available from the U.S. Department of Education.

For information on the MyStudentData program, see this page.

A CSV data file.
VideoAny video file.General-purpose type.
OtherA type not found in the above categories (or worthy of additional explanation).The AttachedFileType.FileOtherDesc element can convey a description of the file. By convention, implementers should always include a FileOtherDesc when Other is selected.

AttachedFile.FileOtherDescription

Free-form description of the attached file.

By convention, can be used even if the "Other" value in the FileDescription enumeration is not selected.

AttachedFile.File

Required. The attached file data, encoded as MIME base64.

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