change format - incorrectly turns format to date

[melendezml]

I downloaded a csv file of some student data.
The data below displays the number of students in a class.
For example, the first row displays 20 students out of 28.
Excel automatically converts some of the values to date such as 28-Jan (should be 1/28)
How can I fix this? When I change the values to text it converts the date to its numerical value 41667 for 28-Jan. Ideally I don't even care for the denominator. I just want it to give me the total number of students (numerator). Any help is appreciated.

20/28

30/28

29/28

28-Jan

32/28

26/28

93/175

100/175

28-May

28-Jan

28-Jul

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[iliace]

If you use Data -> Get External Data -> From Text, you will be presented with the Text-to-Columns wizard. You have the option, in the very last step, to choose the data type; select Text to avoid Excel turning your values into dates automatically.

 

[melendezml]

I am creating a macro for others to just paste the data and run the macro.
Can I get 'external' data from one sheet to another from the same workbook?

 

[melendezml]

I tried it and selected text at the end and it still defaulted to date... ):

 

[melendezml]

I neglected to select the column I was trying to apply the setting of text.
IT WORKED!!!!
THANKS!
I even selected the external data to be form within the same worksheet!
Awesome!

 

[iliace]

So everything works well? If so, congratulations! I'm glad I could help. Post back here if anything else comes up.