V02-11

Official Solution:


Proponents of the Application Central website (ApCenWeb) claim that a single, standardized application valid for all graduate programs in the state will streamline the selection process by collecting student information into a single database. The proposed changes should not be made, however, because ApCenWeb is not yet flexible enough for students to present their strongest credentials to the varied programs specific to each university. A standardized application will, in fact, penalize students by making them unable to present their unique aptitudes for fields as divergent as engineering and visual arts.

Which of the following statements, if true, will most strengthen the argument against a standardized graduate school application?


A. The ApCenWeb interface is simple and straightforward, assuring that students interested in all programs will access the application easily.
B. Engineering and visual arts, though different from each other, are both popular graduate programs.
C. The board of directors of one of the largest state universities has expressed reluctance to join the Application Central organization.
D. ApCenWeb offers no option to submit additional materials, such as painting or photography samples for students applying to visual arts programs.
E. The ApCenWeb software is still being developed, and programmers are concentrating especially on solving problems with uploading documents.


Situation:An opponent of the proposed standardized online application for the state's graduate program is building an argument against its implementation.

Reasoning: Which point strengthens the argument against a standardized online application? The author of the passage acknowledges the goal of the website (to streamline the selection process), but offers a specific reason why the plan will not work: students do not have the flexibility to include materials specific to fields that have little in common, such as engineering and visual arts.

A. This is a potential argument in support of ApCenWeb.

B. Discussion of the relative popularity of graduate programs does not directly address the benefits or shortcomings of ApCenWeb.

C. The reason for the board's reluctance is not included, and may have nothing to do with the author's argument regarding flexibility.

D. CORRECT. This is a specific example of the software's lack of flexibility preventing students from distinguishing themselves according to program. In this case, students applying to visual arts programs would be unable to submit samples of their work.

E. This option creates doubt in the trustworthiness of ApCenWeb software, but does not address the question of flexibility.


Answer: D