Statement: A university’s admissions committee must choose between two equally qualified applicants for the final spot in a competitive program. One applicant has higher test scores but limited extracurricular activities. The other has slightly lower scores but extensive community service and leadership experience. Committee members are deadlocked. What decision-making approach should resolve this tie?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is the third option: "Review the program's mission and learning objectives to determine which candidate is a better match."
The third option is the most appropriate because it is an institutionally logical approach. A university or course has a specific mission. If the course is entirely research and academic-focused, the candidate with the highest marks will receive preference. If the course focuses on leadership and social impact, the latter will. Therefore, matching the institution's goals is the most appropriate decision approach.
Options 1 and 2 are one-sided and do not resolve the tie between the committees fairly.
Option 4 (creating additional seats) is not always practical or feasible because seats are limited.