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Configuring a Dropdown Question

A Dropdown question allows users to select a single option from a predefined list. This question type is ideal when you want to present multiple choices while minimizing space on the form.

Adding a Dropdown Question
  1. Navigate to the desired section of your form.
  2. Select Add Question.
  3. Select Dropdown from the Question Type dropdown.
  4. Configure the available settings.
  5. Select Save.

Configuration Options

Question Text

The question or prompt displayed to users.

Example:

  • What is your current education level?
  • Which program are you applying for?
  • Select your country of residence.

Predefined Options

Allows you to select from a predefined list of options already available within the platform.

Common Uses:

  • Countries
  • Provinces/States
  • Common selection lists

Tip: Using predefined options can save time and help ensure consistency across forms.


Question Configuration

The Question Configuration section is used to define the dropdown options available to users.

To add an option:

  1. Select Add Option.
  2. Enter a Value Saved.
  3. Enter a Value Displayed.
  4. Repeat as needed for additional options.

Value Saved

The value stored within the system when the option is selected.

Example:

Value Saved Value Displayed
UG Undergraduate Student
GR Graduate Student
DOC Doctoral Student

In this example, the system stores "UG" while displaying "Undergraduate Student" to users.

Best Practice: Use concise and consistent saved values for reporting and integrations.


Value Displayed

The text shown to users within the dropdown menu.

Example:

  • Undergraduate Student
  • Graduate Student
  • Doctoral Student

Best Practice: Use clear, user-friendly language that applicants can easily understand.


Reordering Options

Options can be reordered by dragging and dropping them into the desired sequence.

Common Uses:

  • Presenting options alphabetically
  • Prioritizing frequently selected options
  • Organizing responses logically

Mandatory Field

Determines whether users must select an option before submitting.

Enabled

  • Users must select a value.

Disabled

  • Users may leave the question unanswered.

Required for Draft Submission

Determines whether users must select an option before saving a submission as a draft.

Enabled

  • Users cannot save a draft without making a selection.

Disabled

  • Users can save a draft and return later.

Note: This setting is typically used only for critical information required early in the submission process.


Required Field Message

The message displayed when a user attempts to submit without selecting a required option.

Example Messages:

  • Please select an option.
  • This field is required.
  • A selection is required before continuing.

Help Hover Text

Additional instructions displayed when users hover over the help icon.

Example Uses:

  • Select the option that best describes your current status.
  • Choose only one response.
  • Contact the program administrator if your option is not listed.

Best Practice: Use Help Hover Text to clarify how users should make their selection.


Hide Question From Reviewers

Determines whether reviewers can view the question and selected response.

Enabled

  • The question and response are hidden from reviewers.

Disabled

  • Reviewers can view the question and response.

Common Uses:

  • Internal administrative fields
  • Workflow tracking
  • Information not relevant to the review process

Hide Question From Submitters

Determines whether submitters can view the question.

Enabled

  • The question is hidden from submitters.
  • The question can still be viewed and completed by administrators, if applicable.

Disabled

  • The question is visible to submitters.

Important: When using an E-Reference question type, this setting must be enabled. E-Reference questions are intended to be completed by reference providers and should not be visible to applicants.

Common Uses:

  • E-Reference questions
  • Internal administrator-only fields
  • Workflow tracking information
  • Administrative notes


Best Practices
  • Use Dropdown questions when users should select only one option from a list.
  • Use predefined options whenever possible to maintain consistency.
  • Keep displayed option labels clear and easy to understand.
  • Use short, standardized values for saved data.
  • Arrange options in a logical order to improve the user experience.
  • If there are only a few options available (for example, Yes/No), consider using a Multiple Choice question instead.