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Configuring a Vertical Multiple Choice Question

A Vertical Multiple Choice question allows users to select a single option from a list of choices displayed vertically.

This question type is ideal when there are several options to choose from, when option labels are longer, or when readability is important.

Adding a Vertical Multiple Choice Question

  1. Navigate to the desired section of your form.

  2. Select Add Question.

  3. Select Vertical Multiple Choice 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 category best describes your project?

  • How did you hear about this opportunity?

Predefined Options

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

Common Uses:

  • Education Levels

  • Program Categories

  • Geographic Regions

  • Standardized Response Sets

Tip: Using predefined options helps maintain consistency across forms and reduces setup time.

Question Configuration

The Question Configuration section is used to define the answer choices 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

HS

High School

UG

Undergraduate

GR

Graduate

DOC

Doctoral

In this example, the system stores the abbreviated value while displaying a more descriptive option to users.

Best Practice: Use short, standardized values to simplify reporting and data exports.

Value Displayed

The text shown to users when making their selection.

Example:

  • High School

  • Undergraduate

  • Graduate

  • Doctoral

Best Practice: Use clear, user-friendly labels that are easy for users to understand.

Reordering Options

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

Common Uses:

  • Alphabetical ordering

  • Educational progression

  • Priority-based ordering

Mandatory Field

Determines whether users must select an option before submitting.

Enabled

  • Users must select one option.

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 when the information is required early in the application process.

Required Field Message

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

Example Messages:

  • Please select an option.

  • A response is required before continuing.

  • This question must be completed.

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 the most appropriate category.

  • Only one option may be selected.

Best Practice: Use Help Hover Text when additional clarification may help users make the correct 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

  • Information not required during evaluation

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

Common Use Cases

Vertical Multiple Choice questions are commonly used for:

  • Education Levels

  • Program Categories

  • Applicant Status

  • Membership Types

  • Industry Sectors

  • Demographic Information

  • Survey Questions

Vertical Multiple Choice vs. Horizontal Multiple Choice

Question Type

Best Used For

Horizontal Multiple Choice

Small sets of short options, such as Yes/No or rating scales.

Vertical Multiple Choice

Larger sets of options or options with longer labels.

Vertical layouts improve readability and are often easier to use when there are more than a few options available.

Vertical Multiple Choice vs. Dropdown

Question Type

Best Used For

Vertical Multiple Choice

When you want users to see all available options at once.

Dropdown

When you need to conserve space on the form.

If users may benefit from viewing all options before making a selection, a Vertical Multiple Choice question is often the better choice.

Best Practices

  • Use Vertical Multiple Choice when users should select only one option.

  • Choose this question type when option labels are long or when there are multiple choices to display.

  • Use predefined options whenever possible to maintain consistency.

  • Arrange options in a logical order.

  • Keep option labels clear and descriptive.

  • Consider using a Dropdown when screen space is limited.