Which group is cited as saying that original undergraduate research will increase students' chances of being accepted to a top graduate program?

• A. Admissions Officers
• B. Academic Counselors
• C. Professors
• D. Employers

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is who emphasizes that doing original undergraduate research can boost a student’s chances of getting into a top graduate program. Academic counselors are the ones who typically guide students through the admissions process and highlight how a genuine research experience—especially one with original contributions—strengthens applications, personal statements, and recommendations. They understand how presenting strong research work signals independence, critical thinking, and scholarly potential that top programs seek. While professors value research, and admissions officers appreciate it in applications, the notion of actively promoting this link to improve graduate chances is most characteristic of academic counselors who coach students on building compelling, research-centered narratives. Employers focus on workplace skills, not graduate admissions, so they’re not the ones highlighted for this claim.