Austin had a graduate school interview planned for March and his mother asked whether he planned on

Austin had a graduate school interview planned for March and his mother asked whether he planned on removing his facial piercings. Her replied, “Oh Mom, they will accept me or not accept me based on my credentials, not my looks.” What does Austin’s mom know that he doesn’t?*
a.   He will be taken less seriously if he dresses in a manner that conforms to the expectation of the profession.
b.   Piercings are the new “in” thing in graduate school
c.   He will be taken more seriously if he dresses in a manner that conforms to the expectation of the profession.
d.   His piercings will be irrelevant in the interview.