[throwaway421967]

But you were given "information about categories", Anything under 3 should be an auto-reject because it does not meet the standard.

"standard" usually implies that it's an outside rule from a regulatory body/certification agency that you need to conform to.

It's such a weird question to ask in the first place.

[s1artibartfast]

I dont think standard usually means codified. It is also frequently used to mean typical, or within expectation.

It this example, outside law or regulation on standard creativity and utility seem pretty unlikely.

There is also a pretty big difference between standard (singular) and standards (plural), where the latter is more likely to imply a set of minimum requirements.

[ang_cire]

The very first line item (Scale number 1) uses "standards" plural: "Far below standards"