Correlation of medical school admissions criteria and performance of undergraduate students in academic and clinical examinations

Sartania, N. (2011) Correlation of medical school admissions criteria and performance of undergraduate students in academic and clinical examinations. In: AMEE 2011, Vienna, Austria, 27-31 August 2011,

Abstract

Background: Aims of the study were to determine: 1. Whether UKCAT adds value to the process of selection for Medicine in Glasgow; 2. whether the test has a predictive validity with regards to academic and clinical performance; 3. to inform the current debate on its validity, fairness in selectio n and whether the inclusion of this test in admissions criteria has contributed, as hoped, to the widening participation agenda.<p></p> Summary of work: It is a cohort study and students enrolled in it represent the first cohort admitted to Glasgow that took the UKCAT. Data were available for 77% of students in this cohort and analysed with SPSS 18.0 for Windows. Descriptive statistics were used to describe various characteristics, while the relationship between UKCAT scores and other measured continuous variable s were analysed using multiple regression analysis to predict the effect of UKCAT on examination scores.<p></p> Summary of results: UKCAT was a significant predictor of written exam scores in Years 1-3 amongst the students accepted to Glasgow, but there was no correlation with the scores for clinical examination. Conclusions: UKCAT might correlate better with exam scores where cognitive abilities are assessed and indeed provide a proxy for A levels in the selection process.<p></p> Take home messages: More research and time is needed to validate the test.<p></p>

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sartania, Professor Nana
• Authors: Sartania, N.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing