Academic and non-academic predictors of success on the Nottingham undergraduate medical course 1970-1995

Abstract

Objectives To identify academic and non‐academic predictors of success of entrants to the Nottingham medical course over the first 25 completed years of the course’s existence. Setting, design and main outcome measures Retrospective study of academic and non‐academic characteristics of 2270 entrants between 1970 and 1990, and their subsequent success. Analyses were undertaken of two cohorts (entrants between 1970 and 1985 and entrants between 1986 and 1990). Results Overall, 148 of 2270 (6·5%) entrants left the course, with the highest proportion being from the first 6 years (10·7%). Of the 148 leavers, 58 (39·2%) did so after obtaining their BMedSci degree. Concerning non‐academic factors, in the 1970–85 cohort, applicants from the later years and those not taking a year out were more successful. However, these two factors had no influence on outcome in 1986–90. In contrast, ethnicity and gender were highly significant predictors of success in obtaining honours at BMBS in 1986–90 but at no other exam nor in the earlier years. Older, mature or graduate entrants were more successful at obtaining a first‐class degree at BMedSci for the whole 21 years. However, they were less likely to be successful at passing the BMBS. With regard to academic factors, overall, A grades at Ordinary level/General Certificate of Secondary Education (O‐Level/GCSE) were inconsistent independent predictors of success. However, for 1986–90, high grades at O‐Level/GCSE chemistry and biology were strong independent predictors of success at BMedSci and BMBS. Very few Advanced level (A‐Level) criteria were independent predictors of success for 1970–85. In contrast, for 1986–90 entrants, achieving a high grade at A‐Level chemistry predicted success at obtaining a first‐class degree at BMedSci, and a high grade at A‐Level biology predicted success at BMBS. Over the 21 years, the majority of entrants achieved significantly lower grades at A‐Level than predicted. General Studies A‐Level was a poor predictor of achievement. Conclusions On balance our current GCSE A‐grade requirements should remain. Biology should be added to Chemistry as a compulsory A‐Level subject. If predicted A‐Level grades are borderline then the lower estimate should be used. General Studies should continue not to be used in selection. Performance of more recent mature entrants at BMBS needs further study. The recent gender and ethnic biases in obtaining honours at BMBS is currently being examined. The motivation of applicants planning to take deferred entry should be carefully explored at interview.

Factors affecting students performance on the National Ranking Examination in a French Medical School

“…Neither did we have information on personal motivation or learning styles, which have been reported to predict success in medical school [13][14][15][16]. We had no data on high school performance.…”

Exploring the underperformance of male and minority ethnic medical students in first year clinical examinations

“…For example, ME and male students have been found to score lower in final clinical and written examinations (Liddell & Koritas, 2004;Koenig et al, 1998;Lumb & Vail, 2004;Xu et al, 1993) be less likely to achieve honours in a medical degree (James & Chilvers, 2001), and be more likely to fail final examinations compared to their female and White counterparts (Dillner, 1995;McManus et al, 1996;Wass et al, 2003). In Australia, students of Aboriginal and Torres Island origin were more likely to be rated "unsatisfactory" in first year medical examinations compared to students of European origin (Kay-Lambkin et al, 2002).…”

Examination of Relationships of Scores Obtained in Grades 10 and 12 with the Entry and Success in Undergraduate Medical Education

“…Some researchers have found results in their studies that females perform better in medical courses. 4,14,15 Students scoring less than 50 % (in aggregate of physics, chemistry, biology and English) were by default excluded from the study as the eligibility criteria do not allow them to apply for. Given a chance to study MBBS, possibility of doing better by them is unanswered.…”