Admission Exam and Preparatory Year Scores’ Association with Performance in Basic Science Courses in Health Science Colleges

Abstract

Background: In King Abdulaziz University, medical and health science schools depend on admission exams (Aptitude and Achievement) and Preparatory year scores in their students’ selection. However, with the growing number of applicants and the drastic changes in teaching and assessment in these colleges continuous assessment and development of admission criteria are needed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation of admission exam scores, in addition to the Preparatory year GPA, with academic performance in the basic science subjects such as Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology in health science colleges.Methods: The study was conducted on four cohort studies, two faculty of nursing cohorts; Nursing students (2017-2018,n=146) Nursing students (2018-2019,n=81), and two faculty of applied medical sciences cohorts, C.Nutrition students (2017-2018,n=33), C.Nutrition students (2018-2019,n=28) .The students’ scores of GAT, SAAT, and preparatory year GPA were all recorded at the beginning of each semester before the beginning of courses. Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology exam results were recorded at the end of the semester. Correlation was done for each cohort and all cohorts pooled. Results: Results showed that there was no significant correlation between admission exams scores and the students ‘academic achievement in Clinical Pharmacology, and with only a weak correlation detected between SAAT and the overall achievement in Clinical Biochemistry ( r= 0.192*, P= 0.042) in Nursing students (2017-2018). On the other hand Clinical Pharmacology exam results showed a significant positive correlation with Clinical Biochemistry results (r=0.688, P=0.000). Conclusion: Our results could indicate the need to revisit the admission criteria for these colleges. Furthermore, specific preparatory year tracks for health science colleges can ensure that students improve the specific skills and knowledge required for their future college years.