Distribution of PSU Scores for Dentistry Schools in Chile during 2012-2014.

Abstract

To describe distribution of applicants' scores in the University Selection Test (Prueba de Selección Universitaria, PSU) for dentistry in Chilean universities associated with the PSU test between 2012 and 2014. Methodology: A retrospective study based on the applicants' records to dentistry in universities associated with the PSU admission process from 2012 to 2014. Results: There were twenty careers, representing sixteen universities associated with the PSU process. From them, ten were private and ten traditional. Overall, 19,469 students applied and 6,105 were summoned to fill 4,828 vacancies during the period under study. There was a drop in the number of applicants per vacancy from 5.30 to 3.11 and the selection per quota rose from 1.23 to 1.32, varying mostly in private universities. The weighted average score was 662.78 ± 44.73 with a steady decline without differences regarding sex mostly in private universities. Conclusions: During 2012-2014, there were fewer candidates for dentistry, as well as lower scores primarily affecting private schools. Distribución de los puntajes PSU en la carrera de Odontología en Chile durante 2012-2014.Resumen: Describir la distribución de los puntajes PSU de los postulantes a odontología en las universidades chilenas adscritas al proceso PSU durante los años 2012 a 2014. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo a partir de los registros de postulantes a las carreras de odontología en universidades adscritas al proceso PSU en las admisiones 2012 a 2014. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 carreras, que representan a 16 universidades adscritas al proceso PSU, 10 de ellas privadas y 10 tradicionales En términos globales durante el período en estudio postularon 1.9469 personas, siendo 6.105 seleccionados en primer llamado para un total 4.828 cupos disponibles; se observa una disminución de los postulantes por cupo desde 5,30 a 3,11 y los llamados por cupo disponible subieron desde 1,23 a 1,32, variando mayormente en universidades privadas; el puntaje ponderado promedio fue 662,78 ±44,73 con una baja sostenida, mayor en universidades privadas y sin diferencias por sexo. Conclusiones: Durante el periodo 2012-2014 hubo menos postulantes a odontología, así como una baja de los puntajes que afecta principalmente a planteles privados. Palabras clave: Estudiantes de odontología, Chile, elección de carrera, admisión universitaria.

Evolution of application process to Dentistry in universities taking part of Prueba de Selección Universidad (PSU). Chile, 2012-2014.

“…The results of the second part of this research partially corroborate the overall results already published 7 . It is possible to see that some parameters follow the general trend but to a different extend, while it is the opposite for others.…”

“…This corresponds to a secondary analysis of a previously published study 7 at the national level. It is a descriptive study based on the records of applicants for dentistry programs in universities using the PSU for their admissions process during 2012, 2013 and 2014.…”

“…In this second part, the analysis per university was repeated at the national level in 2 stages 7 . In the first one, all postulants were included and the universities which did not have data for the entire period of analysis were excluded (Universidad Arturo Prat and and Universidad de La Serena).…”

“…However, the same professional saturation 3 is creating unemployment and low salaries that have an impact on the desirability of the program. The analysis of the applications and scores on the PSU during 2012 -2014 7 showed that there is a marked decrease (greater than 40%) of applicants to dental schools in universities using the PSU for their admission process. Besides, entry scores are lower, especially in private universities, which also accounts for the loss of interest in studying dentistry.…”

State of accreditation of undergraduate dental programs in Chile, 2015.

“…Future research in this area could help determine the relationship between length of accreditation and several other variables, such as admission scores 18,19 , scientific productivity 8 , training in research 20 , participation in student 21 or professional 22 conferences, accreditation of postgraduate programs, and fees 3 , among others.…”