Predictors of Academic Performance of Medical Students of University of the Philippines College of Medicine: Class 1990 to Class 2013 Lateral Entrants

Abstract

Background: The criteria for admission at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) are 60 percent premed general weighted average grade (%PMGWAG), 30 percent National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) scores and 10 percent Interview Scores. Through the years, because of the highly competitive nature of the selection process, the admissions cut-offs in PMGWAG and average NMAT have continuously risen.

Objectives: This study covering a 24 year period, aimed to determine the correlation and predictive value between the admissions criteria (%PMGWAG, NMAT, and Interview Score) with academic performance parameters (Percent Medical General Weighted Average Grade or %MGWAG and Class Ranking) and Board Rating.

Methods: The pre-admission and academic records of accepted lateral entrants from Class 1990 to Class 2013 were retrieved, reviewed and analyzed. These included the pre-med GWAG (%PMGWAG), NMAT and Interview Scores, Med GWAG (%MGWAG), Class Ranking and Board Rating. Pearsons Correlation and Multiple Linear regression analysis were done.

Results: All criteria (%PMGWAG, NMAT, Interview Score) for admissions were correlated with the academic performance parameters (%MGWAG, Class Rank) and Board Rating. The strongest correlation was observed in %PMGWAG with %MGWAG and Class Rank. Interview score correlated weakly with the academic performance. Strong correlations between %MGWAG, Class Rank, and Board Rating were likewise observed. Rank upon admission also correlated strongly with Class Rank upon graduation. On linear regression analysis, %PMGWAG and NMAT were more predictive of %MGWAG, Class Rank and Board Rating.

Conclusion: The weight distribution of the different admissions criteria should be adjusted accordingly. Interview score, a weak predictor of academic performance and a measure of non-cognitive traits, should be treated separately and independently as an admission criterion.