Advances in Medical Education and Practice (Oct 2022)
Prediction of Admission Tests for Medical Students’ Academic Performance
Abstract
Abdulaziz Althewini,1,2 Noof Al Baz2,3 1English Language, College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 2King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 3Medical Education, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Noof Al Baz, Medical Education, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, P.O. Box 3660, Riyadh, 11481, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 11 429 9999 Ext. 91070, Email [email protected]; [email protected]: Medical educators are concerned about predicting standardized tests for students’ academic performance in medical colleges. This study, in Saudi Arabia, attempted to analyze the predictive validity of two local standardized tests (GAT and SAAT) for students’ performance in the first two years and basic and advanced science courses. This study is unique since it focuses on comparing the prediction of both tests between the two years and examining the difference in students’ performance in basic and advanced science courses.Methods: Data of 650 students included GAT and SAAT scores, GPA in the first and second year, and average basic and advanced science courses validated through students’ college ID.Results: Results show that both GAT and SAAT significantly predict medical students’ GPA with sufficient strength (ie, R2 =27% and 28% for the first and second years). It also indicates that GAT and SAAT are significant predictors of students’ academic performance in their basic and advanced science courses with an acceptable strength (ie, R2= 27% for the basic science course, and R2= 22% for advanced science course).Discussion: Based on these results, the study concludes about the necessity of having more accurate and relevant admission criteria for medical colleges.Keywords: medical educator, Standard Achievement Admission Test, General Aptitude Test, Cumulative Grade Point Average
