Is the combination of Advanced Level aggregate, attempt, and IQ a better criteria for medical school selection?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Admission criteria to Sri Lankan medical faculties are based on the Advanced Level (AL) aggregate and district. The student's medical school performance at examinations (MSPE) does i not correlate well with their AL marks. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the association of medical school performance at examinations with IQ, AL aggregate and AL attempt. METHOD: The students of the first batch of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, were given Ravens IQ test during the final year. Subject marks in the first attempt at 2", 3rd and Final MBBS were extracted from the official records. Final MBBS total marks and grand total marks of all subjects, AL aggregate and the AL attempt were also recorded. Results were analysed using EPI 6. RESULTS: The AL aggregate did not have a significant correlation with MSPE either in the Final MBBS or with the grand total mark. A significant positive correlation was obtained between the mean IQ and the Final MBBS examination marks (p=0.006). Although there was a positive trend there was no significant correlation between the mean IQ and the grand total marks. The AL first attempt students fared significantly better in the Final MBBS (p~0.002) and throughout their undergraduate career (p=0.001).There was no significant correlation between AL attempt and IQ. CONCLUSIONS: Although traditionally AL marks are taken for university entrance, a higher mark at the AL did not correlate well with MSPE. IQ and AL attempt were better indicators of MSPE.