MCAT, GPA does not predict performance on Board Exams

[cholecalciferol]

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I came across an interesting study that should put all the applicants at ease.

Baker et al. found that there was no correlation between pre-admission GPA and MCAT and performance on the COMLEX board exam. The only real set back to the study was the small sample size only 66 and it was done only at one location, West Virginia College of Osteo. Med
http://www.am-osteo-assn.org/Publications/JAOA/jaoa.htm

Buried in the study was also data from U of Kentucky School of Medicine. Similar results were found, that is very low correlation between pre-admission GPA (r=0.33) and MCAT score (r=0.36) and performance on the USMLE step I

A correlation coefficient 'r' of 1 means perfect predictive power of one variable against another, while a value of 0 indicates no predictive power. A strong correlation requires r values >0.75


Even more interesting is that the verbal section of the MCAT had the lowest correlation or prediction of performance on the USMLE (r=0.33)
The writing sample was a joke, no predictive power what so ever (r=0.14)


What this study (and others like it) suggest is that your ability while in medical school is a better indicator of success on board exams than your undergrad GPA & MCAT score.

So don't despair if you get a low verbal score, the section that seems to give everyone trouble.

This makes me wonder, if the MCAT is so lousy at predicting performance on the board exam, why adcom still place so much emphasis on it?

[This message has been edited by cholecalciferol (edited 07-01-2000).]

 

[youngjock]

Like I have said it before, I believe that given enough time and study, everyone can imporve his/her own MCAT scores.

after that improvement, the same person still remains. His/her brain structure will remain the same.

it is just those right wing's conspriracy.

 

[reed0104]

I agree.

Let's all have a group hug and the pre-meds that hug the nicest (as determined by a group of grandmas) get to go to med school.

 

[MRF1366]

Youngjock, your propensity for making *****ic statements never ceases to amaze me.

Of course you still have the same brain. What Med schools want to see is that you have the ABILITY to study hard and improve your score. That shows drive, motivation, determination, as well as intelligence. Get it? Stop blaming it on conspiracies, and just suck it up and study for the stupid test like you've never studied before!