Sociodemographic and academic characteristics of the admission profile of students, faculty of dentistry, University of Costa Rica 2007-2014 / Características sociodemográficas y académicas del perfil de ingreso de estudiantes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Costa Rica 2007-2014

The objective of this research was to determine some of the sociodemographic and academic characteristics of the students who entered the Dentistry career in the period 2007 to 2014. Data was collected from 673 student files. The variables considered were sex, admission age, marital status, children, nationality, place of origin, high school of origin, and admission exam score. The data was obtained from the database of the Student Applications System, the physical files, and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica. Descriptive statistics were performed, establishing the absolute and relative frequency of the variables. The Mann-Whitney test was used to determine if there were statistically significant differences between the admission exam and the established sociodemographic variables (p<0,05, IC 95%). 68,4% of the students are female. The average age was 18.4 years (SD=2,41). 99,0% of the students are from Costa Rica. 99,3% were single and only 0,9% had children. The largest number of students entered through an admission exam (78.9%) and 50.7% studied at a public high school. Regarding the address, 77.9% of the subjects resided in the Greater Metropolitan Area. The average grade of the admission exam was 613,8 (SD=49,95). There was a statistically significant difference between the entrance exam grade and the different types of high schools of origin. The group of students who entered to train as Dentists at the University of Costa Rica from 2007 to 2014 was a population with an average age of entry of 18,4 years, Costa Rican, predominantly female, single, without children, from geographic areas within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GMA), graduated from public schools with an average admission exam grade of 612,2.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar algunas de las características sociodemográficas y académicas de los estudiantes que ingresaron a la carrera de Odontología en el período 2007 al 2014. Se recopilaron los datos de 673 expedientes de los estudiantes. Las variables consideradas fueron: sexo, edad de ingreso, estado civil, hijos, nacionalidad, lugar de procedencia, colegio de procedencia y nota de examen de admisión. Los datos se obtuvieron de la base de datos del Sistema de Aplicaciones Estudiantiles (SAE), los expedientes físicos y del Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones de Costa Rica. Se realizó estadística descriptiva estableciendo la frecuencia absoluta y relativa de las variables. Se empleó el test de Mann Whitney para determinar si existían diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el examen de admisión y las variables sociodemográficas establecidas (p<0,05, IC 95%). El 68,4% de los estudiantes pertenecen al sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue de 18,4 años (DS=2,41). El 99,0% de los discentes son de nacionalidad costarricense. El 99,3% eran solteros y sólo el 0,9% tenían hijos. La mayor cantidad de estudiantes ingresaron por examen de admisión (78,9%) y el 50,7% cursó sus estudios en un colegio público. Respecto al domicilio, el 77,9% de los sujetos residían en el Gran Área Metropolitana. El promedio de nota del examen de admisión fue de 613,8 (DS=49,95). Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la nota del examen de admisión y los diferentes tipos de colegios de procedencia. El grupo de estudiantes que ingresaron a formarse como Odontólogos en la Universidad de Costa Rica en el periodo de 2007 al 2014 fue una población con un promedio una edad de ingreso de 18,4 años predominantemente femenina, costarricense, soltera, sin hijos, proveniente de áreas geográficas dentro del Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM), egresadas de colegios públicos con un promedio de nota de examen de admisión de 612,2.

Strategies and thoughts on the homogenization training of specialized nurse teachers / 中国实用护理杂志

To analyze and summary the setting of admission standards, training methods and certification and assessment methods of specialized nursing teachers, in order to lay the foundation for the homogenization training of specialized nursing teachers in China, and at the same time, provide guarantee for the improvement of the homogenization level of national specialized nursing training bases.

Características del ingreso y resultados académicos en estudiantes de primer año de Medicina / Characteristics of admission and academic results in first-year medical students

RESUMEN Fundamento: la identificación de factores que influyen en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes constituye un pilar importante para el perfeccionamiento del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje. Objetivo: analizar el desempeño académico de los estudiantes previo a su ingreso en la educación superior y en su primer año de estudios. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo con estudiantes que matricularon como nuevo ingreso en el primer año de Medicina, durante los cursos escolares 2017-2018 y 2018-2019. Las variables principales empleadas fueron el género, los resultados de exámenes de ingreso, índice académico y de escalafón. A partir de las calificaciones en las asignaturas de las ciencias básicas biomédicas se realizó la clasificación en rendimiento académico alto, medio, bajo y deficiente. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y de asociación entre las variables del estudio. Resultados: se constató que tanto en hembras como en varones el número de estudiantes con rendimiento académico en ciencias básicas es bajo, con índice académico menor de 90; los que desaprobaron duplican o triplican el número de los aprobados. Se observó correlación positiva entre el índice de escalafón y la nota promedio de ciencias básicas al final del primer año de la carrera. Conclusiones: en los estudiantes de primer año de Medicina se reconoció un bajo nivel académico en las ciencias básicas, en el que influyeron los resultados de la enseñanza precedente.

ABSTRACT Background: the identification of factors that influence the academic performance of students constitutes an important pillar for the improvement of the teaching-learning process. Objective: to analyze the academic performance of students prior to entering higher education and in their first year of studies. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with students who enrolled as a new student in the first year of Medicine, during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years. The main variables used were gender, entrance exam results, academic index and ranking. Based on the grades in the subjects of basic biomedical sciences, the classification was made into high, average, low and poor academic performance. A descriptive and association analysis was performed among the study variables. Results: it was found that in both males and females the number of students with academic performance in basic sciences is low, with an academic index of less than 90; those who flunked double or triple the number of those who passed. A positive correlation was observed between the ranking index and the average grade in basic sciences at the end of the first year of the degree. Conclusions: in the first-year medical students, a low academic level was recognized in the basic sciences, which was influenced by the results of the previous teaching.

Overview of International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines of World Health Organization / 中草药

International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines (IRCH) was established in 2006, and became an official agency of WHO in 2017. The development history after IRCH founded, organization framework, term of reference, workflow and requirements for joining IRCH, and current priorities of IRCH were systematically introduced. At the same time, combining to the work priorities of IRCH, China should actively participate in the relevant works of IRCH from the following aspects, such as the establishment of international herbal medicine standards, compilation of WHO herbal pharmacopoeia, evidence-based research on herbal medicine, and data information collection of herbal drugs. The participation on IRCH work could contribute to the development of traditional Chinese medicine in the global market.

Preadmission predictors of graduation success from a physical therapy education program in the United States / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: The field of physical therapy education is seeking an evidence-based approach for admitting qualified applicants, as previous research has assessed various outcomes, impeding practical application. This study was conducted to identify preadmission criteria predictive of graduation success. METHODS: Data from the 2013–2016 graduating cohorts (n=149) were collected. Predictors included verbal Graduate Record Examination rank percentile (VGRE%), quantitative GRE rank percentile, analytical GRE rank percentile, the admissions interview, precumulative science grade point average (SGPA), precumulative grade point average (UGPA), and a reflective essay. The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and grade point average at the time of graduation (GGPA) were used as measures of graduation success. Two separate mixed-effects models determined the associations of preadmission predictors with NPTE performance and GGPA. RESULTS: The NPTE model fit comparison showed significant results (degrees of freedom [df]=10, P=0.001), decreasing within-cohort variance by 59.5%. NPTE performance was associated with GGPA (β=125.21, P=0.001), and VGRE%, the interview, the essay, and GGPA (P≤0.001) impacted the model fit. The GGPA model fit comparison did not show significant results (df=8, P=0.56), decreasing within-cohort variance by 16.4%. The GGPA was associated with the interview (β=0.02, P=0.04) and UGPA (β=0.25, P=0.04), and VGRE%, the interview, UGPA, and the essay (P≤0.02) impacted model fit. CONCLUSION: In our findings, GGPA predicted NPTE performance, and the interview and UGPA predicted GGPA. Unlike past evidence, SGPA showed no predictive power. The essay and VGRE% warrant attention because of their influence on model fit. We recommend that admissions ranking matrices place a greater weight on the interview, UGPA, VGRE%, and the essay.

Perfil de ingreso de los estudiantes de la Licenciatura en Enfermería en una Institución de Educación Superior / Entry profile of students of the Nursing Degree in a Higher Education Institution

Resumen

Introducción: en la medida en que el sistema de educación superior logre tener mayor información sobre el perfil de los estudiantes, autoridades y profesores estarán en mejores condiciones de cumplir con los objetivos esenciales de la educación.

Objetivo: describir y analizar las características de los estudiantes que ingresan a la Licenciatura en Enfermería en una institución de educación superior.

Metodología: estudio transversal analítico, con 469 alumnos de dos generaciones, previo consentimiento informado se aplicó un cuestionario sobre las características personales, familiares, socioeconómicas y escolares. El análisis fue con el programa estadístico SPSS versión 21, Chi cuadrada y t de student.

Resultados: se encontró asociación entre el sentirse a gusto con la Licenciatura en Enfermería y la elección de la carrera p = 0.000; así como con el deseo de cambiarse de carrera p = 0.000 y con el deseo de estudiar un posgrado en Enfermería p = 0.014. No existe relación entre el promedio del bachillerato y el sexo de los alumnos p = 0.108, con el deseo del alumno para realizar estudios de posgrado p = 0.032, con el espacio para el estudio en casa p = 0.064, ni con el acceso a Internet p = 0.822.

Conclusiones: los factores que facilitan u obstaculizan al estudiante en su tránsito por la licenciatura son: el promedio de bachillerato, las horas de estudio y el gusto por la carrera; así como: el nivel socioeconómico bajo y el grado académico y ocupación de los padres.

Abstract

Introduction: To the extent that the higher education system achieves greater information on the profile of students, authorities and teachers will be better able to meet the essential objectives of education.

Objective: Describe and analyze the characteristics of the students that enter the Nursing Degree in a Higher Education Institution.

Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study, with 469 students from two generations, with prior informed consent, a questionnaire was applied on personal, family, socioeconomic and school characteristics. The analysis was with the SPSS version 21, Chi squared test and Student t test.

Results: An association was found between feeling comfortable with the nursing degree and the choice of career p = 0.000; as well as, with the desire to change career p = 0.000 and with the desire to study a postgraduate nursing degree p = 0.014. There is no relationship between the average of the baccalaureate and the sex of the students p = 0.108; with the desire of the student to carry out postgraduate studies p = 0.032; with the space for home study p = 0.064; and with the Internet access p = 0.822.

Conclusions: The factors that facilitate or hinder the student in their transition through the bachelor's degree are: the high school average, the hours of study and the taste for the career; as well as, the low socioeconomic level and the academic degree and occupation of the parents.

A novel tool for evaluating non-cognitive traits of doctor of physical therapy learners in the United States / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to develop a survey addressing an individual's non-cognitive traits, such as emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, social intelligence, psychological flexibility, and grit. Such a tool would provide beneficial information for the continued development of admissions standards and would help better capture the full breadth of experience and capabilities of applicants applying to doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey study involving learners in DPT programs at 3 academic institutions in the United States. A survey was developed based on established non-proprietary, non-cognitive measures affiliated with success and resilience. The survey was assessed for face validity, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify subgroups of factors based on responses to the items. RESULTS: A total of 298 participants (90.3%) completed all elements of the survey. EFA yielded 39 items for dimensional assessment with regression coefficients <0.4. Within the 39 items, 3 latent constructs were identified: adaptability (16 items), intuitiveness (12 items), and engagement (11 items). CONCLUSION: This preliminary non-cognitive assessment survey will be able to play a valuable role in DPT admissions decisions following further examination and refinement.

Comparison of competency level of medical, non-medical students and its relevance for admission policy / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze the competency of medical students and its relevance for admission policy in medical schools. METHODS: This study examined the competency of 63 medical students from the 6-year program (group A) and 41 medical students from the 4-year program (group B) at Yonsei University using the Korea Collegiate Essential Skills Assessment (KCESA). The competency of groups A and B were compared to the corresponding competency levels of non-medical students (groups C and D). Group C is freshmen and D is senior students in universities. The KCESA is computer-based ability test composed of 228 items. The competency of participants were calculated on a T-scores (mean=50, standard deviation=10) based on KCESA norm-references. We conducted independent t-test for group comparisons of competency levels. RESULTS: There are no differences in competency levels between groups A and B. Compared with the non-medical students (group B), the medical students showed a significantly stronger ability to use resources, information-technology and higher-order thinking. In the comparison between groups B and D, medical students showed lower levels of self-management, interpersonal, and cooperative skills. CONCLUSION: The cognitive ability serves as an important indicator for the decision on admission to a basic medical education program. The efforts should be made to foster the competency that medical students have been found to lack, such as self-management, interpersonal, and cooperative skills. The admission committee should assess the cognitive and non-cognitive competency of applicants in a balanced manner.

The utility of multiple mini-interviews: experience of a medical school / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: This paper aims to introduce the design of multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) as a tool to assess medical school applicants' attributes in alignment with the school's educational goals and to evaluate its utility. METHODS: In this MMI, candidates rotated through six stations (10 minutes per station), in which specific interview topics were drawn by mapping the school's educational goals with the core competencies for entering medical students. We conducted post-MMI surveys of all of the interviewers and candidates to investigate their experiences of MMIs. The G-coefficient and interclass correlation were analyzed to investigate the reliability of this test. Additionally, the candidates' MMI scores were compared across different backgrounds and a univariate analysis was used to estimate correlations between their MMI scores and prior academic achievements. RESULTS: A total of 164 candidates (a 98.8% response rate) and 19 interviewers (a 100% response rate) completed the surveys in the years 2014 and 2015. Both candidates and assessors showed positive responses to MMIs. The G-coefficient of MMI scores was 0.88 and the interclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.58 to 0.75. The participants' total MMI scores did not differ across genders or undergraduate backgrounds and were not associated with age, undergraduate graduate point averages, nor the Korean medical school admission test (Medical Education Eligibility Test) scores. CONCLUSION: Our study illustrates the utility of MMIs that utilize the institution's educational goals to identify attributes to be pursued in the admission interviews in alignment with the institution's core values. Future research is warranted of the predictive validity of this MMI.

Does emotional intelligence influence success during medical school admissions and program matriculation?: a systematic review / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: It aimed at determining whether emotional intelligence is a predictor for success in a medical school program and whether the emotional intelligence construct correlated with other markers for admission into medical school. METHODS: Three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and ERIC) were searched up to and including July 2016, using relevant terms. Studies written in English were selected if they included emotional intelligence as a predictor for success in medical school, markers of success such as examination scores and grade point average and association with success defined through traditional medical school admission criteria and failures, and details about the sample. Data extraction included the study authors and year, population description, emotional intelligence I tool, outcome variables, and results. Associations between emotional intelligence scores and reported data were extracted and recorded. RESULTS: Six manuscripts were included. Overall, study quality was high. Four of the manuscripts examined emotional intelligence as a predictor for success while in medical school. Three of these four studies supported a weak positive relationship between emotional intelligence scores and success during matriculation. Two of manuscripts examined the relationship of emotional intelligence to medical school admissions. There were no significant relevant correlations between emotional intelligence and medical school admission selection. CONCLUSION: Emotional intelligence was correlated with some, but not all, measures of success during medical school matriculation and none of the measures associated with medical school admissions. Variability in success measures across studies likely explains the variable findings.

Repensando la selección de la carrera de Medicina desde los factores que inciden en la formación / Rethinking the selection of medical students, considering non-cognitive skills

In Chile the only requirement to study medicine is to obtain an academic achievement score over a certain cutoff value. However, the literature states that this type of selection is insufficient, since the medical profession requires cognitive and non-cognitive skills. These abilities are associated with better adaptation and academic success, as well as less dropping out. Therefore, those skills should be considered in the selection process to assure that the education goals are met. The aim of this study was to review the existing literature regarding the selection and evaluation criteria for students who are applying to medical schools. It was evident that Chilean medical schools need to establish appropriate criteria to ensure a more inclusive and fair admission. They need to design a system of admission with solid evidence of validity and reliability, complementary to the current form of student selection. This system should be considered common to all schools of medicine and, in turn, consider the sensibilities of the particular mission of each school, since academic, cognitive, inter- and intrapersonal aspects may vary among them.

Inteligencia emocional y rendimiento académico en estudiantes universitarios / Emotional intelligence and academic performance in undergraduate students

El estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la inteligencia emocional y determinar su relación con el rendimiento académico en estudiantes universitarios. Participaron 263 estudiantes, a quienes se les aplicaron diversos instrumentos, entre ellos el cuestionario EQ-i de BarOn para medir la inteligencia emocional. Se encontró un cociente de inteligencia emocional promedio de 46,51, sin diferencias según género, pero sí para cada programa: 62,9 para Economía; 55,69 en Medicina; 54,28 en Psicología y 36,58 para Derecho. Se encontró correlación entre el valor de IE y nota promedio hasta el momento (p = .019), mayor para Medicina (p = .001), seguido de Psicología (p = .066); no se encontró relación en los otros programas. Se presenta un modelo de dependencia cúbica entre coeficiente de inteligencia emocional y rendimiento académico significativo para el total de la población de Medicina y Psicología. Así mismo se encontró dependencia significativa de este coeficiente con programa (p = .000) y semestre (p = .000), aunque esta última presenta tendencia clara solo para Medicina. Los resultados coinciden con los de otros estudios que encuentran correlación entre inteligencia emocional y rendimiento académico.

The objective of this study was to describe emotional intelligence and to determine its relation to academic performance, and other demographic variables undergraduate students. 263 students participated in the study. Various instruments where used in the investigation including the eq- i Questionnaire of Baron for the measurement of Emotional Intelligence. An average Emotional Quotient of 46.51 was found in this population. Differences were found between programs but not between genders. This differences observed in programs where of 62.9 for economy, 55.69 for medicine, 54.28 for psychology and 36.58 for law. A correlation was found between the value of the Emotional Quotient, and the average grade (p=.019), which was higher for Medicine (p=.001), and then for Psychology (p=.066), no correlation was found in other faculties. A cubic model of dependency was found between emotional quotient and academic performance, significant for the total population in the Medicine and Psychology faculties. Furthermore a significant dependency of this coefficient was found with program (p=.000) and academic term (p=.000), although the latter only shows a clear trend for Medicine. There is a correlation between emotional intelligence and academic achievement.

Relación entre puntaje de prueba de selección universitaria y nota enseñanza media, y el rendimiento académico de la asignatura de morfología en alumnos de primer año de odontología de la Universidad de los Andes / Relationship between university selection test scores, high school grade point average (GPA) and academic performance in the subject of morphology in dentistry freshmen at the Universidad de los Andes

El estudio de predictores de rendimiento académico presenta gran relevancia en el área de la salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la relación entre el puntaje de Prueba de Selección Universitaria (PSU) y notas de enseñanza media (puntaje nota de enseñanza media) en la asignatura de Morfología en alumnos de primer año de odontología, en la Universidad de los Andes. Estudio descriptivo con 312 estudiantes admitidos en el primer año de la carrera de odontología de la Universidad de los Andes de Chile, de forma regular y que terminaron el año universitario sin deserción los años 2005 a 2008 y 2010. Las variables estudiadas fueron género, promedio puntaje de notas de enseñanza media, puntaje PSU, tipo de colegio de procedencia según sistema de financiamiento (municipal, particular subvencionado y particular) y nota final de la asignatura de morfología de los alumnos del primer año de estudio, en la carrera de odontología. De los 312 alumnos, la mediana de PSU, notas de enseñanza media y nota de morfología fueron 692,6, 702 y 4,4 respectivamente. Del total de la muestra, 221 alumnos (71%) correspondieron al sexo femenino. Del total de la muestra, 290 alumnos (93%) provenían de colegios particulares, 15 alumnos (5%) de colegios particulares subvencionados y 6 alumnos (2%) de colegios municipales. La relación entre puntaje nota de enseñanza media y nota de morfología muestra una correlación de 0,35 (Rho de Spearman, valor-p <0,0001), y puntaje de PSU con nota de Morfología una correlación de 0,39 (Rho de Spearman, valor-p <0,0001). Existe asociación entre nota morfología, puntaje de notas de enseñanza media y PSU, de tal manera, que los mejores puntajes de nota de enseñanza media y PSU, muestran mejor rendimiento en la asignatura de morfología.

The study of predictors of academic performance is of great importance in the area of health. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between PSU (University selection admission scores) and Secondary Education (High school grade point average score) in the freshmen morphology course in dentistry, at the Universidad de los Andes. A descriptive study of 312 students admitted to the first year of dental school at the Universidad de los Andes in Chile, on a regular basis and who have completed the academic year without dropping out, the years 2005-2008 and 2010. The variables studied were sex, grade point average in high school, PSU score, type of school of origin as financing system (municipal, private subsidized and private) and final grade received in morphology for dentistry students during their freshmen year. Of the 312 students, the median PSU, high school grades and morphology were as follows: 692.6, grade 702, and 4.4 respectively. Of the total sample, 221 students (71%) were female. Of the total sample, 290 students (93%) had attended private schools, 15 students (5%) private subsidized schools and 6 students (2%) municipal schools. The relationship between scores and high school grade point average and grade attained in the morphology course, shows a correlation of 0.35 (Spearman rho, p-value <0.0001) and PSU score with the morphology course grade, a correlation of 0.39 (Spearman rho, p-value <0.0001). There is a relationship between morphology grade scores, high school grades and university selection test scores, indicating that the best high school grades and university selection scores show better student performance in the subject of morphology.

Aspectos generales y académicos de los aspirantes y los admitidos a la Especialidad en Pediatría de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia / General and academic issues of the candidates and admitted to the specialty of Pediatrics at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Antecedentes: El presente artículo es un avance de investigación, de las pocas que existen alrededor de la admisión a especialidades médicas. En este se indagaron aspectos concernientes a la admisión a la Especialidad en Pediatría de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, entre los cuales se encuentran: tipo de aspirantes, características del proceso de admisión y resultados de las pruebas.Existe escasa investigación del proceso de admisión a las especialidades medico-quirúrgicas. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los aspirantes y admitidos a la Especialidad en Pediatría de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UN). Material y Métodos: Se estudiaron aspirantes y admitidos al programa, cohortes 2009 a 2011, y se estimó la tasa de admisión y factores relacionados con ella. Resultados: Se identificaron 997 aspirantes, de predominio femenino (71%), mediana de 28 años, provenientes de Bogotá. La mitad de ellos eran egresados de universidades públicas. Se convocó a entrevista a 125 (12.5%) y 42 fueron aceptados: 34% de los convocados a entrevista y 4.2% de los inscritos. La calificación promedio en la prueba cognitiva y en la prueba de inglés fue 2.72 y 2.63, respectivamente. En los preseleccionados no admitidos, la calificación final fue 3.19, y en los admitidos 3.54. Dentro de los admitidos predominaron mujeres (60%), de 28 años, egresadas de universidades públicas (88%). Significativamente, la admisión pudo ser predicha por: la calificación en la prueba cognitiva, la calificación de la hoja de vida, ser egresado de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, la calificación en la entrevista, el sexo masculino, tener menor edad, y la calificación en la prueba de inglés (LR ji²(7)=307.93, R²=94.7%, p=0.0000). Después de controlar las demás variables, la admisión es explicada casi exclusivamente por la calificación en la prueba cognitiva, (LR ji²(1)=300.53, R²=92.08%, p=0.0000). Conclusión: Este trabajo muestra la consistencia y transparencia del proceso de admisión a la Especialidad en Pediatría de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia.

Background: There is little research on the process of admission to medical and surgical specialties. Objectives: To characterize the candidates and admitted to the Program of Pediatrics, at National University of Colombia (UN). Material and methods: We studied the applicants and admitted to the program, cohorts 2009 to 2011, the rate and factors associated with the admission. Results: 997 applicants it was identified. Females predominated (71%) with a median of 28 years old, from Bogotá. The graduation took place in the middle of cases in public institutions of Colombia. It was convened to interview 125 applicants (12.5%) and 42 were accepted, therefore 34% of those invited to interview and 4.2% of the applicants. The average rating in Cognitive and English test was 2.72 and 2.63 respectively. In the shortlisted but not admitted, the Final Score was 3.19, and 3.54 in the admitted. Among the admitted, women predominated (60%) of 28 years old, graduates of public universities (88%). Robust and significantly, admission could be predicted by the score on the cognitive test, the curriculum score, undergraduates from UN, rating in the interview, male gender, younger age and rating in English test (LR ji² (7) = 307.93, R²=94.7%, p=0.0000). Admission was explained, after controlling other variables, almost exclusively by the rating on the Cognitive Test (LR ji² (1) = 300.53, R²=92.08%, p=0.0000). Conclusion: This work shows the consistency and transparency of the process of admission to the Specialty of Pediatrics, at the National University of Colombia.

Socioeconomic Profile and Academic Performance of Students of Campus VIII of the State University of Paraíba, Araruna, Brazil, 2013

Aims: The aim of the present study was to analyze the socioeconomic profile and academic performance of students of three courses on Campus VIII of the State University of Paraíba. Study Design: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with an inductive approach was carried out involving students in the courses of dentistry, civil engineering and natural science on Campus VIII of the State University of Paraíba (northeastern Brazil) in 2013. Methodology: A total of 321 students were enrolled, and the sample was made up of 238 participants who answered a semi-structured questionnaire addressing socioeconomic characteristics and academic performance. Results: Most students were female and beneficiaries of the quota system, had a family income of more than two times the Brazilian minimum monthly wage and had a academic performance coefficient (APC) greater than 7.0. The best academic performance was found among the students of the dentistry course, in which non-beneficiaries achieved a statistically higher mean APC in comparison to beneficiaries of the quota system (P=.004). Although higher mean coefficients were also found among the non-beneficiaries in the other courses analyzed, the differences did not achieve statistical significance. The students of the civil engineering course had the worst academic performance among the three courses analyzed. A greater frequency of failures was found among the beneficiaries of the quota system in comparison to non-beneficiaries for the campus as a whole (P=.010) as well as for the dentistry course (P=.004). Conclusion: The present findings suggest flaws in the quota system as a strategy for promoting social inclusion and underscore the importance of strengthening elementary and high school education in Brazil.

Developing a situational judgment test blueprint for assessing the non-cognitive skills of applicants to the University of Utah School of Medicine, the United States / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: The situational judgment test (SJT) shows promise for assessing the non-cognitive skills of medical school applicants, but has only been used in Europe. Since the admissions processes and education levels of applicants to medical school are different in the United States and in Europe, it is necessary to obtain validity evidence of the SJT based on a sample of United States applicants. METHODS: Ninety SJT items were developed and Kane's validity framework was used to create a test blueprint. A total of 489 applicants selected for assessment/interview day at the University of Utah School of Medicine during the 2014-2015 admissions cycle completed one of five SJTs, which assessed professionalism, coping with pressure, communication, patient focus, and teamwork. Item difficulty, each item's discrimination index, internal consistency, and the categorization of items by two experts were used to create the test blueprint. RESULTS: The majority of item scores were within an acceptable range of difficulty, as measured by the difficulty index (0.50-0.85) and had fair to good discrimination. However, internal consistency was low for each domain, and 63% of items appeared to assess multiple domains. The concordance of categorization between the two educational experts ranged from 24% to 76% across the five domains. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will help medical school admissions departments determine how to begin constructing a SJT. Further testing with a more representative sample is needed to determine if the SJT is a useful assessment tool for measuring the non-cognitive skills of medical school applicants.

Relação entre desempenho no vestibular e rendimento acadêmico no ensino superior / Performance in the university entrance exam and academic achievement / Rendimiento en la prueba de acceso a la universidad y el rendimiento escolar

Esse trabalho buscou analisar a relação entre o desempenho no vestibular, características sociodemográficas e rendimento acadêmico dos alunos de uma universidade pública paulista. Foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa, com dados de 4237 alunos concluintes em 12 carreiras das áreas de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Ciências Biológicas e Humanidades. Por meio de regressão múltipla, sugere-se que o desempenho no vestibular se relaciona positivamente com o rendimento acadêmico, independentemente da área da carreira. Além disso, o sexo, a cor, a quantidade de bens, o tipo de ensino fundamental e médio cursado pelo aluno, a quantidade de vestibulares realizados e a nota de corte para ingresso nas carreiras ajudam a explicar o rendimento acadêmico dos alunos concluintes na universidade pesquisada.

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between performance in the university entrance exam and sociodemographic characteristics with academic achievement of students of a public university of São Paulo State. A quantitative survey with data from 4237 graduates in 12 careers in the areas of Exact and Technological Sciences, Biological Sciences and Humanities was conducted. Through multiple regression, it is suggested that the performance in the entrance exam is positively related to academic performance, regardless the career field. In addition, sex, skin color, quantity of goods, the type of middle and high school attended by the student, the number of university entrance exams taken and the cutoff grade for the entrance into careers help to explain the academic performance of the graduates from the university analyzed.

Este estudio trató de examinar la relación entre el desempeño en las pruebas de acceso a la universidad, las características sociodemograficas y el rendimiento escolar de los estudiantes de una universidad pública en el estado de São Paulo. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo con datos de 4237 alumnos concluyentes de 12 carreras en las áreas de Ciencias Exactas y Tecnológicas, Ciencias Biológicas y Humanidades. A través de análisis de regresión múltiple, se sugiere que el rendimiento en la prueba de acceso a la universidad se relaciona positivamente con el rendimiento académico, independientemente del campo de la carrera. Además, el sexo, el color, la cantidad de bienes, el tipo de escuela media y secundaria a la cual asistió el estudiante, la cantidad de pruebas de acceso a la universidad y el punto de corte para el ingreso a las carreras, ayudan a explicar el desempeño académico de los estudiantes concluyentes en la universidad investigada.

Distribution of PSU scores for dentistry schools in Chile during 2012-2014 / Distribución de los puntajes PSU en la carrera de Odontología en Chile durante 2012-2014

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.

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.

Mães de vestibulandos: Sentimentos, percepções e expectativas perante o vestibular do filho / Mothers of university applicants: feelings, perceptions and expectations on the college entrance exam of the child

O estudo objetivou investigar sentimentos, percepções e expectativas das mães diante do processo de seleção para o ingresso do filho no curso de graduação. Participaram do estudo cinco mães que estavam presentes nos dias de prova e cujos filhos estavam realizando o concurso de vestibular em uma universidade pública no interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Utilizou-se delineamento de pesquisa de cunho qualitativo. As mães foram entrevistadas no momento em que seus filhos estavam realizando as provas, por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada, sendo indagadas sobre como se sentiam e quais eram suas percepções e expectativas naquela ocasião. A Análise de Conteúdo indicou que as mães participam intensamente dos dias de provados filhos e os principais sentimentos por elas expostos foram de ansiedade e nervosismo quanto à espera. Destacou-se a intensa preocupação das mães quanto ao seu papel durante os dias de prova. Conclui-se que a troca de sentimentos entre as mães, existente nos dias de prova, é muito importante para a vivência desse momento. Elas buscam reafirmar entre si seu papel maternal e sua identidade de mãe.

This qualitative study aimed to investigate feelings, perceptions and expectations of mothers concerning the admission process of their children in an undergraduate course. Five mothers who accompanied their children during the days of trial at a public university in a country town of Rio Grande do Sul participated in the study. We used qualitative research methods. Mothers were interviewed when their children were performing the tests by means of a semistructured interview, being asked about how they felt and what were their perceptions and expectations on this occasion. Content analysis indicated that mothers intensely participate in days of trial and that anxiety and nervousness are the most displayed feelings when waiting. We emphasized the intense concern of mothers regarding their role during trial days. We conclude that the feelings exchange between mothers in the days of trial is very important when going through this moment. They seek to reaffirm their maternal roles and identities among themselves.

Nursing Student Academic Achievement depending on College Entrance System-related Factors / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: This study aims to understand the influence of college entrance system-related factors and scores of college scholastic ability test on a first year nursing student's academic achievement. METHODS: Data collected include both a descriptive survey designed to assess college entrance system-related factors with respect to 182 nursing students attending a 4-year nursing college program and their test scores in the first year. The data were analyzed via descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni's correction, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient through an SPSS 18.0 program. RESULTS: Student academic achievement with regard to college entrance system-related factors exhibited significant divergence from first year grade point averages (hereafter GPA) and natural science grades. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the existence of significant differences, depending on the factors regarding the college entrance system. As a result, conducting assessment to evaluate the level of basic knowledge before college entrance is highly recommended. Also recommended is the development of a support program for students projected to have difficulties with respect to their academic achievement.