The comparison of the different adjustment factors for admission to the University of the Philippines College of Medicine

Background@#Among the different criteria, the General Weighted Average Grade (PMGWAG) holds the biggest bearing on admission for the UP College of Medicine. However, GWAs are not comparable across different courses, different batches, different UP units and different schools. An Adjustment Factor is necessary to make PMGWAGs comparable and to level the playing field. @*Objectives@#This study covering a 24-year period aimed to compare various proposed Admission Adjusted Factors of %PMGWAG (Pre-Med GWAG) in terms of Pearson's Correlation, Linear Regression Models and Mean Differences with %MGWAG (Medical GWAG), Class Rank and Board Rating as Outcome variables. @*Methodology@#Various proposed Adjustment Factors were applied to %PMGWAG of medical students from Class 1990 to Class 2014 and Pearson's Correlation, Linear Regression Models and Mean Differences with %MGWAG, Class Rank and Board Rating were derived and analyzed. @*Results@#Adjustment Factor A3 as applied to %PMGWAG correlates best with Board Rating and Class Rank while Adjustment Factor A6 with %MGWAG. On Linear Regression, A3 likewise bested other Adjustment Factors in predicting %MGWAG and %Board Rating while A6 on predicting Class Ranking. Among the various adjustments, A3 exerted the most impact on the outcome variables, based on mean differences. @*Conclusion@#The A3 Adjustment Factor is the preferred and most ideal among the various proposed adjustment factors. Its application on %PMGWAG, correlated best with, most predictive of and most influential to %MGWAG, Board Rating and Class Rating.

The predictors of academic performance of the medical students of upcm: class1990 to class 2013 lateral entrants

Background: The criteria for admission at the University of the Philippine College of Medicine (UPCM) are sixtypercent premed general weighted average grade (PMGWAG), thirty percent National Medical Admission Test(NMAT) scores and ten percent Interview Scores. Through the years, because of the highly competitive natureof the selection process, the admissions cut-offs in PMGWAG and average NMAT has continuously risen.Objectives: This study that covered a twenty four year period, aimed to determine the correlation andpredictive value between the admissions criteria (%Pre-med GWAG, NMAT and Interview Score) withacademic performance parameters (%Med GWAG and Class Ranking) and Board Rating.Methods: The pre-admission and academic records of accepted lateral entrants from Class 1990 to Class 2013were retrieved, reviewed and analyzed. These included the pre-med GWAG (%PMGWAG), NMAT andInterview Scores, Med GWAG (%MGWAG), Class Ranking and Board Rating. Pearsons Correlation and MultipleLinear regression analysis were done.Results: All criteria (%PMGWAG, NMAT, Interview Score) for admissions were correlated with the academicperformance 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 academicperformance. 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 betreated separately and independently as an admission criteria.