Author:

Abstract

Background: This study investigated whether undergraduate general weighted average (uGWA), National Medical Admission Test (NMAT), gender and premedical course were able to predict academic performance based on the general weighted average of the first year of medical school (medGWA).

Methods: Records of medical students accepted from 2012 to 2015 were reviewed and analyzed.

Results: 1528 records were included. uGWA (r = 0.55 p<0.001) and NMAT scores (r = 0.45 p<0.001) had significant moderate linear correlations with medGWA. An increase of one point in uGWA and NMAT scores increased chance of passing by 40% [OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.3 to 1.5] and 5% [OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.04 – 1.07], respectively. For a passing grade (>75points), optimal cut-off score for uGWA was 86.96 with predictive accuracy of 81% [95% CI: 0.77 to 0.84], while for NMAT it was 79.5 with predictive accuracy of 75% [95% CI: 0.71 to 0.80]. Males were 40% less likely to pass [OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4 to 0.9]. Nursing, Physical/Occupational Therapy have final scores higher, while Pharmacy and Psychology had final grades lower than other premedical courses.

Conclusion: uGWA and NMAT had significant moderate linear correlations with medGWA with the optimal cut-off score to get a passing grade for uGWA at 86.96 and NMAT at 79.5. Males were less likely to pass. Graduates of Nursing, Physical/Occupational Therapy garnered significantly higher medGWA compared to other premedical courses. Findings may guide the admissions committee and add to knowledge about which criteria would help predict medical school academic performance.

Keywords: Academic performance, Medical admission test, Medical school