Jones, R. F. & Thomae-Forgues, M. (1984). Validity of the MCAT for Predicting Performance in the First Two Years of Medical School. Journal of Medical Education, 59, 455-464.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to summarize the predictive validity research on the 1977 MCAT.

METHOD: Data were drawn from the MCAT Interpretative Studies Program which included 30 of AAMC's member schools. The measures were the grade-point average, class rank, scores on an end-of-year comprehensive examination, total and subtest scores on NBME Part I.

RESULTS: The results showed that MCAT scores by themselves have significant predictive validity with respect to first- and second-year medical school course grades and NBME Part I scores. The correlation value was found to be significantly higher when MCAT scores are combined with undergraduate GPA. The MCAT Science Knowledge area of assessment, particularly Biology and Chemistry, and the Science Problems subtests were found to have higher correlations than the Skills Analysis subtests with initial performance in medical school; however, the Skills Analysis: Reading subtest was found to retain its predictive value best over time.

CONCLUSION: The findings supported the MCAT scores' value as a predictive measure. authors investigated the MCAT score differences and academic difficulty rates for Black and White examinees that entered American medical schools in 1978 and 1979.

Contact Us    © 1995-2008 AAMC    Terms and Conditions    Privacy Statement