Medical education
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This study examines whether personality profiles, using personality factors, or clusters of personality factors, are associated with academic success. One hundred and forty medical students of the University of Wales College of Medicine were invited to complete a personality questionnaire (Cattell 16 PF) as they sat their final examinations in June 1988. A total of 129 usable forms were obtained. ⋯ Academic success was not associated with any of Cattell's personality factors. This was true of previously reported groups of factors associated with the poor student performance, and regardless of first or second order factors. We conclude that this personality profile is unlikely to be helpful in selecting future intakes of medical students, although a prospective study would be required for a definite answer to this question.