Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges
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Comparative Study
Assessing the validity of the updated Medical College Admission Test.
This report represents early information about the validity of the updated Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) battery introduced in 1991. Data are given on both the use of the new examination in the selection of medical students and its estimated predictive value for freshman students' performance. Admission officials from 114 institutions responded to a survey on medical school admission practices and on the use of MCAT data; also elicited were assessments of the examination in relation to its design and implementation objectives. ⋯ Predictive validity results reflect the usefulness of MCAT scores, undergraduate grades, and selectivity data for identifying individuals apt to succeed in medical school. The authors conclude that preliminary information about the results of the new examination is encouraging. The members of the MCAT Validity Studies Advisory Group, who assisted the authors in framing and conducting the research presented in this report, continue their research and deliberations about the use, utility, and impact of the updated MCAT.