Predictive validity of the National Benchmark Test and National Senior Certificate for the academic success of first-year medical students at one South African university.

ABSTRACT:

Background

South African medical schools use the results of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination for selecting students. Five of the nine medical schools also use the National Benchmark Test (NBT). The University of the Witwatersrand weights the NSC and NBT results equally in the selection process. This study addresses the predictive validity of the NBT and NSC for academic success. The association between the NBT proficiency levels and students' progression outcomes was also investigated.

Methods

Data obtained from the University's Business Intelligence Services for 1652 first-year medical students from 2011 to 2017 were analysed using hierarchical regression models and chi-square tests. The three NBT domains and four of the NSC subjects were the independent va

SUBMITTER: Mabizela SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7218523 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature