Relationship of Academic Success of Medical Students with Motivation and Pre-admission Grades

Oct 3, 2026

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Objective: Predictive validity of medical students’ pre-admission scores and the correlation between motivation level and later academic success were evaluated in a medical college. An analytical study used non-probability convenience sampling of MBBS students (1st to final year). Participants completed the “Strength of Motivation for Medical School” (SMMS) questionnaire; pre-admission grades and subsequent examination results across years were collected. Pearson correlation assessed predictive validity, revealing limited strong motivation and mixed associations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Methodology

Study design and setting

ORIGINAL ARTICLE Relationship of Academic Success of Medical Students with Motivation and Pre-admission Grades Muhammad Luqman ABSTRACT Objective: To determine predictive validity of pre-admission scores of medical students, evaluate correlation between level of motivation and later on academic success in a medical college. Study Design: Analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad, from June to August 2011. Methodology: A non-probability convenience sampling of students of 1st to final year MBBS classes was done after obtaining informed consent. These students filled out 'Strength of Motivation for Medical School' (SMMS) questionnaire. The data of pre-admission grades of these students along with academic success in college according to examination results in different years were collected. The correlation between the pre-admission grades and score of SMMS questionnaire with their academic success in medical college was found by applying Pearson co-efficient of correlation in order to determine the predictive validity. Results: Only 46% students revealed strong motivation. A significant, moderate correlation was found between preadmission scores and academic success in 1st year modular examination (0.52) which became weaker in various professional examinations in higher classes. However, no significant correlation was observed between motivation and academic success of medical students in college. Conclusion: Selecting medical students by pre-admission scores or motivation level alone may not be desirable. A combination of measures of cognitive ability criteria (FSc/pre-admission test scores) and non-cognitive skills (personality traits) is recommended to be employed with the use of right tools for selection of students in medical schools. Key words: Educational assessment. Graduate records. Medical students. Motivation. Admission criteria. Pre-admission score. INTRODUCTION The reasons for studying medicine may vary widely. A study in Australia revealed that only 52% of newly admitted students had interest in medicine while others joined due to reasons like interest in biology (19%), parental pressure (13%) and high marks or no idea of career (12%) .1 Different procedures are employed for selection in medical colleges. These admission procedures are frequently debated for their low reliability and predictive validity.2 In selecting students for admission to medical institutions, the admission committees may make decisions depending on academic ability based on GPA (grade point average) for graduate entry programs (USA, Canada and Australia); high school (matric) examination, FSc/Alevels results combined with entrance test scores. A number of colleges have started employing other methods like reference letters, autobiographical assessments, aptitude tests and personal/group interviews for which predictive validity rarely rises above 0.10.3,4 Department of Pathology, Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad. Correspondence: Dr. Muhammad Luqman, 76-A, St-4, Phase-2, Bahria Town, Rawalpindi. [E-mail: mlu](E-mail: mluqmandr1950@hotmail.com)[qmandr1950@hotm](E-mail: mluqmandr1950@hotmail.com)[ail.com](E-mail: mluqmandr1950@hotmail.com) Received February 17, 2012; accepted August 31, 2012. Different reports on predictive validity of pre-admission grades (achievement tests) and entry/aptitude tests describe widely variable results. Some studies report high positive predictive validity of written tests (GPA/ A-level and MCAT-Medical College Admission Test) while other authors present a less favourable view.5-7 Koenig et al. concluded that MCAT was not a perfect predictor and other variables such as diligence, motivation and communication skills need further investigations.8 The efficacy of students selection based on judging their quality and strength of motivation as a future predictor of their academic and clinical performance has been emphasi

FAQs

What was the study objective regarding pre-admission scores and motivation?

To determine whether pre-admission scores predict later academic success and to assess the correlation between motivation level and academic success in a medical college.

How were motivation and academic performance measured in the study?

Students completed the “Strength of Motivation for Medical School” (SMMS) questionnaire. Pre-admission grades were collected and academic success was evaluated using examination results across different years.

What did the results indicate about motivation and academic success?

Only 46% of students showed strong motivation. Pre-admission scores had a significant moderate correlation with 1st year modular examination results (0.52) but correlations weakened later, and motivation showed no significant correlation with academic success.

Oct 3, 2026

Uploaded by Muffet