A comprehensive model for the selection of medical students

Background: Medical schools have a need to select their students from an excess of applicants. Selection procedures have evolved piecemeal: Academic thresholds have risen, written tests have been incorporated and interview protocols are developed. Aim: To develop and offer for critical review and, ultimately, present for adoption by medical schools, an evidence-based and defensible model for medical student selection. Methods: We have described here a comprehensive model for selecting medical students which is grounded on the theoretical and empirical selection and assessment literature, and has been shaped by our own research and experience. Results: The model includes the following selection criteria: Informed self-selection, academic achievement, general cognitive ability (GCA) and aspects of personality and interpersonal skills. A psychometrically robust procedure by which cognitive and non-cognitive test scores can be used to make selection decisions is described. Using de-identified data (n = 1000) from actual selection procedures, we demonstrate how the model and the procedure can be used in practice. Conclusion: The model presented is based on a currently best-practice approach and uses measures and methods that maximise the probability of making accurate, fair and defensible selection decisions.