Characteristic and educational patterns of black pre-medical and medical aspirants

This study focused on a sample of black pre-medical and medical students to investigate the variables related to successful admission to medical school. The study focused on the following nine variables:

1. Overall grade point average

2. Science grade point average

3. Composite score on the Medical College Admission Test

4. Chemistry subtest score on the Medical College Admission Test

5. Extra curricular activities

6. Clinical/research exposure

7. Interview preparation for medical school

8. Early career choice and development 9. High school preparation.

The study further compared the group of 50 black pre-medical and medical students with a control group of 16 white pre-medical and medical students. The subjects were all former participants of the Pre-Medical Enrichment Program at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

The Student Opinion Survey was used to gather the data. The data were analyzed using the following statistical procedures: the Point Biserial Correlation, the Contingency Coefficient Correlation, the Phi Coefficient Correlation and the t-Test for Independent Samples. The null hypothesis stated there will be zero correlations between the nine variables and the status of successful admission of black pre-medical students to medical school. Of the nine variables examined significant correlations were found between science CPA, MCAT scores, chemistry subtest score on the MCAT, research/clinical exposure and admission to medical school. The study also indicated a significant difference between the CPAs and MCAT scores of black and white students admitted to medical school.

The study contributed to the existing body of literature in several ways. One, it developed a profile of characteristics of successful black pre-medical and medical students admitted to medical school. Two, it provided information for medical school admission committees to use in evaluating black medical school applicants. Three, it offered additional information for Pre-Medical Enrichment Programs to use in evaluating applicants for their programs.

Additional research is needed to refine the variables that make up the profile of successful black pre-medical and medical students. More research in the area of career development for black students is also needed.