ASSESSING THE VALIDITY OF THE UPDATED MEDICAL-COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST

This report represents early information about the validity of the upd ated Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) battery introduced in 1991. Data are given on both the use of the new examination in the selectio n of medical students and its estimated predictive value for freshman students' performance. Admission officials from 114 institutions respo nded to a survey on medical school admission practices and on the use of MCAT data; also elicited were assessments of the examination in rel ation to its design and implementation objectives. Regression-based ev aluations of the predictive validity of the MCAT, undergraduate grades , and of undergraduate selectivity data for first-year grades at 12 in stitutions are described. Survey responses suggest that MCAT data are viewed in relation to the varied information needs of admission decisi on making and are supplemented by other academic and nonacademic infor mation in selection. The new battery generally is judged favorably by admission officials. Predictive validity results reflect the usefulnes s of MCAT scores, undergraduate grades, and selectivity data for ident ifying individuals apt to succeed in medical school. The authors concl ude that preliminary information about the results of the new examinat ion 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 a bout the use, utility, and impact of the updated MCAT.