Abstract
AimTo determine attrition and predictors of academic success among medical students at University of Split, Croatia.MethodsWe analysed academic records of 2054 students enrolled during 1979–2008 period.ResultsWe found that 26% (533/2054) of enrolled students did not graduate. The most common reasons for attrition were ‘personal’ (36.4%), transfer to another medical school (35.6%), and dismissal due to unsatisfactory academic record (21.2%). Grade point average (GPA) and study duration of attrition students were significantly associated with parental education. There were 1126 graduates, 395 men and 731 women. Their average graduation GPA was 3.67±0.53 and study duration 7.6±2.44 years. During 5-year curriculum only 6.4% (42/654) of students graduated in time, and 55% (240/472) of students graduated in time after curriculum was extended to 6 years. Variables predicting whether a student will graduate or not were high school grades, entrance exam score and year of enrollment. Significant predictors of graduation grades were high school grades and entrance exam score. Entrance exam score predicted length of studying.ConclusionPreadmission academic qualifications and year of enrollment predict academic success in medical school. More attention should be devoted to high attrition.
Highlights
Enrolling into medical school represents the start of a demanding and stressful period for students
Analysis of Attrition We studied 30 successive generations of medical students, who enrolled the University of Split School of Medicine (USSM) from 1979 to 2008
Length of studying of attrition students ranged from 0–24 years, as some students signed out shortly after enrollment, and some students neglected their studies until the School dismissed them
Summary
Enrolling into medical school represents the start of a demanding and stressful period for students. Attrition rates are one of important indicators being used to measure university performance. In part, this reflects the fact that student attrition represents an inefficient use of resources if students who leave the school before graduating cannot use in the labor market whatever human capital they have gained during their courses [1]. Knowing predictors of academic failure and success is important for medical schools that are trying to ensure high completion rates and develop support mechanisms for students with inadequate performance. By studying factors associated with academic failure and success among medical students, it could be possible to detect an early warning signs of academic failure
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