Performance of Black and Indigenous applicants in a medical school admissions process

Abstract

Background: Diversity in medical schools has lagged behind Canada’s growing multicultural population. Dalhousie medical school allows Black and Indigenous applicants to self-identify. We examined how these applicants performed and progressed through the admissions process compared to Other group (applicants who did not self-identify). Methods: Retrospective analysis of four application cycles (2015-2019) was conducted, comparing demographic data, scores for application components (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer), MCAT, GPA, supplemental, discretionary, Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)), and final application status between the three groups. Results: Of 1322 applicants, 104 identified as Black, 64 Indigenous, and 1154 Other. GPA was higher in the Other compared to the Indigenous group (p < 0.001). CASPer score was higher in the Other compared to the Black group (p = 0.047). There was no difference between groups for all other application components. A large proportion of Black and Indigenous applicants had incomplete applications. Acceptance rates were similar between all groups. Black applicants declined an admission offer substantially more than expected (31%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Black and Indigenous applicants who completed their application progressed well through the admissions process. The pool of diverse applicants needs to be increased and support provided for completion of applications. Further study is warranted to understand why qualified applicants decline acceptance.

Scoping review of current challenges and circumstances impacting Indigenous applications to Canadian medical schools

“…33,34 Some believe requiring the MCAT at all is a barrier to entry for disadvantaged groups, 22,35 particularly Indigenous students. 36 Using the MCAT at all is also questionable for Indigenous applicants, as the MCAT is not as useful for predicting performance for minority students as it is for majority group students 37 It may also have varying degrees of predictive validity across ethnic groups, so a systematic bias against non-whites cannot be assumed. 38.39 Further, the use of the MCAT may not even be a helpful predictive tool; evidence from previous and new versions of the MCAT exam reveals that students with a broad range of scores are capable of progressing through medical school on time, graduating in four or five years, and passing their licensure exams on the first attempt.…”