Student selection to a rural veterinary school. 2: predictors of student performance and attrition

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the extent to which current selection processes at Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Australia, predict performance within and attrition from the veterinary degree program. Design Retrospective evaluation of application details and student performance data. Methods Database records of 424 students entering the veterinary program were retrieved from university records, including all students graduating (n = 356) or leaving the program without completing (n = 68) between 2005 and 2016. Demographic data were related to results of selection processes and achievement within the degree using univariable and multivariable general linear and logistic regression analyses. Results The grade point average achieved over the 6 years of the degree was influenced by academic achievement prior to entry, gender (females performed ≈ 2% better than males) and interview scores. Preceptor evaluation of final‐year clinical performance was associated with interview scores, gender (males performed ≈ 4% better than females) and residential address at the time of application. Attrition for personal reasons was more common for female students and students who had completed a prior degree, and students who experienced academic or personal attrition had lower written application scores. Factors that have been previously linked to poor academic outcomes, including rural or low socioeconomic background, were not associated with adverse student outcomes. Conclusion Selection processes did not systematically disadvantage students admitted to the degree program. Gender differences in personal attrition and academic and clinical performance warrant further evaluation. Factors in addition to academic aptitude predicted student success.

Student selection to a rural veterinary school. 1: applicant demographics and predictors of success within the application process

“…Although, to the authors’ knowledge, there are no data currently available to compare the SES background of students in different veterinary programs, it reasonable to assume that students from regional/remote or low SES backgrounds might require additional support during their studies. The effect of student demographics and selection processes on performance within the degree program will be addressed in the second part of this study …”

“…The current study was undertaken to determine demographic characteristics of all applicants to the veterinary science program at CSU (2006–2016) and to identify factors related to successful application outcomes. A second study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of successful applicants within the program. We hypothesised that applicants from rural backgrounds would receive higher written application and interview scores and that a higher proportion of applicants interviewed, offered a place within the program and accepting a place within the veterinary program would come from rural backgrounds and have demonstrated greater academic achievement than unsuccessful applicants.…”

GRE and Undergraduate GPA as Predictors of Veterinary Medical School Grade Point Average, VEA Scores and NAVLE Scores While Accounting for Range Restriction

“…One common predictor of success in veterinary medical education programs is undergraduate grade point average (UGPA). Research supports UGPA's utility in predicting achievement in veterinary school (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10).…”

In this issue – July 2019: Student selection and prediction of success · Detection of strangles in horses · gastropexy in large and giant breed dogs · Papers from the inaugural Australian Veterinary Antimicrobial Stewardship conference 2018

“…This issue we start with the second of a pair of papers that address student selection at Charles Sturt University veterinary school . In the last issue, the authors discussed applicants’ demographics and the details of the written and interview admissions process …”