Motivation as an important criterion for graduation among medical students admitted from the waiting list

Aim: Graduation rates among medical students who have been admitted to medical school from the waiting list quota are significantly lower than those for medical students who are directly admitted on the basis of their competitive secondary school academic record or through the universities’ selection process. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors that can predict a longer length of study or dropping out and potential resilience factors predictive of timely and successful graduation. Method: First, students admitted from the waiting list were asked in qualitative interviews at the beginning of their studies about risk factors connected with dropping out. These students were then followed until completion of the first state medical exam, or at least until the end of their fourth semester. In parallel, personality traits were measured using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory according to Costa and McCrae (NEO-FFI). Successful study was defined as a length of study time lasting four semesters before taking the first section of the state medical exam (Physikum). Serving as indicators for students at risk were a prolonged period of study and dropping out before taking the first state medical examination. Finally, the factors associated with successful study were identified. Results: Students from the waiting list who displayed a stronger than average conscientiousness in their personality and stated being underchallenged in their prior (medicine-related) occupation as the motivation for studying medicine were significantly more often successful than students from the waiting list who displayed a less pronounced conscientious personality and named dissatisfaction with their previous occupation as their motivation to pursue medical study. In addition, successful students were often distinguished by ambition and reported placing high academic demands on themselves. Early failures on exams were found to be predictive of an uncertain course of study at Rostock Medical School. Conclusions: The reason for studying medicine and an ambitious personality appear to be basic predictors of study success and could therefore be considered not only as a selection criterion for admission, but also monitored during the course of study as a predictive marker for prolonged study or drop-out. Regardless how students are selected for admission, medical schools should take a closer look at the academic performance of the enrolled students to identify at-risk students who are failing exams early in the course of study and to adequately advise them on course scheduling, motivation and exam preparation.