Journal Article

Effects of race and test preparation resources on standardized test scores, a pilot study

Sullivan, Gwyneth, Liu, Yuanqing, Balas, Johanna S., Rangel, Melissa, Alvarado, Rosalinda, Ifearulundu, Ikenna H., Velasco, Jose, Gely, Yumiko I., Chan, Edie

2023

Overview

Little research exists on the relationship between pre-examination resources, race, and standardized test outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effect of test preparation resources and race on test scores. We surveyed medical students at an allopathic institution on the use of test preparation materials and their test scores. Students were grouped by self-identified race. Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) students were defined as Black/African American (AA), Hispanic/Latino (HL), Native American (NA) and multiple races. Univariate analysis and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. 192 students completed the survey (response rate = 33%). URiM students reported more MCAT attempts than other students. No differences between scores existed between races. There was no association between scores and the use of test preparation resources. We found that URiM students took the MCAT more times than their peers; however, we found no racial/ethnic differences in examination preparation resources or scores.

• Publisher: Elsevier Inc,Elsevier Limited
• Subject: Achievement tests / Demographics / Educational Measurement / Ethnicity / Humans / Licensing examinations / Medical college admission test (MCAT) / Medical schools / Medical students / Minority & ethnic groups / Native North Americans / Pilot Projects / Polls & surveys / Population / Race / Races / Racial Groups / Regression analysis / SAT assessment / Schools, Medical / Standardized testing / Standardized tests / Statistical analysis / Students / Students, Medical / Surveys and Questionnaires / Test preparation / Test preparation resources / Test Taking Skills / Tutoring / Underrepresented in medicine (URiM) / United States Medical licensing examination (USMLE)