A comprehensive study by the heiTEST Coordination Office at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg, the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and the Institute for Test and Talent Research in Bonn confirms the high predictive power of the standardized aptitude tests TMS and HAM-Nat for success in medical studies. The study shows that both tests not only complement the Abitur grade as a selection criterion, but also exceed it in their prediction accuracy. In this way, they make a decisive contribution to the fair and effective allocation of the approximately 12,000 annual medical study places in Germany.

The study included around 5,500 participants who took either the Test for Medical Studies (TMS) or the Hamburg Science Test (HAM-Nat) between 2017 and 2022. These tests are used by all medical faculties in Germany to select applicants for study who are both professionally and personally suitable for the medical profession. The TMS tests basic medical and scientific understanding as well as cognitive skills such as memory and pattern recognition, while the HAM-Nat focuses on basic knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and logical thinking. Both tests complement the Abitur grade and other qualification criteria in the selection process.

The researchers compared the test results with the participants’ academic performance, measured by the average grades during their studies and the results in the first section of the medical examination, the so-called Physikum. The analysis showed that applicants with good test results consistently performed better in their studies. Up to 30 percent of the differences in academic performance could be explained by the test results, which underlines the high predictive accuracy of the tests. It is particularly noteworthy that the tests provide reliable results regardless of age and gender, confirming their fairness and validity. This is crucial because the tests have far-reaching implications for candidates’ professional futures.

A central result of the study is the superiority of aptitude tests over the Abitur grade. While the Abitur grade alone can only predict academic success to a limited extent, TMS and HAM-Nat make a significant additional contribution. A combination of Abitur grade and aptitude test significantly improves the prognosis, with the tests having the greater influence. This underlines their importance in the selection of suitable candidates. The results refute the assumption that the Abitur grade alone is sufficient to assess aptitude for the demanding medical studies.

The allocation of study places in Germany follows a central procedure, coordinated by the Foundation for Higher Education Admission. After deducting advance quotas, 30 percent of the places are allocated according to Abitur grades, 60 percent according to the university’s own selection procedures and 10 percent according to an additional aptitude quota. The TMS is used by most faculties, while Hamburg and Magdeburg rely on the HAM-Nat. The study emphasizes that these tests not only predict academic performance, but also ensure that study places go to applicants who are highly likely to successfully study and later work as dedicated doctors.

In view of demographic change and the aging society in Germany, such scientifically sound selection procedures are essential to secure medical care in the long term. The researchers plan to combine the strengths of TMS and HAM-Nat in a combined test format to further optimize the selection. This could increase equal opportunities and improve the quality of student selection. The study underlines the importance of standardised tests for the fair and effective allocation of medical school places.

Original Paper:

Predictive validity of admission tests and educational attainment on preclinical academic performance – a multisite study | BMC Medical Education | Full Text

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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