Clare Hughes, London

A computerised university admission test for medical students has been used in London for the first time. The pilot evaluated the feasibility of replacing the written medical college admission test (MCAT) with a computerised version. Scores from the computerised entrance exam can be processed twice as quickly as scores from the written test, and candidates preferred the computerised version, which they could complete faster.

Most applicants to medical, veterinary, and healthcare university courses in America and Canada routinely complete the MCAT. The test is designed to test prospective students on the skills and concepts thought to be needed for a successful career in the medical profession.

Ellen Julian, director of the MCAT, said, "These prerequisites include assessment of basic science concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as scientific problem solving, critical thinking, and reading and writing abilities."

Currently, 55 000 people a year take the admission test in a written form in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It takes a full day to complete the written exam, but results from the
testing centre show that computerised testing could reduce the testing time by up to two hours. Applicants also liked the ability to proceed at their own pace.

British medical schools do not routinely use admission tests like the MCAT. Prospective students apply through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service and their perceived suitability for a medical career is largely based on their predicted A level results.

Michael Powell, executive secretary of the Council of Heads of Medical Schools, said, "High A level grades have so far been a good predictor of who does well at medical schools. We would like to improve the selection approach and widen access to medicine to those who don't have the highest A level grades. Application tests could complement A levels and help us identify students who are most likely to make good doctors."

The council is awaiting the results of a pilot scheme run
by the University of Glasgow, which has introduced psychometric testing for all applicants to Scottish medical schools. The testing is designed to examine
a candidate's problem solving skills, communication, and abstract reasoning abilities.

Students currently applying to the graduate entry programme at St George's Hospital Medical School, London, must complete a written entrance test designed specifically for people with an undergraduate degree. The exam is based on the one developed for Australian graduate entry medical schools and tests skills in problem solving, critical thinking, knowledge, and communication skills.