Student selection and academic success
The study of medicine is so popular that the number of applications significantly exceeds the number of places available. For this reason, complex selection procedures are used to choose the most suitable students.
"Aptitude" has many dimensions for medical studies and includes, among other things
- The ability to successfully complete the complex and demanding course of study and examinations, preferably within the standard period of study
- The ability to take great responsibility for patients and to treat them with respect and empathy (so-called soft skills)
- The ability to apply practical medical skills confidently and routinely
Traditionally, the numerus clausus is the best-known and most proven criterion for selecting students. Together with established aptitude tests such as the TMS (Test for Medical Study Programmes), the NC is aimed in particular at the first point mentioned. In the recent past, previous clinical experience, personality and soft skills have become increasingly important in selection procedures, which is also reflected in the MHH's criteria and corresponds to the greater importance of competence-based medical training.
The Office of Academic Affairs - Evaluation & Capacity also carries out research projects on student selection and academic success. Primarily, data generated at the MHH is used, which of course also includes surveys of our students, e.g. with the Hannover Panel on Study Motivation (HSM).
The following questions are examined, for example:
- What mix of selection criteria fits the objectives of the HannibaL model degree program?
- How are different admission rates and academic success related?
- What does "academic success" actually include?
- How can practical skills be strengthened during studies?
- What motivates medical students?
- What factors influence medical students' career aspirations?
Publications on the topic of student selection & academic success
With the participation of the Office of Academic Affairs - Evaluation & Capacity Division
2025
Tsikas, Stefanos A. & Fischer, Volkhard (2025). The impact of changes in medical school admission procedures on study success: A comparative analysis at Hannover Medical School. GMS Journal for Medical Education 42(2): Doc27. DOI: 10.3205/zma001751
2024
Tsikas, Stefanos A., Afshar, Kambiz & Fischer, Volkhard (2024). Does voluntary practice improve the outcome of an OSCE in undergraduate medical studies? A Propensity Score Matching approach. PLoS ONE 19(10): e0312387. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312387
Tsikas, Stefanos A. & Dauer, Karina (2024). Examining interviewer bias in medical school admissions: The interplay between applicant and interviewer gender and its effects on interview outcomes. PLoS ONE 19(8): e0309293. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309293
2023
Tsikas, Stefanos A. & Afshar, Kambiz (2023). Clinical experience can compensate for inferior academic achievements in an undergraduate objective structured clinical examination. BMC Medical Education 23: 167. DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04082-x
Tsikas, Stefanos A. & Fischer, Volkhard (2023). Effects of the alternative medical curriculum at the Hannover Medical School on length of study and academic success. GMS Journal for Medical Education 40(5):Doc64. DOI: 10.3205/zma001646
2022
Tsikas, Stefanos A. (2022). Can selection interviews predict OSCE performance? Evidence from Hannover Medical School. ZEFQ 173: 85-91. DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2022.05.008
2021
Tsikas, Stefanos A. & Fischer, Volkhard (2021). Selection interviews at Hanover Medical School (MHH): determinants of student selection in medical studies. ZEFQ 166: 60-68. DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2021.09.001
2018
Fischer, Volkhard, Dudzinska, Agnieszka & Just, Ingo (2018). The impact of the program structure at Hannover Medical School on academic success in medical studies. GMS Journal for Medical Education 15; 35(2) :Doc22. DOI: 10.3205/zma001169
Contact
Research Assistant in the Office of Academic Affairs - Evaluation & Capacity Division
Tsikas.Stefanos@mh-hannover.de | Phone: +49 511 532 9058
Head of Office of Academic Affairs - Evaluation & Capacity