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Table 1 Essay Questions & Questions used in Interviews with Applicants and Assessors

From: "What Do They Want Me To Say?" The hidden curriculum at work in the medical school selection process: a qualitative study

Online essay on Volunteerism (intended to test for altruism)

Setting: Question posted online for 3 months before deadline, submitted with application.

 

Question: Why is volunteerism important, and how has your volunteer activity influenced you and developed your ability to become a medical doctor? The final paragraph should include some explanation of why you have decided on a career in medicine.

Essay on Professionalism (intended to test for understanding of elements of professionalism)

Setting: Written at a computer after interview, 30 minutes allowed.

 

Question: Applicants were presented with a short definition of professionalism and three statements describing specific professional behaviours from authorities such as the medical school or a medical College, and then asked: What does this information tell you as an applicant to medical school?

Essay on Reflection (intended to test for reflection and self-assessment)

Setting: Written at a computer after interview, 30 minutes allowed.

 

Question: You just completed an interview process where you had a chance to deal with the following stations. What did you learn about yourself during these 3 scenarios that might be important if admitted to our medical school? (followed by information from three stations)

Questions used in interviews with applicants

• "how did you decide how to answer the essay questions?"

 

• "were you able to answer the essay questions freely and honestly?"

 

"what effect did being in a competitive process have on your answers?"

Questions used in interviews with assessors

• "how did you approach the job of marking?"

 

"did you think all of the material you read in the essays was truthful?"