Personal statement and interview criteria for Medicine A100 course.

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Dear Imperial College London,

I would like to kindly request the criteria used for applicants for the A100 medicine course for:
1) The personal statement-how are they scored and/or used?
2) The interview- is there a scoring system?

I would prefer this information for the last three academic cycles please.

Thank you very much and I hope to hear from you soon. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Yours faithfully,

Noor Khan

IMPFOI, Imperial College London

Dear Ms Khan

This is to acknowledge receipt of your request below, made under the Freedom of Information Act. The College will respond to your request by 23rd September 2020.

Kind regards,

Freedom of Information Team
Imperial College London

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IMPFOI, Imperial College London

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Dear Ms Khan

Thank you for your Freedom of Information request. Please find below the College's response to your questions.

"the criteria used for applicants for the A100 medicine course for:
1) The personal statement-how are they scored and/or used?
2) The interview- is there a scoring system?

I would prefer this information for the last three academic cycles please."

In order to select candidates for interview, an individual’s BMAT scores are used. The BMAT cut-off scores are calculated each year, as a result of ranked candidate BMAT scores versus number of expected interview sessions. We would use a fixed minimum score in each section (Section 1, Section 2 and Section 3) and then use a combined score in Section 1 and Section 2 from which a threshold is set. Those who achieve the minimum section score and met either the threshold score or above it, would be invited to interview.

There are different BMAT thresholds depending on the fee status of a candidate, as well as if the candidate has been classed as a widening participation applicant.

At interview, which since 2019 entry takes the format of multiple mini interviews at a circuit of stations, a candidate's score is based on a six-point scale of "Very Weak", “Weak”, “Borderline”, “Good”, “Very Good, and "Outstanding". On a majority of the stations, a score will be given for the station construct and communication. On some stations, there may be two constructs being assessed. The total of each station will contribute to an overall grade which then determines an offer or reject.

Please find attached a pdf of a screenshot of an example multiple mini interview scoresheet.

Prior to 2019 entry, the interview format was an interview panel, who would assess candidates on a four-point scale of "Weak", "Borderline", "Good", and "Outstanding".

Please find attached an example Panel Interview Mark Sheet.

On this Panel Interview Mark Sheet, the criteria are listed, and these same broad areas are assessed at the Multiple Mini Interviews.

With regard to the Personal Statements, these are not scored. Instead they are used by the interviewers to bring out aspects of a candidate's experience and to help focus discussions with the candidate during the interview.

Please also see the considerable information available on the College's website about Medicine applications: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/ug/cour... please see in particular the Selection Process and Interview sections.

If you are unhappy with the way that we have handled your request, you can ask us to conduct a review. Please make your representation in writing within 40 days of the date you received this response. If you remain dissatisfied with how Imperial College has handled your request you may then approach the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Kind regards,

Freedom of Information Team
Imperial College London

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