Content area
Section Background
First-year medical candidates encounter steep learning demands when transitioning from high school to university. Spaced repetition– a method of distributing review sessions over time– improves long-term memory retention. This study assessed its effectiveness alongside lifestyle and academic factors in students preparing for the medical school entrance examination.
AbstractSection Methods
In 2023, all 618 candidates at the University of Rouen were invited to complete a post-exam, self-administered questionnaire; 523 responded (84.6%). We collected data on revision methods (e.g., spaced repetition, reviewing archives of previous exams), participation in private preparatory classes and summer courses, lifestyle behaviors (e.g., sleep duration, physical activity or smoking), and secondary-school grades. Predictors of success were identified through univariate analyses. A multivariate logistic regression was then conducted to determine independent predictors of success.
AbstractSection Results
Of 523 respondents, 134 (25.6%) passed the entrance exam. In univariate analysis, successful candidates significantly more often used spaced repetition (44.8% vs. 20.3%; p < 0.001), reviewed archives of previous exams, attended private preparatory classes or summer courses, and had higher secondary-school grades. In multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of success included spaced repetition (aOR 2.09; 95% CI, 1.16–3.48), secondary-school grades (aOR 3.19; 95% CI, 2.33–4.37), private preparatory class attendance (aOR 2.02; 95% CI, 1.11–3.66), sleep duration (aOR 1.49; 95% CI, 1.12–1.99), and regular sport practice (aOR 1.81; 95% CI, 1.13–2.93).
AbstractSection Conclusions
Admission success in the medical school entrance examination appeared to be influenced by multiple factors: while spaced repetition significantly enhanced performance, academic background, private preparatory classes, and healthy lifestyle habits also contributed. These findings support integrating validated study techniques and wellness strategies into university support programs for entrance examinations.
Details
Secondary Education;
Recall (Psychology);
Grades (Scholastic);
High School Freshmen;
Questionnaires;
Learning Problems;
Learning Strategies;
Multiple Choice Tests;
Long Term Memory;
Medical Schools;
Academic Achievement;
Meta Analysis;
Predictor Variables;
Memory;
Repetition;
Educational Change;
Medical Students;
Life Style;
Exercise;
School Holding Power;
Course Content;
Academic Standards;
Learner Engagement;
Regression (Statistics)