Comparison of performances of transfer students and first-year acceptees

Graduates of the Medical College of Pennsylvania during 1970-1977 were studied to determine the impact of three types of preclinical training on prelicensure clinical performance. The 586 students who comprised these groups consisted of 471 students admitted to the first year, 53 students admitted with advanced standing from U.S. medical or graduate programs, and 62 students admitted with advanced standing from foreign medical schools. Academic performances among the groups differed as measured by scores on the examinations of the National Board of Medical Examiners. However, perceived clinical performances of both transfer groups, as measured by honors awarded in year four and by first-year residency evaluation, were on a par with that of the original matriculants.