It had been rumoured for a while but now it’s official: a new Foundation Programme application process will be trialled for implementation in 2012/2013. Under the new system, the current “white space” process whereby applicants answer 6 or 7 questions asking for examples will be replaced by a Situational Judgement Test similar to that used for entry into GP training. In addition the academic mark will be standardised.
The old system had long been perceived as unfair by applicants because it placed a heavy weight on candidates’ writing style and not so much on academic performance. In addition, some candidates had their application reviewed by experienced colleagues/consultants, meaning that competition was unfair. Under the new system, more weight will be allocated to academic performance.
One of the problems associated problem with the SJT is that it makes the system too standardised and does not differentiate enough between students. It is possible to “learn” to answer SJT questions and the system may not actually be an improvement. Still it seems that those involvement in GP recruitment are happy with that mode of recruitment and it is therefore logical that other parts of the system should follow suit.
For full details of the proposals, you can visit the Medical Schools Council website.
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