College of Education doctoral student Marlene Ballejos was one of five students from the U.S. and Canada selected recently to participate in the 2008 Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Graduate Student Research Program, a program of the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Photo: Marlene Ballejos, director of admissions, UNM School of Medicine
The highly selective program is open to just a few students each year in the field of educational measurement, psychometrics or a related field such as industrial/organizational psychology. Ballejos is pursuing her doctorate in educational psychology under the guidance of mentor and Associate Professor Jay Parkes, College of Education.
“The Educational Psychology program is very proud of Marlene for being selected,” said Parkes. “This opportunity will allow her to collaborate with MCAT staff to influence the next generation of admissions tests for medical schools.”
As part of the selection process, Ballejos submitted a 1,000-word statement/essay explaining why her research topic was a good fit and consistent with MCAT research interests. Ballejos wrote her statement on a literature review regarding race and ethnicity group differences associated with measures of alternative constructs not currently represented on the MCAT.
Construct examples included cultural competence, collaboration and teamwork, compassion, service orientation, learning orientation and communication skills.
With applications on the rise to U.S. medical schools, and a rise in minority applicants over the past 10 years, Ballejos, who is director of admissions at the UNM School of Medicine, knew firsthand the challenges minorities face in gaining admittance to medical school.
“Our experience in the University of New Mexico Office of Admissions is congruent with national findings that the admissions process should include assessment of both the cognitive and non-cognitive skills and abilities of applicants,” said Ballejos in her statement. “Although the MCAT is an extremely important component of the medical school application process, there are many challenges when an institution is attempting to measure personal characteristics.”
Ballejos will receive a stipend as part of her selection as well travel accommodations for two visits to the MCAT office in Washington D.C. As Ballejos’ mentor, Parkes will provide advice for the project and oversee her work.
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; email: scarr@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at April 30, 2008 12:35 PM