Student characteristics as predictors of drop-out from medical school: admissions to Beer-Sheva over a decade.

The study sought to identify variables from the demographic, socio-economic, academic and personal background of medical students in order to reveal possible predictors of drop-out from medical school. The research included 443 students who were admitted to Ben Gurion University (BGU) Medical School during its first 10 years, 1974-1983. It was found that the permanent drop-out rate in BGU Medical School (12.6%) is relatively high and mainly due to academic failures. Of all admitted students 11.3% do not graduate on time due to academic reasons. The findings are discussed and suggestions for changes in admissions policy are provided.