Selection Alliance 2019 report

Summary

• Several new institutions and innovative programmes have launched, including Gateway and Foundation Year courses aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Medical schools are working to close attainment gaps and create more inclusive environments, with new guidance for disabled applicants and research into interview fairness.
• For the first time, UCAS applicant data has been analysed alongside HESA data, revealing trends in gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background and course type.
• The MSC Summer Schools reached over 300 students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with plans to expand and evaluate the programme over three years. Events for teachers and advisers are also helping to spread accurate admissions information.
• Shared multiple-mini interview (MMI) stations are being developed and tested across medical schools to improve consistency and fairness in selection.
• The report reflects on the Selection Alliance’s achievements since 2014 and outlines strategic goals for the next five years, including improving transparency, increasing equity and strengthening the evidence base for outreach and admissions.

Key achievements

• A 58% increase in entrants of Black heritage and a 46% increase from the most deprived areas since 2014.
• Development of 54 shared MMI stations, with growing adoption across medical schools.
• Launch of new applicant resources, including videos, interview guides and finance infosheets.
• National outreach mapping to identify and address “cold spots” in engagement.

Download this report