Table 1 Baseline characteristics of candidates

Gender male, N (%)

68 (25.8)

30 (29.7)

98 (26.8)

Age, mean in years (SD)

29.2 (4.7)

31.0 (5.2)

29.7 (4.9)

Medical school NW Europe, N (%)

251 (95.1)

94 (93.1)

345 (94.5)

Past clinical performance < 1 year, N (%)

136 (51.5)

34 (33.7)

170 (46.6)

Candidates’ qualities

Motivation, total mean score (SD)

2.3 (0.6)

2.4 (0.5)

2.3 (0.6)

Orientation on the job, total mean score (SD)

2.0 (0.5)

2.1 (0.5)

2.0 (0.5)

Learning needs, total mean score (SD)

2.3 (0.5)

2.2 (0.6)

2.2 (0.5)

Personal attributes, total mean score (SD)*

2.3 (0.6)

2.1 (0.5)

2.2 (0.6)

Admitted, N (%)

148 (56.1)

58 (57.4)

206 (56.4)