Why is HPAT used to select students for medical courses in Irish universities?
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Date
2025
Authors
Hyland, Áine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals
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Abstract
The Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT), an aptitude test for applicants to University Medical courses, was introduced in Ireland in 2009. The test was developed and administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) which provided assurances that the test could not be "gamed" or studied for. Experience over the past 15 years has shown that students can and do improve their scores by coaching and by grinds. A decision has recently been taken to reduce HPAT's influence on entry to Medical schools. This article asks why HPAT continues to be used, given the evidence that it contributes to inequality..
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Keywords
Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT) , University medical courses , Ireland , Inequality
Citation
Hyland, Á. (2025) 'Why is HPAT used to select students for medical courses in Irish universities?', Leader, Winter 2025, pp. 40-42.
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© 2025, the Author. Published by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals.