Table 1.

Essay Questions & Questions used in Interviews with Applicants and Assessors

Online essay on Volunteerism (intended to test for altruism)	Setting: Question posted online for 3 months before deadline, submitted with application.
	Question: Why is volunteerism important, and how has your volunteer activity influenced you and developed your ability to become a medical doctor? The final paragraph should include some explanation of why you have decided on a career in medicine.
Essay on Professionalism (intended to test for understanding of elements of professionalism)	Setting: Written at a computer after interview, 30 minutes allowed.
	Question: Applicants were presented with a short definition of professionalism and three statements describing specific professional behaviours from authorities such as the medical school or a medical College, and then asked: What does this information tell you as an applicant to medical school?
Essay on Reflection (intended to test for reflection and self-assessment)	Setting: Written at a computer after interview, 30 minutes allowed.
	Question: You just completed an interview process where you had a chance to deal with the following stations. What did you learn about yourself during these 3 scenarios that might be important if admitted to our medical school? (followed by information from three stations)
Questions used in interviews with applicants	• "how did you decide how to answer the essay questions?"
	• "were you able to answer the essay questions freely and honestly?"
	"what effect did being in a competitive process have on your answers?"
Questions used in interviews with assessors	• "how did you approach the job of marking?"
	"did you think all of the material you read in the essays was truthful?"