Challenges Faced by High School Students in Thailand When Preparing for Medical School Admissions: A Comparative Study of Regular Thai Programmes and International Schools

Abstract

This research examines varying levels of educational, motivational, social, and financial challenges perceived by Thai high school students when preparing for medical school admission. Based on a quantitative survey of 100 students attending either a regular Thai school programme or an international school programme, we present their perceived levels of stress, the comparison of the stress levels between students from the two school systems, and the comparison of the stress levels between different grade levels. The paired t-test revealed that the greatest challenge faced by the student participants was related to the educational aspects, followed by motivational, social, and financial aspects. In addition, the independent t-test revealed that Year 12 students exhibited the highest level of perceived stress compared to their high school peers (Year 11 and Year 13). In addition, students enrolled in regular Thai programmes reported a higher level of overall perceived stress than those enrolled in international programmes. The findings suggest that policies and programmes designed to address the educational, motivational, social, and financial challenges of high school students in Thailand to ensure that all students have the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional objectives in the field of medicine.