Objective　To analyze the study situation of medical students in Shanghai and provide references for the improvement of teaching quality. Methods　With comprehensive questionnaires including simple learning motivation scale

we surveyed 4 054 medical students on campus in four colleges in Shanghai through cluster sampling method about their study situation including study motivations

attitudes

records and their expectations

and compared them in different groups. Results　The intensity of study motivations of the whole medical students in Shanghai was mainly medium

and the percentage was 62.3% (2 525/4 054). Their self-appraised study attitudes were generally more assiduous and medium with the percentages of 41.2% (1 669/4 054) and 36.5% (1 478/4 054). Their study expectation were generally good and excellent

and the percentages were 34.6% (1 401/4 054) and 27.8% (1 126/4 054). Their study records were generally good and qualified

and the percentages were 40.1% (1 625/4 054) and 37.0% (1 502/4 054). There was statistical significance in different groups except the motivations in different genders

and there were significant differences in records among different medical students with different motivations

attitudes and expectations. Conclusion　Medical students in Shanghai generally have moderate level of study motivations

more assiduous attitudes

good records and expectations. The detailed analyses in different groups provide basis for comparison of different teaching levels in colleges and different students' learning situations.