What grade system do NYCOM and PCOM use?

[luckymed]

These classes is so big, I was wondering do they ever curve on the exams if the average is low. If they use pass/fail, then where is the cut off, or is the cut off depend on specific exam? What is the (dis)advantage (for matching a residency) do the schools use pass/fail versu schools use numberical grade or vice versa? Thanx

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[njdocDO]

NYCOM uses the Honors/Pass/Fail system. You can also obtain a P* if you fail a course and pass a cumulative retake for the class. Passing is usually the mean minus one standard deviation, never below 65. Usually 5-10% of the class gets honors, about 5-10% fails, and the rest are clumped as "P's". This system really is the way to go. If you have number or letter grades, it adds alot of competition and stress, IMO. Most residency programs dont look much at grades anyway. It's mostly board scores, performance on rotations and letters. NYCOM does rank the class though, so that enables residency programs to judge your long-term academic performance.

hope this helps.

 

[luckymed]

bump. Do they have lecture notes n videos?

 

[njdocDO]

NYCOM hands out detailed notes before class, sometimes negating the need to go to class or even buy the book.

Videos are available for all labs and some lectures, at professor's discrection. They also are into this big technology initiative so most classes have some sort of supplemental CD with images, lectures, reviews, quizzes, etc. Next year they're supposed to have all lectures on streaming video, so you can watch lecture from home if you have a cable modem. They laid the cable for it this spring and hopefully it'll all work out. Path lecture from home would be much more bearable.

 

[abs]

PCOM uses the good ole' number grading system for any class two credits or more (passing is a 70%). Also, the students are ranked at the end of first and second year. For the system-based classes that start at the end of first year, there usually is a curve on the grades because the guy in charge is not fond of bad test questions. For third and fourth year, PCOM uses the Honors/Pass/Fail system. I am not sure how this affects residencies and what not because I am a second year and haven't really worried about that yet.

Hope this helps!