Overview of the University
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is one of the leading medical and healthcare institutions in the United States. It is located in New York City, in the heart of Manhattan's Upper East Side, and was founded over 50 years ago by philanthropist and Mount Sinai Hospital benefactor, Mr. Nathan Cummings. The school is one of the main components of the Mount Sinai Health System, which is comprised of numerous hospitals, research centers, and medical schools.
Grading and GPA System in this University
Like most medical schools, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai utilizes a unique grading and GPA system. The school employs a Pass/Fail grading system for its preclinical courses, which include the first two years of medical school. This grading approach allows students to focus entirely on their studies and to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter, without having to worry about maintaining a particular GPA. The grading system for clinical courses, which comprises the third and fourth years of medical school, is a little different. During this period, students must receive an Honors, High-Pass, Pass, or Fail grade. The grades are determined by a student's clinical performance and are based on evaluations from the attending physicians and residents with whom they work. Additionally, the school utilizes an "Elastic Honors" ranking system, which means that there is no set percentage of students who are awarded an Honors grade. Instead, the top 15-20% of students who demonstrate exceptional clinical performance are typically awarded Honors, but this percentage can fluctuate based on the overall performance of the student body.
Conclusion
Overall, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is an exceptional institution that offers a rigorous and unique medical education experience. The school's downtown location in New York City provides students with access to some of the best healthcare facilities in the world, while the school's state-of-the-art facilities and innovative approach to medical education ensure that students always have access to the most up-to-date information and techniques. Additionally, the school's grading and GPA system encourages students to focus on their studies and to develop a deep understanding of the material, rather than just trying to maintain a high GPA.
