Pass/Fail
...cal school is a high paced, highly stressful place to be. It is centered on who has the best grades. Taking out the letter grade system might make it hard to tell one Snipes 2 exceptional student from another. At the same time, it might level the playing field. In this letter I hope to provide enough information so that the pass/fail option may be considered. I think that a pass/fail system would benefit some students enormously. The difference for some might mean a career in medicine or not. There are several reasons for my opinion on this matter. One of the reasons I agree with the pass/fail system is because it would eliminate some of the competitiveness in the classrooms. It is well known that the best grades usually land the best residency positions, therefore creating an extremely intense learning situation. Students on the letter grade system are left worrying if the person next to them might have scored two or three points more than them on a test. Those two or three points would spell success or failure for most students. Worrying about those points could distract their attention from what they are doing and cause them to make simple mistakes. On the other hand, the students on the pass/fail system could devote all their energy on the task at hand. Knowing that everyone will either pass or fail takes the stress off the student trying to out do the one beside them. I also think it would broaden the student’s course selection. It might encourage students to enroll in courses they otherwise might not take. For example, a student majoring in psychology might be reluctant to take a course in mathematics because they would have to compete with mathematics majors. Under the pass/fail program, they could take such a course without fear of competition. Hopefully, then students would explore new fields and broaden the base of their education. Snipes 3 This system would greatly benefit me. One major reason is math. Since math is not my strong subject, it would give me an edge. Working towards a doctor’s degree is stressful enough without having to worry if the student next to me is a math wizard. I know that I would feel very intimidated competing for resident positions with straight A students. I might be more tempted to apply in good faith, knowing that the other residents had a pass just the same as me. I also feel I could perform to the best of my abilities if my mind was focused on my work instead of my grades. With such a passion for medicine and helping others, I sometimes fear math might be what holds me back. In conclusion, a pass/fail system wo...