Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in the United States. Founded in 1851, GUSOM has a long history of educating outstanding physicians.
Assessment Methods at GUSOM
GUSOM uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- In-house exams: These exams are developed and administered by GUSOM faculty. They cover the material taught in each course and are used to assess student understanding of the material.
- National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) exams: These exams are developed and administered by the NBME, a non-profit organization that provides standardized exams for medical students and residents. NBME exams are used to assess student performance on a national level.
Use of In-House Exams vs. NBME Exams
GUSOM uses both in-house exams and NBME exams to assess student learning. In-house exams are typically used to assess student understanding of the material taught in each course. NBME exams are typically used to assess student performance on a national level.
Benefits of In-House Exams
There are several benefits to using in-house exams, including:
- Tailored to the curriculum: In-house exams can be tailored to the specific curriculum of each course. This allows faculty to assess student understanding of the material that is most relevant to the course.
- Immediate feedback: In-house exams can be graded quickly, which provides students with immediate feedback on their performance. This feedback can help students identify areas where they need to improve.
- Flexibility: In-house exams can be scheduled at times that are convenient for students. This flexibility can help students manage their time effectively.
Benefits of NBME Exams
There are also several benefits to using NBME exams, including:
- National standardization: NBME exams are standardized, which means that they are administered and graded in the same way across all medical schools. This allows for fair and equitable comparisons of student performance.
- Objective assessment: NBME exams are objective, which means that they are not influenced by the opinions or biases of individual faculty members. This ensures that students are evaluated fairly.
- Preparation for Step 1: NBME exams are similar in format to the Step 1 exam, which is the first of three board exams that medical students must pass in order to become licensed physicians. Taking NBME exams can help students prepare for the Step 1 exam.
Conclusion
GUSOM uses both in-house exams and NBME exams to assess student learning. In-house exams are tailored to the curriculum of each course and provide immediate feedback to students. NBME exams are standardized, objective, and help students prepare for the Step 1 exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What percentage of GUSOM students pass the Step 1 exam?
In 2021, 98% of GUSOM students passed the Step 1 exam. This is significantly higher than the national average pass rate of 95%.
2. What is the average score on the Step 1 exam for GUSOM students?
In 2021, the average score on the Step 1 exam for GUSOM students was 246. This is significantly higher than the national average score of 239.
3. How many students are enrolled in GUSOM?
GUSOM has approximately 700 students enrolled in its MD program.
4. What is the tuition for GUSOM?
The tuition for GUSOM is $62,845 per year.
