Last semester there was a large issue regarding the on-island exit exam. Many factors came into play:
-This was the first time Saba used the NBME version of the test.
-The students were not made aware of what mark they needed to pass the exam, and many believed that the exam was to be worth nothing.
-Several students were able to buy the exam online from NBME themselves and practice the actual exam.
-The final passing grade was set by administration after the test results were received, seemingly arbitrarily.

As a result, a disproportionately high number of students failed the exam and were required to either re-take the prep course or return to the island to re-write the exam.

A current policy is not in place regarding the passing grade, but we were told that the goal is to have an exam that mimics the USMLE as close as possible and to have a transparent set passing grade.