We still measure our success by the grades we have. They don't mean anything then. Students are always going to be focused on that final grade. As directors, we must be clear in terms of delineation. When you look at residency spots, it matters.
Peers evaluate their colleagues.
The top 15-20 students are at the top. Smiley Hill has been pleased with this system for years. The top 2-3 students as judged by their peers carry more weight in their eyes. There is no concept of why we are the only school doing it. It is something that makes the tyranny of grades a little less severe.