IPP Diagnostic Testing Programs (Provided by Blanc
Educational Services, Inc.)
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To order a test, please email Mark Adams at BESorders@kcmsbl.com or you may order on-line. This link will direct you to a Blanc Educational Services web site where you may order a Diagnostic Test or a Mock Board Exam. The Diagnostic Program can be used to take any of the IPP exams. This software is free to download. The Computer Based Tests (CBT) may be purchased individually or in predefined packages. When you order a test, you will receive a password that will allow you to take the exams you request. Following is a general overview of our testing formats to help you decide which test or tests you would like to order. We have placed on line, two types of tests, "Diagnostics", and "Mock Boards". The Diagnostics are the Blanc Educational Services Diagnostic tests which we have been using for over 18 years. When analyzed, these tests not only evaluate performance in each of the seven basic sciences areas, but also look at some 40 other intra-test variables which we believe help you gain insight into the types of errors you may be committing as you go thru a test, especially when these errors may be depressing your overall performance. Variables such as: the amount of time spent on different types of questions; correlations between the length of a question and the likelihood of answering it successfully; performance on questions which rely on strict definitions or precise interpretation of technical vocabulary; and the extent to which you are able to narrow down your choices to two good answers and the extent to which your second choices are correct, are examples of the intra-test variables analyzed when you take a "Diagnostic" test. In addition to a summary data sheet showing your performance in these areas, we may also provide a computer generated six to eight page report which discusses these variables and gives some concrete suggestions for minimizing the impact of these "error patterns" although currently this detailed report is unavailable. Please email us at mjolley@kc.rr.com for updates.The second type of CBT is a Mock Board which is our attempt at providing you with a realistic day of testing. The test, once begun, will require up to eight hours for completion, just like the USMLE. (For the Step 2 Mock Board, there are eight exams and the testing day may be as long as nine hours.) Each set of 50 questions is timed, and after one hour the book shuts down and prompts you to either take a break (which is also timed with a clock showing how much break time remains) or to go into the next set of questions. We have designed the test to have the look and feel of the USMLE as they presented the model on the CD-ROM provided to students. You have the ability to go back to previous questions, to mark questions, to change answers, and to review your answers before closing any one book. Our students find that this practice, especially within one or two weeks of their sitting for the actual exam, is very helpful, not only because they get feedback in the form of a data summary of their performance, but also just the practice of sitting at a computer and going through all of the decisions they will have to make on their actual testing day. Overall, we use the tests in the following sequence: At the beginning of a study program, students take one of the Diagnostic tests, the results of which we review with them individually. From this a study plan is formalized. Within a few weeks of taking the USMLE, we administer another Diagnostic test to monitor growth and identify last minute areas for strengthening. Finally, one or two weeks before the exam, students take the timed Mock Board which gives them a feel for the event as well as provides enough time for final adjustments like pacing changes, use of ear plugs to minimize distractions at the testing center, and/or other academic and non-academic modifications which can be altered in a short time. Admittedly, these
tests alone are not the sole source of review or of questioning
practice. These tests are intended as a supplement for you to
monitor your own individual progress and gauge your own readiness
for the USMLE. We hope the tests can be helpful and we are always
open to suggestions, critiques, and feedback. Thank you for visiting
our web site and please review the other components of our
University-based program accessible from the
IPP Home Page. Jane Jolley, M.A. Director, IPP Click here to see a sample of a Step 1 report or a Step 2 report
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