“I would like to share a little bit of my experience with BOARDS and coming to IPP in Missouri...First of all, you need to realize and put into perspective some ideas in life... 1. You are not the first to have difficulty with the USMLE, and you will not be the last. I have been there, done that, and most importantly I have felt the disappointment in myself that you are probably feeling.  2. You have to be patient, open-minded, and very positive about attending this program. 3. The staff really feels strongly about helping all students PASS. 4. Get ready to study and interact with a versatile group of individuals. The reason I mention this is because you honestly feel you are at one of the most stressful periods in your life and you not only have to help yourself pass, but remember you will have to help your colleagues who are there with you pass too. In life and in medicine, remember you deal with all sorts of cultures and personalities day in and day out.  5. Get ready to make lifelong friendships. I know I have. I did the 4 month program in 2002 and the 3 week Step 2 program in 2003; and many of us in the Step 2 program purposely went just to get to study with the same group from Step 1 because that is what worked for us the first time. To this day, I talk to one of my friends from the program on a daily basis. 6. Get ready to LEARN for LIFE!!!”

A student from the southwest

“I passed my board exam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only did I pass the COMLEX, but I also got a perfect evaluation on my Peds rotation!  Now, in the morning, I feel comfortable instead of nervous.  I am so happy.  My confidence level soared after doing the program.  I have to admit that I had my doubts and problems, but the method will be with me from now until the end.”

A student from the northeast

“My school made me come here – I wanted to do anything but come here.  But now, I am so glad I came.  I have learned so much and am eager to see the payoff.  Thanks for all you do for students!!!”

A student from the Midwest

“Overall this program has helped me love to learn again.”

A student from the south

“Wonderful program, wonderful staff – great combo.”

A student from the Midwest

“I will always be grateful to the UMKC crew for helping me with these obstacles....and I will continue to tell everyone I encounter who has USMLE troubles to check you guys out.”  

A student from the west

“Thank you all for everything!  I feel like you all were my family away from my family.  I felt comfortable here and I feel a sense of renewal, focus and clarity!  I am not scared of the exam any longer and I plan on taking control of the exam and not let it take control of me.  Thank you for all you did, day in and day out!”

A student from the Caribbean

“Thank you for providing a structure for me…I could not have done this on my own.”

A  student from the southeast

“I feel ready for the test!!! “

A student from the Midwest

“Program was great.  Thanks for being there to help us.  Everyone was great and I’m glad I had the opportunity to participate.”

A student from the Midwest

“I am so glad that this program is available—I feel that I have gained so much for being here.”

A student from the Midwest

“I learned more from you than I did the first two years of med school.  We love you!!!”

A student from the Midwest

“I think one of the most beneficial aspects of this program is student participation without a doubt, I learned best those topics I presented.  Overall, great program.”

A student from the Midwest

“Everything was great—I learned a lot about different subjects and about test taking strategy.  I hope not to have to come back—but if I had to go somewhere—I would come here.”

A student from the Midwest

“The program deserves the many accolades it receives.”

A student from the northeast

“Overall, I have found this program to be beneficial, although I have also found it to be very difficult.  Overcoming my own personal demons of self doubt, anxiety, and unsure of my abilities in the discipline of medicine were hard, but conquering this has made such a difference.  Realizing that the head games I play on myself and not my knowledge base have prevented my success in the past has made visualizing my success on this exam truly possible.  I now, truly believe in my abilities knowing that not only can I, but that I will pass!!!!!”

A student from the south

“Keep helping those of us who are destined to succeed, but need a helping hand.  Thank you for your nurturing nature.”

A student from the northwest

“I just want to thank you all, before this program I felt very uncomfortable and not confident of my self and you guys have helped me to realize that I can do it.”

A student from the midwest

I did the 4 month Board Prep program in 2002 and thankfully PASSED the exam.  Prior to coming to the program, I was very frustrated with my performance on the exam and had no idea what I wasn't doing to pass.  Thankfully the program showed me how to effectively prepare and to begin to trust myself as well as my fellow classmates to prepare to take one of the most difficult and different exams I have ever had to take.  The lessons that I learned in Kansas City helped me to do well on all of my shelf exams and to be confident in my knowledge base.  In addition, I was prepared to study for and PASS step 2 on the 1st try.  As much as I did not want to have to take the 4 month prep course, IT WAS THE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE!!!!

A student from the midwest