Applying for Accommodations FAQ

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1. How do I know if I need accommodated testing?
2. When do I need to submit my request for accommodations?
3. I have a medical condition that necessitates that I bring something into the testing room with me. Do I need to request accommodations?
4. How long will it take to review my application for accommodations?
5. Who will be reviewing my documentation?
6. What types of conditions or impairments might need to be accommodated?
7. What kinds of accommodations are available?
8. How is the score of a non-standard MCAT reported?
9. What happens if my application for accommodations is denied?
10. What happens if my application for accommodations is approved?
11. If I am approved for accommodations, for how long will these be valid?
12. I was previously approved for accommodations on the MCAT. I want to take the MCAT again. How can I ask for a continuation of my approval?
13. How can I contact the MCAT Office of Accommodated Testing?
    

1. How do I know if I need accommodated testing?
   You need to apply for accommodations on the MCAT if you have a diagnosed condition or impairment that necessitates a deviation from the standard testing environment or standard testing conditions.

2. When do I need to submit my request for accommodations?
   Apply as far in advance of your preferred test date as possible, because it may take up to 60 days to process your request for accommodations. A "complete application" for accommodations is one that complies with the Documentation Requirements set forth on the MCAT Web site. Incomplete or insufficient applications may result in a denial of accommodations for the requested MCAT test-date if the deadline for submission of materials has passed.

3. I have a medical condition that necessitates that I bring something into the testing room with me. Do I need to request accommodations?
   Yes. If you have a medical condition and you believe you need to bring an item into the testing room with you, this must be approved by the Office of Accommodated Testing Services, no less than 30 days prior to your anticipated MCAT date. Examples of personal medical items include:


• Medication
• An insulin pump
• A cast
• A prosthetic device
• A wheelchair
• An inhaler
• Food or beverage

If you have a chronic medical condition and you are only requesting permission to bring a personal medical item into the testing room, and you are not requesting other accommodations (such as extra testing time), your documentation should be consist of a detailed letter from your physician, on letterhead, that explains the rationale for your requested accommodation. You are advised to submit your documentation well in advance, so that if we need additional documentation, there will be ample time. Noise reduction headsets will be available.

4. How long will it take to review my application for accommodations?
   Application materials for accommodations need to be carefully examined. Most complete applications for accommodations will be reviewed within three-four weeks, although some may take up to 60 days. After a request for accommodations has been processed, a letter will be sent to the examinee notifying him/her of the status of their application for accommodations.


5. Who will be reviewing my documentation?
   Accommodation applications are reviewed by experts in the field in which you claim to have a disability. For example, for students with cognitive disabilities, most requests will be reviewed by a doctoral-level Learning Disabilities Specialist. Likewise, students with visual disabilities will have their documentation reviewed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The Office of Accommodated Testing may not have an expert on-staff in the field in which you claim to have a disability. The Office of Accommodated Testing reserves the right to appoint an external reviewer to assess the documentation you provide in order to help make a determination about accommodations. As described in the Documentation Requirements, all application materials will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.


6. What types of conditions or impairments might need to be accommodated?
   The most commonly accommodated conditions are disabilities that are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes individuals with:
   
   
   • Learning disabilities
   • Visual impairments
   • ADHD
   • Emotional disorders such as major depression
   • Physical impairments
   
   In addition, some chronic medical conditions may require a change in the standard testing conditions, such as:
   
   
   • Diabetes
   • Crohn's Disease
   • Chronic severe back pain due to an injury or illness
   
   Finally, some individuals may qualify for an accommodation if they have a temporary medical condition that requires an adaptation, such as:


• A broken leg
• Pregnancy

Keep in mind that not all disorders and conditions will result in an accommodation. Having been diagnosed with an impairment or disability does not automatically mean that you will qualify for an accommodation. Each case is carefully reviewed by individuals who have expertise in the area in which you indicate you have impairment.


7. What kinds of accommodations are available?
   Accommodations are individualized; not all individuals with the same condition will receive the exact same accommodations, because each individual situation is unique. However, some examinees with disabilities may qualify for accommodations such as extended time or testing in a private room. Individuals with physical or mobility impairments may need such accommodations as adjustable-height computers, a different kind of mouse, or a different kind of computer workstation. Individuals with visual impairments may need test enlargement. Again, it is important to remember that each case is reviewed carefully and individuals who are found to be eligible for accommodations are given the accommodations that are believed to be most appropriate for their individual needs.
   
   
8. How is the score of a non-standard MCAT reported?
   For some accommodations, primarily those that involve a change in the timing of the test, we do not know if the scores obtained will be comparable to scores obtained under standard testing conditions. Therefore, tests that are administered under non-standard conditions will be noted as such on score-reports. In no case are score recipients notified about the nature of the impairment or disability that led to the administration of a non-standard MCAT. In addition, score recipients are not notified about the specific type of accommodation that was used.
   
   
9. What happens if my application for accommodations is denied?
   There are many reasons why an application for accommodations is denied. In some cases, the documentation that is submitted is out-of-date or incomplete. In other situations the documentation does not support the accommodation you requested. Remember that even if you have been properly diagnosed with an impairment, you do not automatically qualify for accommodations (read the Documentation Requirements carefully). If your application for accommodations is denied, you will be notified of the denial along with an explanation as to why your application was denied. You have the right to request that your application be reconsidered; you are encouraged to appeal the denial if you can gather additional evidence to support your application request. Keep in mind that it may take an additional three-four weeks to review any additional evidence you submit. In the meantime, the regular MCAT registration deadlines are still in effect.
   
   
10. What happens if my application for accommodations is approved?
    If you are approved for an accommodation on the MCAT, you will be notified in writing. You will be given instructions for completing the accommodations application process, which may include contacting the test-delivery company, Prometric, to confirm your special arrangements and finalize your accommodations



11. If I am approved for accommodations, for how long will these be valid?
    Once granted accommodations, approval will remain valid for six-twelve months from the approval date; your approval letter will specify for how long your approval will be valid. If you cannot take the MCAT within six months of the date of approval of accommodations, you may request a continuation of approval will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

12. I was previously approved for accommodations on the MCAT. I want to take the MCAT again. How can I ask for a continuation of my approval?
    To verify that a previous accommodations-approval is still valid, you should submit written request, in writing, for a continuation of your previously-approved accommodations, and specify the MCAT date that you prefer. Keep in mind that the "Currency" requirements and all other requirements of your documentation (detailed in the Documentation Requirements) still need to be met.

13. How can I contact the MCAT Office of Accommodated Testing?
    All correspondence with the MCAT Office of Accommodated Testing must be in writing, either by mail or e-mail (accommodations@aamc.org). In order to processing requests for accommodations as efficiently as possible, and to ensure that communications with examinees and others can be appropriately documented, we do not accept phone calls.

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