MCAT   MCAT is a program of the Association of American Medical Colleges
AAMC Home
  MCAT  AMCAS   ERAS   NRMP   Publications  More Resources Shopping Cart   Site Map    

MCAT Home

About the MCAT Exam

Preparing for the Exam

Reserving a Seat

Applying for Accommodations

Taking the MCAT Exam

Releasing Scores

Contacting MCAT

AspiringDocs.org Video Contest
The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam

Applying for Accommodations

The following information is for applicants, evaluators, and other professionals involved in documenting a request for accommodations. Applicants requesting accommodations should share the guidelines with their evaluator so that appropriate documentation can be assembled to support the request for accommodations. Please make sure to read the appropriate Documentation Requirements carefully and to submit the documents as far in advance of your desired test date as possible.

Note: Applicants with chronic medical conditions (for example, diabetes, migraines, or asthma) or temporarily disabling conditions (such as a broken leg or recovery from an accident) should select Documenting Physical Disabilities (PDF).

Documentation Requirements

Note: In situations where an individual is thought to have two or more disorders, such as a learning disability and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the documentation requirements must be met for each disorder.

Documenting Learning Disabilities (PDF)

Documenting ADD/ADHD (PDF)

Documenting Psychiatric Disabilities (PDF)
For example, anxiety disorder, depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Documenting Physical Disabilities (PDF)
For example, visual impairment, hearing impairment, mobility impairment, chronic medical conditions

Personal Medical Items

If you have a medical condition that necessitates that you bring a personal item into the testing room and you are not requesting any other accommodations, the application process is shorter. You should submit your request and documentation no fewer than 30 days prior to your anticipated exam date. In addition to your cover letter and Accommodations Request Form, your application should include documentation in the form of a detailed letter from your physician, on letterhead, that explains the rationale for your request. We are unable to accept written notes on prescription paper as sufficient documentation.

Examples of personal medical items include:

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

Note: These examples are not inclusive and do not necessarily represent all of the types of accommodations.

If you are requesting other accommodations-for example, extra time-in addition to a personal medical items, you must follow the procedures as described in the applicable Documentation Requirement (see above), at least 60 days prior to the regular registration deadline for your desired test date.

 

Contact Us    © 1995-2009 AAMC    Terms and Conditions    Privacy Statement