Accommodations are available if you can demonstrate that you need adjustments to the standard testing conditions.
Standard Testing Conditions
The following are the standard testing conditions as delivered without approved accommodations:
- The maximum allowed exam time is 75 minutes (1 hour, 15 minutes).
- There is no break.
- You may use the personal aids listed in Resources Not Requiring Prior Approval. Please note: If you do not disclose and present an approved item for inspection before beginning your exam and the proctor subsequently notices you using it, the proctor may interrupt your exam to request inspection. The exam clock does not pause during this inspection.
- The total seated time ranges between 95 and 115 minutes, which you can influence by ensuring your computer and workspace meet the required specifications before your exam start time.
- The exam is delivered online, using your own equipment.
- You will take the exam at a location of your choice unless a testing center is required for the delivery of a specific accommodation. The most common accommodations that must be delivered at an approved test center include paper exams, readers, scribes, and reading aloud while using hearing aids. There may be additional accommodations that require testing at a center, which will be determined at the time of the application review. Unless approved for these specific accommodations, in-person testing is not permitted.
For more information on the test format, refer to the PREview webpage.
Since you will take the exam at a location of your choice unless a testing center is required (see above), you do not need to request accommodations for the following:
AAMC PREview® Accommodations Requests Not Required
|
Testing Condition |
Reason Accommodation Request NOT Necessary |
|---|---|
|
Separate testing room |
You are required to select a room that will not be accessed by anyone other than you while your exam is underway. |
|
Noise reduction |
You are required to select a room that is carefully controlled for noise and movement. |
|
Adjustable chair |
You are using your own equipment. Please note: You must be seated during the exam. If you must stand, then you must submit an application for accommodations. |
|
Adjustable height desk |
You are using your own equipment. Please note: You must be seated during the exam. If you must stand, including use of a standing desk, then you must submit an application for accommodations. |
|
Wheelchair accessibility |
You select a room that is accessible to you. |
|
Adjustable lighting |
You select lighting that meets your needs and is sufficient for the remote proctor to observe you through your computer’s camera. |
|
Trackball, touchpad, ergonomic keyboard, and screen overlay |
You are using your own equipment. Please note that any equipment or accessories you provide must meet the technical and security specifications described in this document, and you must allow the remote proctor to adequately observe you through your computer’s camera throughout your exam session. |
|
Certain personal aids |
Some personal aids (such as medication, medical devices, physical supports, and mobility devices) are permitted without an approved accommodation. Please refer to the list of Resources Not Requiring Prior Approval on the PREview website for more details. |
Accommodation Application and Documentation Requirements
If, after reading about the standard testing conditions above, you have a disability or medical condition that you believe requires an adjustment to standard PREview testing conditions, please submit an Application for AAMC PREview Accommodations. You should submit an accommodations application early to allow enough time to prepare and implement any accommodations for which you may be approved. Detailed instructions are provided on the AAMC PREview accommodations webpages, including the steps you need to follow.
Your application must include documentation that sufficiently supports the need for the accommodation requested. This documentation may include an evaluation or confirmation from a health care provider. You should also submit documentation regarding accommodations previously approved for you (for example, accommodations granted in school or on other standardized examinations, such as the SAT or ACT). The AAMC already maintains records of previously approved MCAT accommodations; therefore, you do not need to submit the MCAT approval letter again.
All documentation must be in English.
This section provides general guidance; you must refer to the specific documentation requirements on the PREview Accommodations webpages. Documentation requirements vary by the type of disability, and applicants may need to consult more than one category.
Review timelines vary. You will be notified by email when a determination has been issued. A determination letter will be provided after your initial review, after a reconsideration request, or after an appeal. A determination letter will either fully approve, partially approve, or deny your request.
You are not required to wait for an accommodations decision before registering for the exam; however, deadlines and fees apply to all examinees. Most approved accommodations can be applied to an existing appointment if the approval is issued on or before the registration deadline associated with your test date, with the exception of accommodations requiring an in-person administration, which require at least 30 days’ notice.
If your accommodations request is not approved, or is approved after the applicable deadline, your
existing registration remains valid and you will test under standard conditions.
Registering for the Exam When Applying for Accommodations
You may register for the exam at any time; you do not need to wait for a decision on your application for accommodations. If you choose to register prior to receiving a decision on your application for accommodations, all regular deadlines and fees will apply, including rescheduling fees and cancellation deadlines. If you receive an approval for any of the accommodations you requested PRIOR to the registration deadline associated with your appointment, any approved accommodations will be applied to your appointment automatically if you are testing remotely. If you are not testing remotely, and your approved accommodations require an in-person administration, specific instructions will be provided in your approval letter to ensure that your accommodations will be available on your test day.
However, if you receive a full or partial approval decision letter AFTER the registration deadline associated with your exam appointment, your accommodations will not be available for your scheduled appointment. You may either keep your appointment and test under standard conditions or cancel your appointment and schedule a new date to test under the approved accommodations. If you choose to keep your appointment and test under standard conditions, it will count as an attempt. If you elect to test under standard conditions, your pending accommodations request will still be reviewed and any approvals could still be applied to future appointments.
If you receive a partial approval PRIOR to the registration deadline associated with your test date and have submitted a reconsideration or appeal, you may either keep your current appointment and test under the currently approved accommodations or reschedule your appointment by the deadline associated with your current appointment while you wait for the determination letter associated with your current application
Review your determination letters in their entirety. If you have questions regarding applying accommodations to your exam appointment, please email askpreview@aamc.org.