If you are an MCAT® or PREview® examinee, you are now able to apply for accommodations for both exams in the same application system. As of Thursday, Oct. 10, you can apply for MCAT and PREview accommodations in the same system, track the progress of applications, review subsequent determination letters, and submit accommodations-related services requests for both exams.
Whether you’re applying for the MCAT and PREview exams together or one at a time, here are some considerations when applying in the system:
1) Two separate exams, one application system - The MCAT exam and PREview exam are two distinct exams, testing different competencies, and could require different accommodations. The nature of the test and delivery formats also differ across exams. This means that applicants must designate what accommodations they are requesting for each exam, however that can now be done within the same system, and you can do this at the same time or different times.
- If you already have approval for MCAT accommodations and are seeking PREview accommodations, you still need to submit an additional application for PREview accommodations.
- If you are applying for both exams, you can generally use the same documentation for both applications and you only need to upload it once. Please note that additional documentation may be needed if you are asking for different accommodations across exams.
2) Application types – There are several types of applications you can submit for both exams: If this is your first application request for either or both exams, you’re submitting an initial application.
- A reconsideration is a request to have your application re-reviewed for additional accommodations and must include new and substantial information.
- An appeal is a request for re-review without new and substantial information.
- An extension is a request to extend the approval of your approved accommodations.
- You may be requesting different application types for each exam (i.e. PREview initial application and MCAT reconsideration application). The prompts in the system will guide you through your selections.
- More information about application types can be found here.
3) Application history – If you have previously applied for MCAT or PREview accommodations, please continue reading for more information about how you can expect your applied history to be reflected in the updated system.
- If you applied for PREview accommodations prior to this system update, you will be able to see your PREview accommodations application history in the integrated system. If you have questions about information related to your prior PREview application that is not available in the new system, please email previewaccommodations@aamc.org for assistance.
- If you submitted or created a draft application or submitted a service request in the MCAT accommodations application system prior to the system update, your history and information will be available in the integrated system.
4) Important dates and time frames - Make sure you understand the review cycles and application and scheduling timeframes for both the MCAT and PREview exams, to ensure you apply and receive a determination in time for your preferred exam date.
- Initial accommodation requests will generally be reviewed within 60 days of submission.
- If you have an active (unexpired) MCAT approval valid through the current testing season, are applying for accommodations on the PREview exam for the first time and are not requesting any additional accommodations not already approved on the MCAT exam, your application will be reviewed within 30 days of submission.
- Reconsiderations, appeals and extensions may take up to 30 days.
Click here for more information about MCAT and PREview accommodations application guidelines and requirements.
For questions about applications in progress, contact accommodations@aamc.org.