Here are three things we recommend you do before applying for accommodations.
1) Start early.
Our website provides recommended submission dates for each MCAT test date. However, these dates assume that everything is ready to go. It can take time to complete necessary evaluations and collect your supporting documentation from schools and other agencies. We recommend you fully review the accommodations webpages, gather your information, and submit your application as early as possible (and before the suggested dates on the website).
2) Get familiar with the test and test environment.
Not sure if you need accommodations or which accommodations you may need? Start by learning the basics about the MCAT exam, such as the duration of the test and the timing of breaks, the number of sections, and what the overall test day experience is like.
Be sure to review the Taking the MCAT Exam section of our website and the MCAT Essentials to learn about the exam. Understanding the MCAT Exam testing conditions can also help you determine if you need to request accommodations. You can learn more about the testing environment and types of accommodations offered in the MCAT Exam Testing Conditions: What You Need to Know.
Keep in mind the approved accommodations are based on the demands of the test and the standard MCAT testing environment. You may not need an accommodation for the MCAT exam that you needed in a prior setting and vice versa. For example, a person with a disability in written expression may not need an accommodation on the MCAT exam because the exam is multiple choice and does not require written answers. In contrast, a person with a visual impairment that is affected by computer use may need a new accommodation since the MCAT exam is a computer-based test.
3) Gather the necessary information you need to submit your application.
It’s important to know what documents should be submitted to support your application. If you do not submit the necessary information, your application could be considered incomplete. If that happens, you will need to resubmit your application with the necessary information and the review starts over. Submitting an incomplete application extends the review process. This may result in not being able to test on your preferred test date with your approved accommodations.
The Application Guidelines and Requirements page on our website walks you through the documentation and information that is needed. The required documents can vary slightly depending on the nature of your condition and the limitations you experience. A current, comprehensive evaluation from a qualified professional is required for all applications. Review the evaluation guidelines for each of your disabilities or conditions and share them with your qualified professional. Your qualified professional should recommend specific accommodations and explain how these accommodations make the exam accessible for you. Share our What Evaluators Need to Know document with your qualified professional to help them understand the information that is needed.
Below are some additional resources to help you through the process:
- Learn more about the accommodations review process.
- Not sure which MCAT accommodations application you need to submit? Consider these questions.
- See the list of items that don’t require prior approval here.
- Have a question? Reach out to us at accommodation@aamc.org or check out our most frequently asked questions.