Applying for MCAT Accommodations

All recommendations from qualified professionals should consider the actual task demands associated with standard MCAT test conditions, as well as the individual’s current functional limitations and history of prior accommodation.

For example, a recommendation for a computerized format is not warranted, given that the standard MCAT exam is already a computer-based test.

Previously granted accommodations may not necessarily be supported for the MCAT exam, given the demands of the current task.

For example, a recommendation for additional time on written responses is unwarranted because the MCAT is purely a multiple-choice test.

The evaluation should address a relevant history of the following:

• Impact of the impairment on your education (such as performance on previous standardized tests like the SAT)
• Prior accommodations (such as IEPs, Section 504 plans, extra time allowed on the ACT)
• Prior interventions (such as tutoring or specialized private school placements)

You can reference the AAMC Evaluator Guide to see what application evaluators are looking for on your MCAT accommodation application.

Step 2: Start an Application on the AAMC Website

Create an AAMC account if you do not already have one. Set up your online profile at AAMC’s website.

Sign in to the Accommodations Application System and select “Create Application.” Select your “Type of Request.” You may apply for accommodations for the MCAT exam, PREview exam, or both at the same time.

Familiarize yourself with the format of the application, and ensure you understand what documents will be required of you well in advance of the deadline.

Step 3: Fill Out the Written Portions

Complete the Profile, Condition, and History sections. Answer honestly and holistically. Don’t exaggerate, but don’t be modest.

Unlike the AMCAS Personal Statement, the personal statement needs to be functional, not emotional. No need to describe why you want to be a doctor.

In the written sections of this application, you must concretely describe the following:

• How your diagnosed medical condition impacts your ability to take the MCAT under typical circumstances.
• Your condition and how it has impacted your life (facts, not emotions), and specifically, MCAT testing.
• Your history of receiving accommodations — such as in elementary school, high school, college, and on previous standardized exams such as the ACT or SAT.
• When, how, and by whom your condition has been documented in the past.
• Why your requested accommodations are necessary.
• What strategies, devices, or medications you ordinarily use to manage your condition, as well as how these are insufficient to manage your condition when taking the MCAT.

Note: If you’ve never applied for accommodations, you’ll need to explain why you’re applying for the first time.

Step 4: Upload Documentation

Upload your Current Comprehensive Evaluation, plus any other required documentation for your MCAT accommodation application, through AAMC’s online system. Don’t mail copies to them or anything like that.

Keep a copy of any documentation you submit because the AAMC won’t return any submitted documents.

Here is a list of documents you are either required or recommended to submit with your application, depending on your specific condition:

• Evaluation of your condition(s) by a qualified professional
• Previous evaluations you’ve received
• Verification of previous accommodations
• Academic transcripts
• Standardized test score reports
• Supporting academic records

A common reason why initial applications can be rejected is if students have failed to submit sufficient documentation of their condition. Err on the side of caution by being thorough.

After Approval

You will receive your determination (approval, denial, or incomplete) by email notification.

If your request is approved, contact your Pearson VUE test center. The AAMC will not inform them, and your testing location generally requires 15 days’ notice to prepare for your accommodations.

When you receive an approval determination, the AAMC should provide instructions for you to contact the testing center.

After approval and contacting your test center, focus on studying according to your MCAT study schedule.

Expert Tips When Applying for Accommodations

Here are some tips and tricks for applying for MCAT accommodations, based on MedSchoolCoach expert experience:

• Apply 105 days before your test date. That’s three and a half months. I can’t stress enough that you need to give yourself enough time for the application review process, the appeal process, and the test center contact process to all occur.
• Fill out your application in English. The AAMC will not review any application in a language other than English.
• Careful about adding documents before they’re ready. You can add more later, but you cannot delete documentation from your application until a determination (approval or denial) has been made, which can take a long time.
• Maintain a copy of your determination letter(s) for your records. Your MCAT and PREview accommodation application history, documentation, and determination letters are only kept in AAMC’s application system for 5 years from the date of your most recent determination.
• For reconsiderations, appeals, extensions, or an incomplete determination, you basically have to reapply through the same online system, according to the AAMC. For reconsideration, add a follow-up letter from you or a qualified professional explaining why the previously provided information is insufficient. You don’t have to re-upload documents you’ve already submitted, but you can upload more documents or alter written portions of your application (except the history section).
• You can withdraw your application temporarily or permanently — whether your reason is adding documents, changing written portions, or no longer wanting to be considered. Simply sign in to the Accommodations Application System, hover over the three dots, and select the “Withdraw” action next to the application you wish to withdraw.
• Expect weekend or holiday delays. If the AAMC says you’ll get your determination on a weekend or holiday, the AAMC doesn’t actually send a determination until the following business day.
• Don’t forget to authorize the relevant release of your application information. The AAMC will not discuss your application with a third party unless you fill out an Authorization for Release of Information form. This form can be found in the Service Request section of the AAMC application system.
• You can reapply for accommodations if you’re retaking the MCAT. With the backing of a qualified professional, you can argue that your unique condition hindered your ability to take the exam under the standard MCAT test-taking conditions the first time around.
• Contact the AAMC at accommodations@aamc.org if you or your evaluator have any questions about the application, appeal, or other aspects of MCAT accommodations.

Key Exam, Submission, and Appeal Dates