How to Get MCAT Accommodations: A Step-by-Step Guide
Every year, thousands of students apply for MCAT accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For many, these adjustments are what make the exam accessible. Without them, a seven-and-a-half-hour test filled with dense reading and problem-solving can become more a measure of physical endurance than of academic ability. With accommodations in place, however, the exam can reflect what it is meant to measure: your preparation, reasoning, and mastery of the material.
Accommodations, however, are not about lowering expectations. They do not make the MCAT easier. Instead, they remove barriers that could otherwise prevent students from showing their true potential. That might mean extra time for someone with a processing disorder, additional breaks for someone managing a medical condition, or assistive technology for someone with a visual impairment. Each adjustment is carefully considered, with the goal of creating a level playing field.
The process of applying can feel intimidating, especially when you are already balancing study schedules and test-day planning. But it does not have to be confusing. The AAMC has created a structured system that allows you to submit applications, track decisions, and use the same documentation for both the MCAT and the PREview exam if needed.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including what accommodations mean, how the application system works, the required documentation, and how to prepare for review timelines.
Step 1: Understanding What Counts as an Accommodation
Under the ADA, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The phrase “substantially limits” does not mean that a person cannot perform the activity at all. It means that the activity is more challenging for most people. Accommodations provide adjustments to help offset those limitations. Some common examples include:- Extra testing time
- Extended or additional breaks
- Permission to bring food, water, or medical supplies into the exam
- Access to assistive technology, such as screen magnification or screen readers
- A quieter testing room or a separate space
Step 2: The Application System
The AAMC has created one application system for both the MCAT and the PREview exam. Even though they are different tests, you can now request accommodations for either exam in one place. Keep in mind that:- You must clearly state which accommodations you are requesting for each exam.
- If you have already been approved for the MCAT and now want PREview accommodations, you still need to submit a new application for PREview.
- You can often use the same documentation for both, unless the accommodations differ.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Application Type
There are several types of applications:
| Application Type | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Initial | An initial application is the very first request for accommodations. It must be completed before you can submit any other type of request. If more than five years have passed since your last approval, you may also need to submit a new initial application. |
| Reconsideration | A reconsideration is used if you want your application reviewed again or if you are requesting accommodations that you did not ask for before. This type of request requires new and meaningful information that was not included in your original submission. |
| Appeal | An appeal asks the AAMC to review your application again without adding new documentation. Appeals can only be filed once, and the decision made is final. Think carefully about whether a reconsideration is more appropriate before choosing this option. |
| Extension | An extension is for continuing previously approved accommodations into a new testing season. If you are only requesting an extension of approval, no new documentation is required. If you want additional accommodations on top o |
| Incomplete Application | If your application is marked incomplete, it means the AAMC does not yet have enough information to finish a review. This is not the same as a denial. You will need to provide the missing documents or details outlined in the incomplete determination letter before the review can move forward. |
It is possible to be filing different types of applications simultaneously. For example, you could be submitting an initial application for PREview while also asking for reconsideration on the MCAT. The system will guide you as you select the correct option.
Step 4: Preparing Strong Documentation
The AAMC reviews not only diagnoses, but also how those diagnoses affect your ability to take a standardized exam. That means your documentation needs to do two things:- Describe your condition clearly and include recent medical or psychoeducational evaluations.
- Show how that condition creates specific challenges in a testing environment.
Step 5: Knowing the Timeline
Timing is critical. The AAMC outlines expected review periods, and you need to apply early enough to avoid missing your preferred testing window.- Initial applications are usually reviewed within 60 days.
- If you already have MCAT approval and are applying for PREview without new accommodations, review typically takes 30 days.
- Reconsiderations, appeals, and extensions are also reviewed within 30 days.
Step 6: Checking Your Application History
If you applied for accommodations before the new integrated system was launched, your history should still be visible. Drafts, submitted applications, or service requests for the MCAT will appear in your account. PREview history should also show, although for older records you may need to confirm details by contacting previewaccommodations@aamc.org.
Step 7: After You Are Approved
Once your accommodations are approved, you will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam with those adjustments in place. Be sure to:
- Read the determination letter carefully so you know exactly what has been granted.
- Contact the testing center with any logistical questions about how accommodations will be set up.
- Keep a copy of your approval for your own records.
Final Thoughts
The accommodations process may feel intimidating at first, but it is designed to create fairness. The AAMC follows the ADA to ensure all test takers have the opportunity to show what they know. The key to a successful application is preparation: gather thorough documentation, apply early, and clearly explain how your condition affects test-taking.
When your accommodations are approved, you can enter the exam knowing the conditions are in place for you to perform at your best. The MCAT should measure your ability to think critically and apply knowledge, not the barriers created by a disability.