MCAT accommodations: extra time, breaks and how to apply

What everyone gets without applying

• Earplugs or headsets from the test center, and individual carrels in rooms controlled for noise and movement.
• A zoom function, three screen color options, two highlighter colors, and a left- or right-handed mouse.
• Adjustable chairs and monitors, and wheelchair-accessible centers.
• A written copy of spoken instructions if you ask.
• Some medical items after a visual check, including inhalers, EpiPens, pills, an insulin pump, braces, a cushion, canes and crutches.

What you can ask for

The AAMC decides based on how your condition limits you on a standardized test now, not on a diagnosis alone, and it needs documents that support the request.

• Extended testing time, if you need longer to read or process questions.
• Stop-the-clock breaks during a section, which don’t take time away from testing.
• Extended breaks, which make the scheduled breaks longer.
• Extra break time to pump breast milk.
• A separate room, if you can show standard conditions aren’t enough.

How and when to apply

1. Read the AAMC’s application guidelines first. It calls them required reading.
2. Apply in the AAMC Accommodations Application System and list the accommodations you want for each exam.
3. Apply by the recommended date for your test. The AAMC generally reviews first requests within 60 days, and reconsiderations, appeals and extensions within 30. It can’t speed them up, and an incomplete application starts the clock again.
4. Once approved, follow your approval letter and send your scheduling request to Pearson VUE at least 15 days before your test.

If the decision comes late

If you’re not approved at least 15 days before your test, you can sit it under standard conditions or move to a later date. Normal change fees apply, and you can reschedule until 10 days before. Approved accommodations carry over to later exams.

The 2027 testing year ends on September 11, 2027. The AAMC says first applications sent after May 29, 2027 aren’t guaranteed accommodations that year. For scheduling help, Pearson VUE’s accommodations line is 1-800-466-0450, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.