Can I get an accommodation to bring tissues to the MCAT?

[Lannister]

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Okay this might sound really stupid, but I have horrible, horrible allergies that basically leave me constantly sniffling and with a runny/stuffy nose. I've tried literally everything and nothing helps, so there's not any medication or anything I can take to prevent it on test day. Is it possible to get an accommodation so that I can bring tissues into the test? I just don't want it to be a distraction for myself or others.

 

[Nymphicus]

Probably won't work.

 

[DanniD]

Okay this might sound really stupid, but I have horrible, horrible allergies that basically leave me constantly sniffling and with a runny/stuffy nose. I've tried literally everything and nothing helps, so there's not any medication or anything I can take to prevent it on test day. Is it possible to get an accommodation so that I can bring tissues into the test? I just don't want it to be a distraction for myself or others.

they'll give u as many tissues as you want themselves no need to apply for accom lol
that's kind of cute haha

 

[otterxavier]

You'd need a letter from a qualified medical professional documenting:

a. Relevant background information, including your academic history and any educational impact of your disability
b. Discussion of the history of your condition
c. Discussion of the current treatments for your condition
d. Discussion of the prognosis of your condition
e. Evidence of a significant physical impairment using objective tests (include test names and results)
f. Evidence that other possible explanations for your condition have been investigated and ruled out
g. Discussion of the functional impact of your condition on a major life activity*
h. Description of relevant employment history (if any) and the impact of your condition on job performance (if applicable)
i. A summary that integrates previous test results, relevant history, current test results, and clinical impressions and includes a diagnostic statement
j. A discussion of the potential impact of your condition on your ability to take the MCAT exam
k. Specific recommendations for MCAT accommodations

*Major life activities include , among other activities and functions: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, breathing, learning, reading, communicating and working.
​

Your call whether it's worth it to try to pull that together. Personally, I'd use the scrap paper (although remember you're not allowed to tear it) and/or wear a shirt with sleeves that I don't care about :\

 

[Lannister]

they'll give u as many tissues as you want themselves no need to apply for accom lol
that's kind of cute haha

Really?? I read somewhere that they didn't provide tissues...now I feel dumb lol.

 

[otterxavier]

Might be luck of the draw. I've heard from several people that they were not allowed to bring in Kleenex, either their own or the test center's.

 

[ERK123]

Afrin doesn't work?

 

[Lannister]

Afrin doesn't work?

I've tried pretty much every anti-histamine and nasal spray on the market. Decongestants help a little but not enough. I did allergy shots for over 3 years, no results. Even the Neti Pot doesn't work for me, because my nose has so much mucus in it that it just goes down my throat. So if anyone has any more suggestions I'd be happy to hear them 🙁 I'm convinced I actually have cystic fibrosis or something. I've never met anyone who had allergies as untreatable as mine.

 

[Lannister]

And thanks for the info, @otterxavier . Do I have to have that stuff done before registering for the MCAT?

 

[otterxavier]

And thanks for the info, @otterxavier . Do I have to have that stuff done before registering for the MCAT?

afaik you can apply for an accommodation after you register, but you do need to submit your application 30-60 days before the test date (depending on what specifically you're applying for). check this out: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/accommodations/

 

[Lannister]

afaik you can apply for an accommodation after you register, but you do need to submit your application 30-60 days before the test date (depending on what specifically you're applying for). check this out: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/accommodations/

Boooo no tissues for me then, I'm taking the test on May 22nd. Guess I should have thought about this earlier. Oh well, I'll live. And maybe my sniffling will distract everyone around me enough so that they all fail and my percentile will be better 🤣But seriously, I hope not. I feel so guilty about the sniffling when sitting for exams.

 

[dpmd]

I've tried pretty much every anti-histamine and nasal spray on the market. Decongestants help a little but not enough. I did allergy shots for over 3 years, no results. Even the Neti Pot doesn't work for me, because my nose has so much mucus in it that it just goes down my throat. So if anyone has any more suggestions I'd be happy to hear them 🙁 I'm convinced I actually have cystic fibrosis or something. I've never met anyone who had allergies as untreatable as mine.

When mine were really bad I took double dose claritin or zyrtec plus singulair daily and used ipratopium nasal spray intermittently when I was really snotty. Luckily allergy shots did help me so now I am down to a single zyrtec daily.

 

[Lannister]

When mine were really bad I took double dose claritin or zyrtec plus singulair daily and used ipratopium nasal spray intermittently when I was really snotty. Luckily allergy shots did help me so now I am down to a single zyrtec daily.

I'm so glad/envious that the shots helped you. I take one Xyzal daily and two squirts of Nasonex per nostril, plus Astelin as needed. Plus now she thinks I might have exercise-induced asthma so I might have to start using Albuterol. I'm going to die by allergy med overdose.

 

[umgoblue2008]

The test center i did my April MCATs (near Chicago, IL) gave out as many tissues as was needed. Not sure at other locations thought, you should call your test center and find out.

 

[DesitnationMD]

The test center i did my April MCATs (near Chicago, IL) gave out as many tissues as was needed. Not sure at other locations thought, you should call your test center and find out.

+100 If you have any doubts or questions, call the place you will be testing. It is the people there who will be able to tell you what they do/do not allow.