Getting extra time on exams

[rates]

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I've been having some issues that I won't get into and recently got a diagnosis that I just found out qualifies me to receive academic accommodations for my classes (ie extra time on exams). I think it will definitely help me perform to my fullest extent and repair my low GPA. But I do have to tell all the teachers I'm requesting extra time in (obviously) and also my academic advisor (which I am hesitant to do). I'm worried it will impact me negatively when I have to ask for LORs from some of these professors since they'll probably look at me differently. They won't know the exact diagnosis but since I technically have to go through the Disabilities Office to request any accommodations, I don't want them to think less of me especially when they have to vouch for me applying to med school.

I'm not sure if I should take the accommodations…any suggestions?

 

[aSagacious]

Definitely take advantage of the accommodation. If you were granted the request by your school then it is almost certainly legitimate. I think that profs would still be willing to write you a good letter, provided you demonstrate that you work hard and understand the material.

 

[circulus vitios]

I remember reading that extra time accommodations on the MCAT are noted by the AAMC. Time accomodations on the USMLEs are absolutely prohibited. Just something to think about if your condition is severe.

 

[penguinism]

I've been having some issues that I won't get into and recently got a diagnosis that I just found out qualifies me to receive academic accommodations for my classes (ie extra time on exams). I think it will definitely help me perform to my fullest extent and repair my low GPA. But I do have to tell all the teachers I'm requesting extra time in (obviously) and also my academic advisor (which I am hesitant to do). I'm worried it will impact me negatively when I have to ask for LORs from some of these professors since they'll probably look at me differently. They won't know the exact diagnosis but since I technically have to go through the Disabilities Office to request any accommodations, I don't want them to think less of me especially when they have to vouch for me applying to med school.

I'm not sure if I should take the accommodations…any suggestions?

The bolded sentence is key right there. If you feel like the accommodations will benefit you, USE THEM. Colleges offer accommodations for a reason. I doubt that many professors will use this against you if you ask for a recommendation (and if they do then they are probably not the best person to ask in the first place). Your GPA is a key to medical school admissions, so my vote is to take the extra time and perform better on exams.

 

[JESSFALLING]

I've been having some issues that I won't get into and recently got a diagnosis that I just found out qualifies me to receive academic accommodations for my classes (ie extra time on exams). I think it will definitely help me perform to my fullest extent and repair my low GPA. But I do have to tell all the teachers I'm requesting extra time in (obviously) and also my academic advisor (which I am hesitant to do). I'm worried it will impact me negatively when I have to ask for LORs from some of these professors since they'll probably look at me differently. They won't know the exact diagnosis but since I technically have to go through the Disabilities Office to request any accommodations, I don't want them to think less of me especially when they have to vouch for me applying to med school.

I'm not sure if I should take the accommodations…any suggestions?

I would use it only if you need it. If your grades suffer without it....then by all means use the time!

 

[AvidAvatar]

I remember reading that extra time accommodations on the MCAT are noted by the AAMC. Time accomodations on the USMLEs are absolutely prohibited. Just something to think about if your condition is severe.

If I recall correctly, someone in the DO forums was talking about this. He has dyslexia(?) and had extra time on every exam he has taken - then he got to the boards. I'm not sure how it turned out, but be careful my friend.

Just something to keep in mind - if a professor is going to look down on you because you have a recognized disability I doubt you should be getting LORs from them in the first place. Just my opinion. 👎

 

[CodeBlu]

Definitely take advantage of the accommodation. If you were granted the request by your school then it is almost certainly legitimate. I think that profs would still be willing to write you a good letter, provided you demonstrate that you work hard and understand the material.

There's nothing wrong with taking more time. I agree with Saggy here.

Make sure you understand the material well and demonstrate this.

 

[ppfizenm]

Take them but try to finish in the same amount of time as eveyone else or try working up to doing that. If you use accommodations on the mcat schools you apply to get to see that (which I've heard can be a bad thing especially if you do poorly). Like others said you dont get them on the boards and definitely won't get them when with patients.

 

[DrBowtie]

I remember reading that extra time accommodations on the MCAT are noted by the AAMC. Time accomodations on the USMLEs are absolutely prohibited. Just something to think about if your condition is severe.

Not absolutely prohibited just extremely difficult to qualify for.

 

[Morsetlis]

I've been having some issues that I won't get into and recently got a diagnosis that I just found out qualifies me to receive academic accommodations for my classes (ie extra time on exams). I think it will definitely help me perform to my fullest extent and repair my low GPA. But I do have to tell all the teachers I'm requesting extra time in (obviously) and also my academic advisor (which I am hesitant to do). I'm worried it will impact me negatively when I have to ask for LORs from some of these professors since they'll probably look at me differently. They won't know the exact diagnosis but since I technically have to go through the Disabilities Office to request any accommodations, I don't want them to think less of me especially when they have to vouch for me applying to med school.

I'm not sure if I should take the accommodations…any suggestions?

The obvious recommendation is to not request extra time from profs that might write you LOR's.