MCAT Accommodations- Medication Only

[BeMD13]

I read on the AAMC page that if the only accommodation needed is to bring medication/medical devices into the testing room then a "detailed letter" from your doctor should be submitted. Does anyone know what exactly this should include so I don't have to make my doctor send even more paperwork? I tried finding more information or a sample letter but I didn't see anything online. I have an appointment on Monday and I still haven't received a response to my email that I sent to the testing accommodations group.

Also, I heard that if you have accommodations like extra time or breaks, your scores are flagged as *with accommodations. Does anyone know if this is true for bringing medication in with you?

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[Lya]

I am uncertain about the part of being flagged, but you should be fine if you just genuinely explain things when you are being asked about the accommodations in application/interview.

Regarding the detailed letter, my guess is that the doctor should verify why medication/medical devices during academic tests are justified and necessary for medical reasons. If his letter doesn't suffice, the testing center should notify you and/or the doctor.

 

[Ismet]

Do you absolutely need the medication with you in the testing room, or can you leave it in your locker to use during breaks?

All of your questions can probably be best answered by calling or emailing AAMC directly.

 

[Psych69]

Your scores are only flagged if you receive extra time. If you have accommodations such as medication, medical device, or extra breaks your score appears normal on AMCAS and there is no question about MCAT accommodations on the AMCAS application.

Source: I have bad carpal tunnel and needed to use a special fat pen. I called and spoke to the people at AAMC--they were super helpful and actually really easy to get ahold of. I guess the exorbitant fees and paying for something! In any case, I had to go through the whole process of doctor's note and test in a separate room just for this one thing. It was kinda crazy!

 

[BeMD13]

Your scores are only flagged if you receive extra time. If you have accommodations such as medication, medical device, or extra breaks your score appears normal on AMCAS and there is no question about MCAT accommodations on the AMCAS application.

Source: I have bad carpal tunnel and needed to use a special fat pen. I called and spoke to the people at AAMC--they were super helpful and actually really easy to get ahold of. I guess the exorbitant fees and paying for something! In any case, I had to go through the whole process of doctor's note and test in a separate room just for this one thing. It was kinda crazy!

Thanks so much! That is great news! That is definitely kind of ridiculous about the separate room. I wonder if they will make me do that just to have a pill!

 

[BeMD13]

Do you absolutely need the medication with you in the testing room, or can you leave it in your locker to use during breaks?

All of your questions can probably be best answered by calling or emailing AAMC directly.

I thought about leaving everything in my locker but I have migraines and computer glare is a trigger. If I don't take my pill or use a triptan nasal spray within the first 10-15 minutes of getting one, I am in major trouble and it will ruin my score. I also thought about taking one before the test starts since I know I will probably end up with one but they make me groggy and I'd rather not have to. As long as I don't have glare from the lights or windows on my screen, I might be ok. If someone comes in and sits down next to me doused in perfume I might have a problem too. I'm better off just having a pill in my pocket.

 

[WingedOx]

I had to write a letter for a patient of mine for accommodations to the NBME for step 1 this week. She sent me a link to the NBME website that had the specific instructions for what I needed to include in my letter (ICD codes, specific symptoms, reasons why the symptoms aren't explained by an alternative diagnosis, etc). I'm going to assume the AAMC has specific guidelines for your MD/DO in their letter. I'd call and email the AAMC for such guidelines and give them to your MD/DO because if they simply write "[student] has [x diganosis] and needs [x accommodation]" it likely isn't going to be good enough.