Non-standard conditions MCAT on AACOMAS

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wannabeaDO

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Has anyone tested under non-standard conditions for the MCAT and sent the MCAT scores to AACOMAS? Does it show up as non-standard conditions on the AACOMAS? I know it shows up on AAMC itself, but it dosen't look like there are any spots on the AACOMAS that would say non-standard conditions. Thanks.
 
extended time is the most common
 
The flagging of nonstandard MCAT scores is sort of a contentious area. The flagging of extended-time scores was recently dropped from the SAT after a big court case, but medical schools will see a * next to your MCAT score, indicating to them that you took the test under "nonstandard conditions" (i.e. not directly implying extra time). Supposedly, this makes adcoms pay less attention to your MCAT score, and look more at other factors (GPA, volunteering, etc.).

I believe medical school faculties (i.e. the AAMC) support the practice of flagging nonstandard scores, while the students (i.e. AMSA) do not.

The acceptance rates and later performance of nonstandard test takers has actually been researched a fair amount, try googling it. Last I checked, the overall acceptance rates for both standard and nonstandard MCAT takers were about the same, at just below 50%.

NB: If you take the MCAT once and do "reasonably well" (i.e. at least 5-7 per section), you will not be able to get extended time on a retake, even if your total score was very low and you have a medical professional document your need for accomodations. "Somebody has to be average," they'll tell you.
 
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I swear I need more time on those questions. I can't even grasp what they ask on the first time around. That's my handicap. I've never been able to overcome the hump after taking some standardized tests just to get into college. I simply CAN'T comprehend when I'm forced to read something I haven't seen in my life, even though you're told that it is based on basic science knowledge (same applies to verbal). However, I've realized that when I turn off the clock & take my time, I focus better...because I can look at things more than twice and go "aha". Seriously...what is my problem??? Anyone in the same boat?
 
yep I'm the same way... but I think that's part of the challenge of the test, thinking critically under time constraints and stress...something you will most likely be required to do one day when you're a doctor.
 
NB: If you take the MCAT once and do "reasonably well" (i.e. at least 5-7 per section), you will not be able to get extended time on a retake, even if your total score was very low and you have a medical professional document your need for accomodations. "Somebody has to be average," they'll tell you.

5-7 per section is "reasonably well". Wow.
 
yep I'm the same way... but I think that's part of the challenge of the test, thinking critically under time constraints and stress...something you will most likely be required to do one day when you're a doctor.

Yeah I do reflect on that quite often. But if it's in my cognition, I won't waste any time...I'm sure the MCAT is like being a doctor. after you do a bunch of them, it's really no problem. so i cant complain when i haven't really prepared for it...im freaking out because i took a practice test and did terrible due to the time constraint. I'll see what I can do to straighten that ish out. Meanwhile, I do wish there was something that can lower my anxiety about time...It sucks!
 
Try 1mg Alprazolam PO about 1 hour pre-test. Should do the trick.

ohhh looks like an online prescription? can you write me one, doc? 😉 lol jk

I'm going to train hard this summer and figure out how to think straight under timed conditions. If I don't progress, I may go seek help to correct it.
 
ohhh looks like an online prescription? can you write me one, doc? 😉 lol jk

I'm going to train hard this summer and figure out how to think straight under timed conditions. If I don't progress, I may go seek help to correct it.

Never rule out the power of modern medicine.
 
Alprazolam = bad idea. benzos decrease overall arousal leading to less effective cognitive performance.

unless of course you have a legitimate anxiety disorder...


Same things goes with propanolol.
 
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