Rejected for Extended time accomodations...

[OnePremier]

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This thread may be nothing more than an attempt to make myself feel better... But I am extrordinarily worried (along with everyone else...) about the August MCAT... and here's why.

Throughout highschool and college I've had extended test time accomodations for most of my exams, including the SATs. (usually only needed in subjects such as Physics, Math, and sometimes Orgo...anything involving calculations, and with Orgo, visual cues). My difficulties have come with processing time and test anxiety. Alot of classes, such as Bio, psychology, etc...where it's mostly the memorization of facts, i've had no problems with.

Time came around for MCATs, and I've applied twice for testing accomodations, and to no avail...I've been rejected both times...the most recent time submitting a psychological evaluation that had been preformed only a couple weeks prior. Included in the evaluation had to be an IQ test, which I scored a 140 on...which I believe may have been the setback (hard to convince someone that a person with a 140 IQ needs accomodations.)

So now here comes MCATs, and this August will be the first time I will be taking them (Last August, I didn't feel I was ready, and last April, a family emergency prevented me from taking them). I am beyond nervous... I've studied for it a couple times before, so this time around, I started really studying alot about a month and a half ago. Mostly all I've done so far is read my Kaplan books, and for this last month, I plan on just taking practice tests, and occasional glancing at the notecards.

My sights for the schools that Im applying to themselves aren't set very high. I had a 3.2 GPA as a physics major at LMU (which I wish I hadn't majored in...my GPA for my bio classes was something like a 3.8...my upper division physics grades weren't as great). I'm probably going to apply to Osteopathic schools, because I want to go into a career of Diet and Sports medicine, although I wont rule out applying to allopathic schools.

My question is... Has anyone else, who's been taking tests with time accomodations for most of their educational career, been rejected by the AAMC's for time accomodations and must now (or had to) take the exams timed? If so, how did you deal with it? and how did you do?

 

[USArmyDoc]

Sent you a PM

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

I fully acknowledge and bless your attempt to rant.
Next time more angry faces – less justification.
6.89/10


good luck OP!

 

[perfectmoment]

it's a good thing that they rejected you. that is such a bs thing to be getting extended time for. it's not even fair that anyone would give you a time extension on any test, short of you having downs or something. we're all nervous, and we've all got anxiety about what could very well be the biggest test of our lives, but honestly man, suck it up and take it. i really hate how much society coddles people these days.

 

[DrBowtie]

I must say that as harsh as it sounds, you need to get over your reliance on extra time. You will be faced with multiple tests in the future as a doctor so you need to get used to doing it normal. All people aren't created equal and life is not always going to give you an equalizer. My patient is dying, Let me get extended time. Im not ready to have this baby, let me get extended time.....Sorry for the reverse rant but it seriously irks me.

 

[OnePremier]

it's a good thing that they rejected you. that is such a bs thing to be getting extended time for. it's not even fair that anyone would give you a time extension on any test, short of you having downs or something. we're all nervous, and we've all got anxiety about what could very well be the biggest test of our lives, but honestly man, suck it up and take it. i really hate how much society coddles people these days.

umm, the time extensions I received weren't for test anxiety my friend. They were for attention deficit disorder.

 

[OnePremier]

I think people are missing the point of this thread. My request was for people who were in a similar situation as me to tell me how they went about taking their tests, or learning to take their tests without accomodations.

My request wasn't for people to post "get over it", "you shouldn't of had it to begin with", "when you're a doctor you won't get extended time", etc. etc.
Replies like this aren't only not helping, they'er myopic and imperceptive. Not to mention people didn't know what my accomodations were for, or what medical testing I had for this diagnosis to be made.

So if all you have to contribute is criticism and condemnation, then you're in the wrong thread.

 

[stoleyerscrubz]

You are funny and stuff.

I fully acknowledge and bless your attempt to rant.
Next time more angry faces – less justification.
6.89/10


good luck OP!

 

[MercyKillerDoc]

Onepremier, dearest of all my friends, you need to think about how you are such a bad person. Try to mend your ways and repent for your terrible acts. If you have a clear conscious then perhaps you may finally be able to rest.

 

[_ian]

If you don't completely explain why you need extended time to people, of course you're going to get attacked. I think you should expect people to see you as querulous and coddled if you spend paragraphs complaining that you're used to accomodations, yet don't bother to justify precisely why. It's only natural to assume, and I will fully admit that I had exactly the same assumptions as the others in this topic... and while I'm not going to preach at you any longer, I will say that I'm still siding with AAMC on this one.

Anyway, my girlfriend has diagnosed but unmedicated ADD, often has trouble with physics and math tests thanks to it, and has actually failed tests in the past. She has yet to find a great testing strategy to counteract it; she just makes sure she absolutely knows her stuff forwards and backwards. That way, when she is concentrating on the test, she finishes problems quickly, and her lapses tend to only slow her down enough to make her finish as the test is due. I also think she's found that anxiety tends to potentiate the concentration issues, so she has to make sure she is very confident about the test prior to taking it.

I'm aware that you probably have already thought of this, so sorry I couldn't be more helpful; I'll ask if she has more tips.

 

[OnePremier]

If you don't completely explain why you need extended time to people, of course you're going to get attacked. I think you should expect people to see you as querulous and coddled if you spend paragraphs complaining that you're used to accomodations, yet don't bother to justify precisely why. It's only natural to assume, and I will fully admit that I had exactly the same assumptions as the others in this topic... and while I'm not going to preach at you any longer, I will say that I'm still siding with AAMC on this one.

I appreciate your reply as far as what your girlfreind has done to go about taking the test without any extra time allotment.
But as far your first paragraph goes... I'm not writing to dispute the AAMCs decision. I'm sure they had their reasons. Likewise, I didn't think I was complaining, but rather explaining my stance and testing conditions i've had in the past. I'm doing so so others with similar experiences came chime in and let me know what they did to remedy the situation. If my statement read something to the effect of "I can't believe the balls of the AAMC to reject my accomodation request, after I've had it for all of college and highschool, this isn't fair...etc. etc." then feel free to smash my face. But that's not what I was doing. I understand that I'm not getting extended time because the AAMC doesnt think I need it...and I respect their decision. All thats left to do now is inquire as how others in the same situation has delt with taking such a daunting timed test without accomodations.
I'm sensing alot of animosity and resentment towards those of us who had testing accomodations in HS and College, with no concern as far as why they were even given.

 

[Deleted member 72527]

I appreciate your reply as far as what your girlfreind has done to go about taking the test without any extra time allotment.
But as far your first paragraph goes... I'm not writing to dispute the AAMCs decision. I'm sure they had their reasons. Likewise, I didn't think I was complaining, but rather explaining my stance and testing conditions i've had in the past. I'm doing so so others with similar experiences came chime in and let me know what they did to remedy the situation. If my statement read something to the effect of "I can't believe the balls of the AAMC to reject my accomodation request, after I've had it for all of college and highschool, this isn't fair...etc. etc." then feel free to smash my face. But that's not what I was doing. I understand that I'm not getting extended time because the AAMC doesnt think I need it...and I respect their decision. All thats left to do now is inquire as how others in the same situation has delt with taking such a daunting timed test without accomodations.
I'm sensing alot of animosity and resentment towards those of us who had testing accomodations in HS and College, with no concern as far as why they were even given.

How I got through it - bust my a$$ studying. I literally said, "Ok, I don't want accomodations for this, so I need to know my material 10x better than my next door neighbor." I had a few reasons for deciding not to pursue accomodations for the MCAT. I am a quick reader, so that was a big help. I really reviewed my practice tests to figure out where my weaknesses were, and I skipped questions that were my greatest weakness unless I had time at the end. I know this is a generic test-taking tip, but I think it helped. Just remember that you can't think too much about how not having accomodations may affect you. Be positive about it and confident in your abilities.

I'm sorry people were so insensitive. I know what it's like - I have similar processing time and anxiety challenges.

From BrettBachelor

I must say that as harsh as it sounds, you need to get over your reliance on extra time. You will be faced with multiple tests in the future as a doctor so you need to get used to doing it normal. All people aren't created equal and life is not always going to give you an equalizer. My patient is dying, Let me get extended time. Im not ready to have this baby, let me get extended time.....Sorry for the reverse rant but it seriously irks me.

No, I don't need to get over any reliance I may or may not have on extra time. Yes, I will face other tests. They will be challenging and I will get through them somehow - maybe with extra time maybe without. My learning differences are reasons I think I probably won't go into surgery or emergency medicine (although I'm excellent under pressure and a perfectionist, so these might be good fields for me). What you fail to realize is that along with these "disabilities" come benefits. My slower processing time gives me a chance to come up with and consider alternate possibilities that those who barely think and then react often don't come up with. I suggest you hold off on criticizing something you know nothing about.

 

[perfectmoment]

ahem.

for one, you did not even mention your "special" circumstance in your original post. secondly, half the world (exaggeration) has ADD if you listen to certain psychiatrists. should you have even been given special considerations in HS or college in the first place? no. get yourself medicated, or adjust to it, like a lot of others seem to do just fine. hell, i've prolly got ADD cause i'm so damn restless and can barely study for any extended stretch, but really, i know that short of getting myself medicated, i just have to try a little harder than others. but that's life - no special accomodations for me. that would and should tarnish anything i accomplish by myself.

imo, your initial post reeked of whining and seemed to me like you were saying "guys i've been given special priviledges my whole life and now that i have to actually prove myself, i can't do it and i need your support". but if that's not what you were trying to say, then well, disregard my post and please accept my apology.

 

[DrBowtie]

The fact of the matter is that while I could slow my thought down, you couldn't speed them up. That doesn't sound like much of a benefit. Secondly, extended time would help anyone. Period. We all know it is a time crunch which makes the test difficult.

I do however admire the fact that A) you didn't take it with time and B) you are honest with your talents in choosing a specialty for you. 👍

 

[Deleted member 72527]

The fact of the matter is that while I could slow my thought down, you couldn't speed them up. That doesn't sound like much of a benefit. Secondly, extended time would help anyone. Period. We all know it is a time crunch which makes the test difficult.

I do however admire the fact that A) you didn't take it with time and B) you are honest with your talents in choosing a specialty for you. 👍

Believe what you want. Just please, please, please, don't go into psychiatry if you have such a closed mind.

 

[stoleyerscrubz]

I hope things work out for you. There is a long road of exams you will have to take after the MCAT and perhaps it gets less accomodating so good luck.

 

[OnePremier]

I think that those of you who are lashing out at the OP for his extended time request are pointing your frustration in the wrong direction. If the AAMC stood by your claims, they wouldn't offer extended time on the MCAT to anyone...but they do. And BrettBatchelor is right to a certain extent; extended time would help almost everyone. But on the same token, I think it is unfair to the OP to judge his situation, unless you're a medical professional...especially if your frustrations really lie with the AAMC.

Thanks for stickin up for me sir!

I didn't realize this was such a sensitive subject.

 

[OnePremier]

We all know it is a time crunch which makes the test difficult.

Actually sir, I'm of the contention that not knowing the material makes the test difficult. But having more time in certain circumstances does help. (i.e. on, say, A biology exam... thinking about the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary for a long time doesn't mean you're going to eventually spontaneously come up with the answers. Extra time in this circumstance doesnt really do much. But, for say a physics exam, where you need to preform calculations, extra time can be a huge benifit.) Keep in mind that slower processing time doesn't mean it effects you in every walk of life. That's actually a common misconception. Maybe in some cases it does, but for alot of cases (mine in particular), it has to do with doing actual calculations, not making on the spot decisions. At least in my case. So while I might need extra time on an exam with mathmatical calculations required, it doesnt mean i'll need it if im in a tight situation with a patient, or something like that (I play video games that require split second decision making all the time, and I have no problem with those, and at work I preform all my experiments with no "extra time" needed...except when maybe making dilution calculations for example). Like if I had extended time for the exam, I probably would only use it on the physical sciences section. AND IM NOT BITCHING...I'm just making a statement.

 

[DrBowtie]

Have you taken a practice test? The test is mainly reading comprehension with required background knowledge. It isn't a "know it or you don't" test. You can complain all you want honestly. I know life isn't fair and people need to vent, but if you look at it from an objective perspective, what degree of ADD quantifies 20 extra min, 40 extra min, 60 extra min. This is where I think it gets to be an "unstandardized test".

 

[OnePremier]

Have you taken a practice test? The test is mainly reading comprehension with required background knowledge. It isn't a "know it or you don't" test. You can complain all you want honestly. I know life isn't fair and people need to vent, but if you look at it from an objective perspective, what degree of ADD quantifies 20 extra min, 40 extra min, 60 extra min. This is where I think it gets to be an "unstandardized test".

yeah I've taken Kaplan diagnostics and full length Kaplan practice tests, and my difficulties lie specifically where I predicted...In the physical sciences section. It kinda sucks cause I majored in physics. But the calculations are what get me. And I know I could complain, but that's not what i'm here to do, I'm just here to see how others in the same boat as me went about getting past the same problem. Again im not disputing the AAMCs decision...they reviewed my psyc evaluations and read all my paperwork...and if they think i'm capable of taking the test with no extra time, then I probably am.

 

[Peterock]

I think that those of you who are lashing out at the OP for his extended time request are pointing your frustration in the wrong direction. If the AAMC stood by your claims, they wouldn't offer extended time on the MCAT to anyone...but they do. And BrettBatchelor is right to a certain extent; extended time would help almost everyone. But on the same token, I think it is unfair to the OP to judge his situation, unless you're a medical professional...especially if your frustrations really lie with the AAMC.

No. People are lashing at the person who deserves it. The demand for ADD/ADHD diagnoses comes from children and parents, not from doctors/psychologists. The demand is created by parents who do not discipline their children.

I don't care if my doctor has ADD/ADHD etc, but I wouldn't want someone who has made excuses their entire life and gotten special treatment. I wouldn't want you as my doctor, ESPECIALLY my surgeon b/c I would always have doubts on whether you could hack it or not. I see you as a cheater and I think you would owe it to every patient you came across to let them know that you never took your exams in a fair environment.

Since ADD/ADHD is alomst ALWAYS diagnosed for people from upper middle class or wealthier backgrounds, I'm sure you can somehow demonstrate how you are not like all these other rich kids who are misdiagnosed. Right? I'm guessing you can't b/c "it's a complicated disease etc etc." The point is that many people with ADD/ADHD do just fine by taking medication, studying more, looking into other career options.

I am average height and white, the nba should make special accomidations for me so that I may have a chance to play in the NBA. This isn't the wya the world works. Just b/c there is a subset of people in the population who have a mental problem does not mean that the world should accomidate for them. ESPECIALLY when we're talking about a field that rejects 25,000 people/year who do not have a questoinable disability. Will you need extra time to figure out how to do my surgery, to spend figure out what fungi has infected your patients leg etc etc? I find your expectation of the world to give in to your shortcomings rather absurd and selfish.

The timing of the test affects all of our scores. Your example ruins a standardized tests entire goal of evening the playing field for all students. There are enough people to go through the academia and show competency through gpa and mcat who are willing to take exams in a fair environment. The medical field does not need you.

BTW I have the same "problems" you described on calculations and I am notoriously bad at making "careless' mistakes on mathematical calculations. It means I practice more than most people when I do math to make up for it. You know, some people don't have a 140 IQ and yet, they don't get extra time on tests. How is that fair? They are at a genetic disadvantage!

 

[OnePremier]

No. People are lashing at the person who deserves it. The demand for ADD/ADHD diagnoses comes from children and parents, not from doctors/psychologists. The demand is created by parents who do not discipline their children....

...Since ADD/ADHD is alomst ALWAYS diagnosed for people from upper middle class or wealthier backgrounds, I'm sure you can somehow demonstrate how you are not like all these other rich kids who are misdiagnosed. Right? I'm guessing you can't b/c "it's a complicated disease etc etc." The point is that many people with ADD/ADHD do just fine by taking medication, studying more, looking into other career options.

I assume since you say I "deserve" to be lashed out at, that I fit in the category that you describe of having a parent that did not discipline me, and demanded that I be diagnosed with ADD. You know if I had been diagnosed only a couple years ago, since there has been the rise in diagnosis lately as far as ADD goes towards wealthier, middle-upper class children, I might say that you had a point...except I was diagnosed 15 years ago. Remember all the controversy back in 1990 of there being too many children medicated with ritilan, and the over-diagnosis of ADD? neither do I. Not to mention the fact that you have NOT seen my files, my PET scans, my test results, my educational history, etc. etc. I doubt you can draw a conclusion as to whether or not I needed the treatment, medication, accomodations I recieved. Although you can continue to blindly pontificate without any experience concerning this matter whatsoever to your hearts content...don't let me interrupt you.

I don't care if my doctor has ADD/ADHD etc, but I wouldn't want someone who has made excuses their entire life and gotten special treatment. I wouldn't want you as my doctor, ESPECIALLY my surgeon b/c I would always have doubts on whether you could hack it or not. I see you as a cheater and I think you would owe it to every patient you came across to let them know that you never took your exams in a fair environment.

Ahh! so now you claim to know how I took my exams my entire life. How bout I tell you and you can tell me if your assumptions were correct...The ONLY tests I recieved extra time on (time and a half) were those in Math classes and Physics classes. Every other test in every other class I had was taken under the standard time. You're right though, taking an extra 25 minutes on a Differential Equations exam is must be equivalent to cheating 🙄. Oh and btw, alot of the medications perscribed help you concentrate much better (ex. adderal)...why is taking these medications not cheating, but getting extra time is?

I am average height and white, the nba should make special accomidations for me so that I may have a chance to play in the NBA. This isn't the wya the world works. Just b/c there is a subset of people in the population who have a mental problem does not mean that the world should accomidate for them. ESPECIALLY when we're talking about a field that rejects 25,000 people/year who do not have a questoinable disability.

I know, seriously! Think of all that space we waste on things like wheelchair ramps, or all that time and money we're spending on perscribing medication for people with schitzophrenia, clinical depression, and bi-polar disorder. Every mental disability falls within a spectrum of severity. Thats why doctors are there, to figure out how to treat one of these disabilities accordingly in terms of it's severity. Last time I checked the DSM-IV, ADHD was a mental disability listed in the index. People didn't just make this **** up. And if you don't trust their judgment, then why are you entering a field full of collegues who you feel are incapable of doing their jobs?

Will you need extra time to figure out how to do my surgery, to spend figure out what fungi has infected your patients leg etc etc? I find your expectation of the world to give in to your shortcomings rather absurd and selfish.

This is a dumb argument that has already been addressed in a previous post.

The timing of the test affects all of our scores. Your example ruins a standardized tests entire goal of evening the playing field for all students. There are enough people to go through the academia and show competency through gpa and mcat who are willing to take exams in a fair environment. The medical field does not need you.

Does it really ruin the goal of standardized test? If getting any accomodations does this, then you have to end accomodations permanently. None for the severe dyslexic, none for the guy with epileptic seizures, none for the quadrapeligic, none for the blind or deaf... see my point? And while you might "well those disabilities are much more severe..." you're right...but where do you draw the line? You let a trained medical professional determine whether or not your disability necessitates testing accomodations.

And like I've said before, I AM willing to take the exam in a "fair" environment...I'm not petitioning AAMC or filing a ****ing lawsuit... I'm accepting their decision, biting the bullet, and taking the MCAT how they say I must take it. As irrelevant as it is, I'm not sure what you look for in a doctor... but I'm more concerned that he has the ability to make me feel better and cure my ailments, not whether he got extended time on a test...who gives a ****?

So while you say the medical field doesn't need me, I feel, on the other hand, that I have alot to offer it. So do me a favor...Slip in a puddle of piss, and crack your tooth on a urenal.

 

[hardy]

If the AAMC stood by your claims, they wouldn't offer extended time on the MCAT to anyone...but they do.

It's not really the AAMC. They just do how courts have construed the ADA to apply to learning difficulties.

 

[Learfan]

This thread may be nothing more than an attempt to make myself feel better... But I am extrordinarily worried (along with everyone else...) about the August MCAT... and here's why.

Throughout highschool and college I've had extended test time accomodations for most of my exams, including the SATs. (usually only needed in subjects such as Physics, Math, and sometimes Orgo...anything involving calculations, and with Orgo, visual cues). My difficulties have come with processing time and test anxiety. Alot of classes, such as Bio, psychology, etc...where it's mostly the memorization of facts, i've had no problems with.

Time came around for MCATs, and I've applied twice for testing accomodations, and to no avail...I've been rejected both times...the most recent time submitting a psychological evaluation that had been preformed only a couple weeks prior. Included in the evaluation had to be an IQ test, which I scored a 140 on...which I believe may have been the setback (hard to convince someone that a person with a 140 IQ needs accomodations.)

So now here comes MCATs, and this August will be the first time I will be taking them (Last August, I didn't feel I was ready, and last April, a family emergency prevented me from taking them). I am beyond nervous... I've studied for it a couple times before, so this time around, I started really studying alot about a month and a half ago. Mostly all I've done so far is read my Kaplan books, and for this last month, I plan on just taking practice tests, and occasional glancing at the notecards.

My sights for the schools that Im applying to themselves aren't set very high. I had a 3.2 GPA as a physics major at LMU (which I wish I hadn't majored in...my GPA for my bio classes was something like a 3.8...my upper division physics grades weren't as great). I'm probably going to apply to Osteopathic schools, because I want to go into a career of Diet and Sports medicine, although I wont rule out applying to allopathic schools.

My question is... Has anyone else, who's been taking tests with time accomodations for most of their educational career, been rejected by the AAMC's for time accomodations and must now (or had to) take the exams timed? If so, how did you deal with it? and how did you do?

Let me try to offer a bit of advice to the OP. I do not know the details of your situation nor am I an experienced health care professional so take this for what you think it is worth. Without judging you in any way let me just state that I have seen a variety of posts similar to yours in the context of SDN over the past year that I have been reading the site. These posts almost invariably deteriorate into an arguement, a hate-fest or non-productive and infantile name calling. You have posted on a topic that inflames some very competitive people and many use this as an opportunity to lash out at what they percieve as an inequity. Many people are under the intense stress associated with classes, studying for and taking MCATs, obtaining LORs, volunteering, working on research projects not of their choosing and perhaps pursuing employment and maintaining family relationships. They are not objective and will react in a negative manner to anyone whom they believe is attempting to game the system or obtain any advantage in a critical exam. The MCAT is the great leveler for all pre-meds. The academic backgrounds of applicants is so diverse the adcoms cannot find any means to quantify and compare them. That is why the MCAT is so important. It serves as one of the very few means of comparing people on what appears to be a level playing field. In addition, the test provides adcoms with an appealing simplicity. Just read three numbers and one letter and you can sum up an individuals potential. Not quite true but the test appeals to many people making admissions judgements on that level. Given this situation, many people will be hyper-competitive concerning all aspects of the MCAT. If you attempt to obtain advice on such a sensitive topic as an individual requesting accomodation during the test within this forum, you will likely be on the receiving end of more heat than light. I suggest it may be more productive to speak with professionals experienced in the area of learning disorders (physicians and psychologists) rather than requesting help here. Work with them to devise the best test taking strategy for your individual circumstances. Good luck with the exam.

 

[happydays]

Does anyone know if they allow time extensions on the UMSLE?

 

[USArmyDoc]

Wow. You guys are nasty. Especially the poster who considers the OP a cheater. The OP has a problem that probably most of you have not dealt with. Cut him some slack. Until you are in his shoes you do not know what it's like.
OP, good luck and try your best.

 

[Nekbat]

Believe what you want. Just please, please, please, don't go into psychiatry if you have such a closed mind.

BrettBatchelor owns u

 

[Nekbat]

and my difficulties lie specifically where I predicted...In the physical sciences section. It kinda sucks cause I majored in physics.

One thing i do know... if you keep telling yourself how hard PS is for you it wont do you any good. Just wondering though, if calculations are so difficult why did u major in physics?

 

[Deleted member 72527]

BrettBatchelor owns u

Quite possible, as I'm starting med school in a week and am currently very poor. However, if you are referring to BB's comments on how he didn't see how thinking slower, and therefore processing information more completely, was any advantage - I would say I own him on the MCAT, especially if that is his version of reading comprehension.

 

[OnePremier]

Let me try to offer a bit of advice to the OP. I do not know the details of your situation nor am I an experienced health care professional so take this for what you think it is worth. Without judging you in any way let me just state that I have seen a variety of posts similar to yours in the context of SDN over the past year that I have been reading the site. These posts almost invariably deteriorate into an arguement, a hate-fest or non-productive and infantile name calling. You have posted on a topic that inflames some very competitive people and many use this as an opportunity to lash out at what they percieve as an inequity. Many people are under the intense stress associated with classes, studying for and taking MCATs, obtaining LORs, volunteering, working on research projects not of their choosing and perhaps pursuing employment and maintaining family relationships. They are not objective and will react in a negative manner to anyone whom they believe is attempting to game the system or obtain any advantage in a critical exam. The MCAT is the great leveler for all pre-meds. The academic backgrounds of applicants is so diverse the adcoms cannot find any means to quantify and compare them. That is why the MCAT is so important. It serves as one of the very few means of comparing people on what appears to be a level playing field. In addition, the test provides adcoms with an appealing simplicity. Just read three numbers and one letter and you can sum up an individuals potential. Not quite true but the test appeals to many people making admissions judgements on that level. Given this situation, many people will be hyper-competitive concerning all aspects of the MCAT. If you attempt to obtain advice on such a sensitive topic as an individual requesting accomodation during the test within this forum, you will likely be on the receiving end of more heat than light. I suggest it may be more productive to speak with professionals experienced in the area of learning disorders (physicians and psychologists) rather than requesting help here. Work with them to devise the best test taking strategy for your individual circumstances. Good luck with the exam.

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. Silly me, going on an Med Student forum, for a question about the MCAT 🙄 . Do people think that I'm not under the same stress? Holy sheeit. I've posted on political messageboards under topics like foreign policy, abortion, and stem cell research, and those people don't get half as heated as some of the people on here when a simple question is posed to them... "Has anyone else, who's been taking tests with time accomodations for most of their educational career, been rejected by the AAMC's for time accomodations and must now (or had to) take the exams timed? If so, how did you deal with it? and how did you do?" I don't think that pressure and the fear of inequity is any excuse for people to act like complete douches. But regardless, I appreciate the heads up. I'll take my chances tho... to anyone who wants to answer the question and help me out, thanks. To anyone who wants to pontificate their moral superiority and criticize a diagnosed disability, go roll in barbed wire with Magic Johnson.

 

[OnePremier]

One thing i do know... if you keep telling yourself how hard PS is for you it wont do you any good. Just wondering though, if calculations are so difficult why did u major in physics?

I ask myself the same question. High School physics, which is mostly concepts, I kicked ass in. I loved the conceptual side of the science, and thought that as long as I was good at that, I didn't need to be too versed in the mathematical side of it. Great job, stupid. Enter junior/senior year of college, I had already gone too far to turn back, so I had to finish with such AWFUL classes as Quantum I & II, Electrodynamics, and Modern Physics...where the conceptual side is almost nil, and It's almost completely pure mathematics. I did OK in the classes, but that was with studying my ass off for the exams. All my other science classes were A's, with the occasional high B. If I was smart I would've switched to Bio, then I could've gotten out with a higher GPA. Too late now tho. I guess a 3.2 for a physics major isn't that bad...at least when compared to others who I graduated in the same major with.

 

[OnePremier]

Wow. You guys are nasty. Especially the poster who considers the OP a cheater. The OP has a problem that probably most of you have not dealt with. Cut him some slack. Until you are in his shoes you do not know what it's like.
OP, good luck and try your best.

Thanks buddy, I appreciate the positive feedback and the PM. 😀

 

[Nekbat]

if you are referring to BB's comments on how he didn't see how thinking slower, and therefore processing information more completely.

thinking slower = processing more information?
thinking faster = processing less information?

Good luck in med school.

 

[Deleted member 72527]

thinking slower = processing more information?
thinking faster = processing less information?

Good luck in med school.

Look at that reading comprehension - processing things more completely becomes processing more information. Ladies and gentlemen - look at this gunner. Oh, what's that? Safety's on?

From my original response to BB:

My slower processing time gives me a chance to come up with and consider alternate possibilities that those who barely think and then react often don't come up with.

Yet another person I own on reading comprehension!!

 

[DrBowtie]

Can't a normal person process things slowly? Come up with alternate possibilities? Who says because you are "normal" and have the capacity to think and react quickly means that you will in all situations?

 

[Nekbat]

I dont know man, i look at it differently. You say you "consider alternate possiblities" compared to those who barely think. To me that sounds like your processing more information by looking at alternate possiblities than the person who barley thinks. So more information/ time = faster thinking? maybe? who knows.

anyways picking out little details of what someone said and trying to correct them is pointless and doesn't solve anthing but i am at work and have nothing better to do.

 

[NapeSpikes]

I ask myself the same question. High School physics, which is mostly concepts, I kicked ass in. I loved the conceptual side of the science, and thought that as long as I was good at that, I didn't need to be too versed in the mathematical side of it. Great job, stupid. Enter junior/senior year of college, I had already gone too far to turn back, so I had to finish with such AWFUL classes as Quantum I & II, Electrodynamics, and Modern Physics...where the conceptual side is almost nil, and It's almost completely pure mathematics. I did OK in the classes, but that was with studying my ass off for the exams. All my other science classes were A's, with the occasional high B. If I was smart I would've switched to Bio, then I could've gotten out with a higher GPA. Too late now tho. I guess a 3.2 for a physics major isn't that bad...at least when compared to others who I graduated in the same major with.

To the OP, if you "kick ass" in the conceptual side of science and only struggle with the math, you shouldn't be at a disadvantage for the mcat, a very difficult but very conceptual test. Good luck.

 

[happydays]

Does anyone know if they allow extended time on the board exams?

I guess my point is that you can't get a slack all the time. What will you do on boards? Doctors will have to take numerous timed tests in the future. Good luck.

 

[DrBowtie]

The USMLE does have extended time but it clearly states that having a history of taking tests with extended time DOES NOT constitute grounds for automatic qualification. So some people might get rejected and screwed then just as well.

Also, score reports are marked that the tester took the test under extended conditions but whether or not that information gets passed onto the PD's/adcoms is unknown to me.

 

[Nekbat]

The USMLE does have extended time but it clearly states that having a history of taking tests with extended time DOES NOT constitute grounds for automatic qualification. So some people might get rejected and screwed then just as well.

Also, score reports are marked that the tester took the test under extended conditions but whether or not that information gets passed onto the PD's/adcoms is unknown to me.

hhmmm

 

[Peterock]

I assume since you say I "deserve" to be lashed out at, that I fit in the category that you describe of having a parent that did not discipline me, and demanded that I be diagnosed with ADD. You know if I had been diagnosed only a couple years ago, since there has been the rise in diagnosis lately as far as ADD goes towards wealthier, middle-upper class children, I might say that you had a point...except I was diagnosed 15 years ago. Remember all the controversy back in 1990 of there being too many children medicated with ritilan, and the over-diagnosis of ADD? neither do I. Not to mention the fact that you have NOT seen my files, my PET scans, my test results, my educational history, etc. etc. I doubt you can draw a conclusion as to whether or not I needed the treatment, medication, accomodations I recieved. Although you can continue to blindly pontificate without any experience concerning this matter whatsoever to your hearts content...don't let me interrupt you.

You didn't answer what your socioecomic background was. So basically Johnny's parents have money and he don't read no good, durrr. ADD/ADHD diagnoses started in the 90's. Dude, guess what? Before my parents divorced in the mid 80's we were yuppies and both my older brother and I were tested simply as a right of passage for the schools we were going to. Where do you think it all started? The era you mentioned was the ground zero for the FALSE EPIDEMIC. PET scans showing areas of increased stimulation etc, IQ tests, etc are all influenced heavily by exposure to different stimuli such as math or reading. People's IQ's fluctuate heavily by cultural stimulation as well as a few months of inactivity (ie students who do nothing over the summer literally score lower on IQ tests after the end of long, inactive summers). I am not claiming you are perfectly normal. One, I'm establishing that you're a *****.
Two, even if you do think differently than the average person - I find it riduclous that you feel entitled to have extra time on a STANDARDIZED test. I'm a smart guy, I excel in all areas of academics, my best frined from college does not do as well on me (I literally beat him on every test by at least 5 points). Should he get extra time to "level" the playing field. If your disability is so bad that no matter how much you practiced, you couldn't do well on your MCAT, then you shoudln't be a doctor. There are doctors who are deaf, blind, missing appendages, dyslexic etc. But accomidations should not be made OR EXPECTED in a profession that carreis so much importance.

Ahh! so now you claim to know how I took my exams my entire life. How bout I tell you and you can tell me if your assumptions were correct...The ONLY tests I recieved extra time on (time and a half) were those in Math classes and Physics classes. Every other test in every other class I had was taken under the standard time. You're right though, taking an extra 25 minutes on a Differential Equations exam is must be equivalent to cheating 🙄. Oh and btw, alot of the medications perscribed help you concentrate much better (ex. adderal)...why is taking these medications not cheating, but getting extra time is?

I think it is cheating actually - by your definition, though I do not believe the drugs for concentrating work for normal people. We should all have access to controlled substances to these b/c it again ruins the standardized testing environment. My belief is that those who have ADD can concentrate better with certain drugs while those who do not have ADD will not gain anything unusual with these meds. I guarantee if you had studied more you could have finished those exams without extra time.


I know, seriously! Think of all that space we waste on things like wheelchair ramps, or all that time and money we're spending on perscribing medication for people with schitzophrenia, clinical depression, and bi-polar disorder. Every mental disability falls within a spectrum of severity. Thats why doctors are there, to figure out how to treat one of these disabilities accordingly in terms of it's severity. Last time I checked the DSM-IV, ADHD was a mental disability listed in the index. People didn't just make this **** up. And if you don't trust their judgment, then why are you entering a field full of collegues who you feel are incapable of doing their jobs?

Physical and mental handicaps are quite different from ADD. Not having access to a building due to a physical disability or not being able to have any type of social interactions/jobs etc b/c of schizophrenia is quite different from needing a little extra time on a test. ADHD is different as it is much more similar to a mental disorder that cannot necessarily be controlled by the individual in ANY situation, not just during a math test. I used my example as a hyperbole, but you ran with it. It's probably b/c you couldn't focus when you spent 10 mins responding to my post, right?

There are natural differences in intelligence and subject comprehension. Just b/c you are not skilled in math does not mean you should be accomadated for. My friend is the reverse of you. He reads very slowly and is not good w/ grammar or language - he gets 550v, 800m SAT splits. This is not ADD or any disorder, it is simply a person whose intelligence is different from teh average person in the population. Thing is... even if he were getting 300's he'd still deal with it and not cop out and claim a "disability". Bleh. You know, as a phsyciscist Einstein was know for being a terrible computational mathematician and more of a theorist. I guess he really needed extra time on his tests too or he'd never amount to anything. 🙄

Does it really ruin the goal of standardized test? If getting any accomodations does this, then you have to end accomodations permanently. None for the severe dyslexic, none for the guy with epileptic seizures, none for the quadrapeligic, none for the blind or deaf... see my point? And while you might "well those disabilities are much more severe..." you're right...but where do you draw the line? You let a trained medical professional determine whether or not your disability necessitates testing accomodations.

So weak dude. Again you are comparing yourself to people with physical disabilities who are limited in even filling in the test bubbles. You're just like them, exactly. Good point. The only thing you can remotely liken this to is someone with severe dyslexia, but there are plenty of dyslexics who overcome their reading problems as it is a LIFELONG PROBLEM THAT WILL BE PRESENT IN EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR EDUCATION. Getting extra time isn't addressing the problem, it's giving in to it (and cheating!).

And like I've said before, I AM willing to take the exam in a "fair" environment...I'm not petitioning AAMC or filing a ****ing lawsuit... I'm accepting their decision, biting the bullet, and taking the MCAT how they say I must take it. As irrelevant as it is, I'm not sure what you look for in a doctor... but I'm more concerned that he has the ability to make me feel better and cure my ailments, not whether he got extended time on a test...who gives a ****?

The only reason you're willing is b/c you're al ittle ***** who got shot down. The second you petitioned for extra time is the second you should lose respect from everyone. BTW, I look for a doctor who earned his/her shot a fair way.

So while you say the medical field doesn't need me, I feel, on the other hand, that I have alot to offer it. So do me a favor...Slip in a puddle of piss, and crack your tooth on a urenal.

I'd take it like a man which is more than I can say for you. Of course, I'd hope my dentist didn't try taking shortcuts like you.

 

[Nooro]

I thought I would put my two cents in....

I agree with Peterock, but I definitely do not agree with his mode of expressing his views. Lashing out at someone is unnecessary and just mean. You honestly seem like a mean person. Newayz.... I think the main point of this topic is basically what should qualify someone to taking an extended version, or an "unstandardized" version of a standardized test.

I just want to start by saying, you, OP, are one of the reasons we have standardized tests. The reason being, you say you took diff eq, and got extra time to take your exams.... well lets just say I took diff eq also and I am slow with the math; however, unlike you I did not have the opportunity to take extra time, which maybe would have bumped my grade up from a B to an A, which ultimately would have changed my GPA and perhaps gotten me into medical school, where as I might not have gotten before. (Now this is a stretch for one class to do, but say your a physics major and you get to do this for lets say 10 clases, at the least... but regardless 1 class can do it).

Now you have a higher GPA than me, not because you are smarter or you studied harder, cause I studied hard to, I did "kicked ass" in physics in highschool too!!.

So because of people like you, standardized tests were invented for people like me, who have the lower GPA. This MCAT gives me the opportunity (cause, unfortunately, this is a competitiion for a limited number of spots) to show medical schools that I AM smarter and more hardworking than you, and I think I have the right, and so does anyone else to get upset, when someone like you strolls in and CHEATS his way forward.

Life is difficult, I study 8 hours a day every damn day to HOPE to get between a 30-32. You say you started studying early one and a half months ago, i started studying 2 and a half months ago... does that mean I should get a better score than you? NO, because you may not have to study as hard or you may study harder and do better, but guess what, F you, if you get to take an extended timed test, get a better score than me, which you perviously may not have gotten and TAKE MY SPOT, cause YOU damn well didn't earn it.

 

[absolutemercury]

Wow, c'mon people, let's cut him some slack... He's not "cheating" his way through the MCATs; the AAMC has already rejected the request twice. And I'm sure OP already has an uphill climb in having to adjust to taking this test under such strict time conditions. He doesn't need a bunch of strangers blaming him for "the way he was born" or "the way he grew up." That's not really our call to make if we don't know this guy personally. There's only a month left until the August MCAT; let's spend some of this energy towards studying harder

 

[OnePremier]

Life is difficult, I study 8 hours a day every damn day to HOPE to get between a 30-32. You say you started studying early one and a half months ago, i started studying 2 and a half months ago... does that mean I should get a better score than you? NO, because you may not have to study as hard or you may study harder and do better, but guess what, F you, if you get to take an extended timed test, get a better score than me, which you perviously may not have gotten and TAKE MY SPOT, cause YOU damn well didn't earn it.

So...is anyone going to answer my question posed at the beginning of this thread? Or does everyone wish to continue to blindly pontificate misguided rhetoric concerning their "feelings" about ADD and standardized testing? Oh it's the latter? Ok then, you may contiinue.

And Peterock, you're a complete ass who weaved in and out of all my original points and just rehashed your same, tired, bitter opinions. What your entire argument comes down to it: "ADD isn't a mental disorder, because I say so." And you base this on what medical / diagnosis / research / personal experience? None? Thought so. But the DSM-IV has it and it's symptoms / causes / method of treatments listed and it's been...What? you still say it doesnt exist and that I'm cheating? Hmm, well with a compelling argument like that, I couldn't understand how people WOULDN'T see it your way! You don't know **** about my situation, and apparently you dont know anything about the disorder at all. You've proved it in your previous myopic, pissy posts...so arguing with you is a pointless endeavor. Die in a hotel fire.

 

[OnePremier]

Wow, c'mon people, let's cut him some slack... He's not "cheating" his way through the MCATs; the AAMC has already rejected the request twice. And I'm sure OP already has an uphill climb in having to adjust to taking this test under such strict time conditions. He doesn't need a bunch of strangers blaming him for "the way he was born" or "the way he grew up." That's not really our call to make if we don't know this guy personally. There's only a month left until the August MCAT; let's spend some of this energy towards studying harder

No kidding! I'm guessing some of these people spend so much time on these boards bitching about unfairness in standardized testing, that they dont study. Time come round for the MCATS, they do poorly, and then proceed to blame it on "cheaters" for screwing up the curve. They then go on the boards, and complain about how they did horribly on the exams, that it must be because of people who get extended time, and then don't study for the next test. The cycle continues...

 

[hnbui]

No kidding! I'm guessing some of these people spend so much time on these boards bitching about unfairness in standardized testing, that they dont study. Time come round for the MCATS, they do poorly, and then proceed to blame it on "cheaters" for screwing up the curve. They then go on the boards, and complain about how they did horribly on the exams, that it must be because of people who get extended time, and then don't study for the next test. The cycle continues...

I'm playing the world's smallest violin for you.

Seriously, it is totally unfair to get extra time on tests. ADD is totally over blown. Heck, for all i know, I probably have add.

Just stop feeling like the world is unfair to you because you aren't given extra time; it might be news to you, but most people take it under timed conditions.

 

[OnePremier]

Seriously, it is totally unfair to get extra time on tests. ADD is totally over blown. Heck, for all i know, I probably have add.

Just stop feeling like the world is unfair to you because you aren't given extra time; it might be news to you, but most people take it under timed conditions.

A. Just because it's overblown, does that mean it doesnt exist or is illegitimate?

B. When did I ever give the impression that I felt as if the world was unfair? WHEN in ANY of my posts was I COMPLAINING that I didn't get extra time? Last time I checked... I said I applied, got rejected, and am now taking the test under normal timed circumstances, and was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience. Where did you get the idea that I was bitching or complaining in ANY WAY? It looks as if most of the complaining is coming from a bunch of bitter, judgmental asses preaching some banal minutia they call their opinion on this matter...as if I or ANYONE asked for it.

 

[hnbui]

A. Just because it's overblown, does that mean it doesnt exist or is illegitimate?

B. When did I ever give the impression that I felt as if the world was unfair? WHEN in ANY of my posts was I COMPLAINING that I didn't get extra time? Last time I checked... I said I applied, got rejected, and am now taking the test under normal timed circumstances, and was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience. Where did you get the idea that I was bitching or complaining in ANY WAY? It looks as if most of the complaining is coming from a bunch of bitter, judgmental asses preaching some banal minutia they call their opinion on this matter...as if I or ANYONE asked for it.

You know what's a better idea? Instead of spending your time on this board about how the worlds hates you so much because you can't get extended time. Get your a$$ off the computer and hit the freaking prep books.

Good idea?

 

[OnePremier]

You know what's a better idea? Instead of spending your time on this board about how the worlds hates you so much because you can't get extended time. Get your a$$ off the computer and hit the freaking prep books.

Good idea?

This post is so dumb I can barely even respond to it. How bout you take your own advice, pop open a prep book, and work on your reading comprehension, cause every post i've made has appeared to have gone completely over your head.

 

[Peterock]

So...is anyone going to answer my question posed at the beginning of this thread? Or does everyone wish to continue to blindly pontificate misguided rhetoric concerning their "feelings" about ADD and standardized testing? Oh it's the latter? Ok then, you may contiinue.

And Peterock, you're a complete ass who weaved in and out of all my original points and just rehashed your same, tired, bitter opinions. What your entire argument comes down to it: "ADD isn't a mental disorder, because I say so." And you base this on what medical / diagnosis / research / personal experience? None? Thought so. But the DSM-IV has it and it's symptoms / causes / method of treatments listed and it's been...What? you still say it doesnt exist and that I'm cheating? Hmm, well with a compelling argument like that, I couldn't understand how people WOULDN'T see it your way! You don't know **** about my situation, and apparently you dont know anything about the disorder at all. You've proved it in your previous myopic, pissy posts...so arguing with you is a pointless endeavor. Die in a hotel fire.

What, I'm sorry. I wasn't listening, I have ADD you know. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't homosexuality a DSM II disease that was later dropped off the list in 1973 when the DSM III was released. Oh yes... IT WAS! DSM is not the end all and many "disorders" magically change based on public perception.

You have yet to answer the question about your background. I wonder if you are like every other disinterested, lazy rich kid I tutor who always falls back on the "I have ADD" so I don't need to study argument. BTW, THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I'VE ASKED, WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS DO FOR A LIVING?

You did not adequately respond to my posts though you are very good at repeating inane vocabulary to describe me. Way to be redundant (again due to ADD). Nothing is more ridiculous then a person who cannot respond to a myriad of points and retorts with "you're just stupid or your arguments just suck". Here's something you can't shuck n' jive out of - you've cheated your way through high school and college, get over it.

EVERYONE's scores would increase with extra time on any standardized test. I don't think you seem to get that. I am glad AAMC is not allow you to beat them system yet again and all of your self-handicapping is going to show you that payback is a bitch.