So I've never been diagnosed with any medical condition recognized by the GMAC (but I've never been to a doctor for a diagnosis), but I do think I might have some sort of ADD based on what I've read online. What's the best way to go about seeing a doctor that could evaluate me to let me know if I qualify for 50%-100% of extra time on the GMAT? How hard is it to qualify? Is there one specific doctor I could go see for a quick evaluation and recommendation, should they have one?
I've searched around online and have found widely varying answers, hoping someone here has good knowledge/experience to share.
Thank you!
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Extra Time?
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Brent@GMATPrepNow
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This is a perfect question to ask the Test-Makers: https://www.beatthegmat.com/ask-the-test-maker-f71.html
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Brent
Cheers,
Brent
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Hi srfn,
You should absolutely communicate with the Test Makers on this issue.
I've worked with many Test Takers over the years who qualified for time-and-a-half, so I can let you know that there is a formalized process to all of this. You can't just see a random doctor though and immediately be granted extra-time.
You'll run into a difficulty gaining the extra-time if you don't have any prior documentation (back to your childhood or even when you took the SAT or ACT); without that information, there's no historical evidence of any condition. If you have that evidence, then you still have to be tested by a certified Doctor (one verified by GMAC/Pearson). This process can take some time and there is an associated set of costs.
Based on what you've described, I don't think that you would qualify, but that should not stop you from investigating the matter.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
You should absolutely communicate with the Test Makers on this issue.
I've worked with many Test Takers over the years who qualified for time-and-a-half, so I can let you know that there is a formalized process to all of this. You can't just see a random doctor though and immediately be granted extra-time.
You'll run into a difficulty gaining the extra-time if you don't have any prior documentation (back to your childhood or even when you took the SAT or ACT); without that information, there's no historical evidence of any condition. If you have that evidence, then you still have to be tested by a certified Doctor (one verified by GMAC/Pearson). This process can take some time and there is an associated set of costs.
Based on what you've described, I don't think that you would qualify, but that should not stop you from investigating the matter.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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David@VeritasPrep
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I have worked with many students who received an accommodation of extra time on their GMAT exam.
What I can tell you is this:
1) It is usually a lengthy process. Many if not most of the students I have worked with have been denied the first time by GMAC and have had to appeal. This process takes months.
2) Extensive documentation seems to be required, most students have information not just from a doctor but usually from the university that he or she attended as well.
3) From what I understand most people that get an accommodation had one throughout his/her college career.
Basically, if you were able to make it through college without an accommodation then you may need to make it through the GMAT without one.
I am not trying to discourage you, I am just saying that based on the aggregate of experiences of many students you should expect that it will take time (months) and that the process may be difficult and can end unsuccessfully.
And one more thing that I have observed in my experience, an accommodation is not nearly the advantage that people think it is. Because so many people are pressed for time during the exam they believe that extra time = a higher score. It is not necessarily true. The GMAT is constructed in such a way that unless you truly have something like dyslexia that can slow you down so much, extra time is not that helpful.
That being said, I do not speak for GMAC and I am not a doctor, and if you have a condition that is impacting you on a daily basis you should certainly consider seeing a doctor so that you can get help in terms of focusing. If you are not impacted on a daily basis and are just having trouble with the GMAT then it may turn out that you end up needing to focus on your GMAT techniques. Everyone has trouble focusing during the GMAT and there are many things you can do to improve that.
Do contact GMAC as others have suggested, and best of luck with whatever you decide.
What I can tell you is this:
1) It is usually a lengthy process. Many if not most of the students I have worked with have been denied the first time by GMAC and have had to appeal. This process takes months.
2) Extensive documentation seems to be required, most students have information not just from a doctor but usually from the university that he or she attended as well.
3) From what I understand most people that get an accommodation had one throughout his/her college career.
Basically, if you were able to make it through college without an accommodation then you may need to make it through the GMAT without one.
I am not trying to discourage you, I am just saying that based on the aggregate of experiences of many students you should expect that it will take time (months) and that the process may be difficult and can end unsuccessfully.
And one more thing that I have observed in my experience, an accommodation is not nearly the advantage that people think it is. Because so many people are pressed for time during the exam they believe that extra time = a higher score. It is not necessarily true. The GMAT is constructed in such a way that unless you truly have something like dyslexia that can slow you down so much, extra time is not that helpful.
That being said, I do not speak for GMAC and I am not a doctor, and if you have a condition that is impacting you on a daily basis you should certainly consider seeing a doctor so that you can get help in terms of focusing. If you are not impacted on a daily basis and are just having trouble with the GMAT then it may turn out that you end up needing to focus on your GMAT techniques. Everyone has trouble focusing during the GMAT and there are many things you can do to improve that.
Do contact GMAC as others have suggested, and best of luck with whatever you decide.
