The GMAT exam is an important step for those pursuing a graduate business degree, but individuals with disabilities may face unique challenges when taking the GMAT exam. GMAT Accommodations for the Disabled are crucial for ensuring equal opportunity for all individuals pursuing a graduate business degree.
The GMAC is committed to providing all necessary equipment and resources to ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to succeed. These accommodations can include additional testing time, additional or extended test breaks, a reader to read items to you, a recorder to record your responses, or software that can provide a zoomed version of the text.
Understanding these accommodations and the process for requesting them is crucial to performing your best on the GMAT exam. In this article, we will discuss the important factors to consider before registering for the exam and how to request accommodations.
GMAT Accommodations for Disabled: How to Request and Register for Accommodations
If you have a disability that prevents you from taking the GMAT Exam under standard conditions, you can request accommodations by completing the following steps:
- Create a candidate profile on MBA.com that captures your contact information and provides an ID number. It is important that you do not register for the GMAT until you receive an accommodation decision.
- Read both the GMAT™ Handbook and the GMAT™ Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities carefully.
- Gather documentation as described by disability type in the GMAT™ Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities.
- Click on the ‘Apply for Accommodations’ button at the bottom of the Testing Accommodations page to complete an accommodation request and attach your supporting documentation. GMAC cannot accept accommodation requests that are submitted by email.
- You will receive a confirmation message via email after you have successfully submitted an Accommodation Request Form. Within 24 hours of your submission, your mba.com My Account page will also be updated to reflect any submitted accommodation requests.
- GMAC will send a written decision to the test taker with instructions for next steps. If you have any questions about request preparation or about an accommodation decision you have received, you should email GMAC at testingaccommodations@gmac.com.
Things to keep in mind when registering:
The GMAC provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with impairments that significantly interfere with their ability to complete the assessment under standard conditions.
- The accommodations must be supported by clear evidence of current, significant functional limitations.
- Accommodations that interfere with the accurate measurement of higher-order reasoning skills or jeopardize the exam’s security are not considered reasonable.
- It is essential to have up-to-date disability documentation that includes the current impact of the condition on academic tasks and the need for accommodations.
- All documentation must be submitted in English and cannot be returned.
- Applicants should plan in advance and consult with advisors to assemble the request for accommodations.
- They should also schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional who evaluated or diagnosed their disability and provide comprehensive documentation detailing their condition and the rationale for each requested accommodation.
What Accommodations Can Be Provided?
Individuals with impairments can receive a variety of accommodations, and the modifications offered may change depending on the GMAC evaluation. Many modifications may be feasible, depending on the type of disability, the GMAC assessment you want to take, and the location where you plan to finish your assessment.
Although the accommodations offered for each GMAC evaluation differ, the following accommodations are most frequently requested according to the GMAT Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities:
- Additional testing time
- Extended rest breaks
- A reader who can read test items to you
- A recorder who can record your responses
- Access to JAWS software or Zoom Text
- Allowance of a medical device in the testing rooms
- Enlarged font on the PC monitor
- A sign language interpreter
The GMAC Accommodation Request Form has a more thorough list of potential accommodations, which you can review by downloading the guidelines provided by GMAC. However, by putting that request in your personal narrative, you can also ask for accommodations that aren’t specified on the web form.
Most Commonly Cited Disabilities on the GMAT
There are different approaches depending on the disability type to help the institution during the decision-making process on what kind of accommodation you need. It is important to go into detail when writing your personal statement. Here are the most common disability types provided by the guidelines:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning and Cognitive Disabilities
- Physical/Systemic Disabilities
- Psychological Disabilities
- Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Low Vision
It’s simple to request accommodations for the GMAT, but you should do it well in advance of your test date to allow for processing time. In order to perform at your best on the test, make sure to look into the accommodations that are available to you if your disability limits your ability to take the test.
Contact GMAC at testingaccommodations@gmac.com if you have any questions about GMAT accommodations for disabled.
At Apex, we believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of any disabilities they may have. Are you someone with disabilities who is looking to pursue a graduate business degree? We understand that students with disabilities may face unique challenges when it comes to standardized testing, and we are here to help.
Our team is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to provide you with the necessary accommodations to ensure a fair and equal testing experience. Contact Apex today and book a 30-minute complimentary call with one of our experienced tutors.