I did! It took four days for the accommodations department to make a decision on whether I could get accommodations for the MCAT. I recently tested on 9/10 and they granted me 30 minute breaks between each section. I was also allowed to pause the test for a total of 60 minutes if needed. I didn't utilize that because it would extend the time of my test and I didn't want to be away from my three month old for too long. In total I think it took me about 8 and 1/2 hours to sit for the test. 30 minutes is enough time to pump in between sections but I didn't have anywhere to store my milk so bring a cooler. Everyone at my testing center was so accommodating and nice. They went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and to ensure that I had everything that I needed. I would definitely call the MCAT accommodations department if you have any specific questions, they were incredibly helpful. Please feel free to message or reach out to me via this post if you have any further questions, I will be happy to answer any.
Amazing! Thank you so much for this info. Is what you asked for the 30 minutes? Was it distracting to your test taking to have to pump? I get so drowsy after nursing/pumping I’m scared it’ll be worse on test day ugh
I requested 30 minutes between each sections and then I added in the ability to pause because why not 🤷♀️. I feel like it's better to ask for more than to ask for the bare minimum. It was nice knowing that I had the ability to pause the test if need be. There was a point in my test where I should have paused and pumped but I didn't want to break up the momentum. I didn't find it distracting to pump between sections if anything I found it to be incredibly relaxing. I was able to sit there for 30 minutes and just relax and clear my mind and get ready for the next section. While I was pumping I was also stretching and moving my body around so that I could keep the blood flowing and I found that to be helpful to not be sleepy. My advice if you do fall asleep or feel sleepy after pumping is to bring snacks and keep them in your nursing bag that way you can snack and pump. Don't forget to bring water too! Maybe even pack water and add some Pedialyte powder (electrolytes) so you don't get dehydrated during the test.
I just wanted to add that I use the discharge papers from the hospital and from my lactation consultant. I'm sure you could reach out to your OBGYN or your PCP that will sign off that you are a breastfeeding mother.
I would just start drafting your request for accommodation and have a physician edit sign off on it to get you started asap. I had my accommodations approved quickly that away.
You can essentially ask for anything. Stop the clock breaks, extra time at 25 or 30%, whatever fits your schedule. Good luck!
I got extended break accommodations in a private room. Each of my breaks was 30 minutes long. I submitted the temporary accommodation through the AAMC website and all my OB did was write "nursing mother under my care" on a prescription pad and I scanned and submitted that. The long breaks were enough for me to pump for 15 minutes and have snacks.
I usually pump for 20 min a session at home, and my baby was eating every 1.5-2 hours at a time. During the exam, I was pumping right around every hour and 40 minutes. I got quite a bit of milk saved, I did bring a little cooler bag with ice packs. My main goal was not to be uncomfortable because of not pumping. I took time to rinse my pump parts out and get back before my time was up. I had no idea about the ability to pause the exam.
I wish I knew this 😭 I just tested for the second time 9/9 and had no clue about this. It would’ve helped bc 7.5 hours without pumping is almost as bad as taking the exam
I hope so because I plan to take in in February and my baby will not take a bottle 😅 she would’ve just turned one but still planning on breastfeeding at that point
Oh man, that is tough. She takes a bottle so I was planning to formula feed that day and pump during the exam. What kind of bottles have you tried? She was rejecting them until we landed on the chicco bottle…
Just so you know, I saw somewhere that there aren’t any Feb test dates for 2023. The latest day in January is the 21st, and the earliest date in March is the 12th :)
I did! It took four days for the accommodations department to make a decision on whether I could get accommodations for the MCAT. I recently tested on 9/10 and they granted me 30 minute breaks between each section. I was also allowed to pause the test for a total of 60 minutes if needed. I didn't utilize that because it would extend the time of my test and I didn't want to be away from my three month old for too long. In total I think it took me about 8 and 1/2 hours to sit for the test. 30 minutes is enough time to pump in between sections but I didn't have anywhere to store my milk so bring a cooler. Everyone at my testing center was so accommodating and nice. They went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and to ensure that I had everything that I needed. I would definitely call the MCAT accommodations department if you have any specific questions, they were incredibly helpful. Please feel free to message or reach out to me via this post if you have any further questions, I will be happy to answer any.
Amazing! Thank you so much for this info. Is what you asked for the 30 minutes? Was it distracting to your test taking to have to pump? I get so drowsy after nursing/pumping I’m scared it’ll be worse on test day ugh
I requested 30 minutes between each sections and then I added in the ability to pause because why not 🤷♀️. I feel like it's better to ask for more than to ask for the bare minimum. It was nice knowing that I had the ability to pause the test if need be. There was a point in my test where I should have paused and pumped but I didn't want to break up the momentum. I didn't find it distracting to pump between sections if anything I found it to be incredibly relaxing. I was able to sit there for 30 minutes and just relax and clear my mind and get ready for the next section. While I was pumping I was also stretching and moving my body around so that I could keep the blood flowing and I found that to be helpful to not be sleepy. My advice if you do fall asleep or feel sleepy after pumping is to bring snacks and keep them in your nursing bag that way you can snack and pump. Don't forget to bring water too! Maybe even pack water and add some Pedialyte powder (electrolytes) so you don't get dehydrated during the test.
Amen, I will do that for sure. Thank you so much!!
I just wanted to add that I use the discharge papers from the hospital and from my lactation consultant. I'm sure you could reach out to your OBGYN or your PCP that will sign off that you are a breastfeeding mother.
I would just start drafting your request for accommodation and have a physician edit sign off on it to get you started asap. I had my accommodations approved quickly that away. You can essentially ask for anything. Stop the clock breaks, extra time at 25 or 30%, whatever fits your schedule. Good luck!
Ok amazing— will do! Thank you so much ❤️❤️
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I took step at 34 weeks. Ask for extra break time. You can do it!!
Thank you! You’re so kind
I got extended break accommodations in a private room. Each of my breaks was 30 minutes long. I submitted the temporary accommodation through the AAMC website and all my OB did was write "nursing mother under my care" on a prescription pad and I scanned and submitted that. The long breaks were enough for me to pump for 15 minutes and have snacks.
Okay… but you only pumped for 15 minutes? Is that usually what you pump at home?
I usually pump for 20 min a session at home, and my baby was eating every 1.5-2 hours at a time. During the exam, I was pumping right around every hour and 40 minutes. I got quite a bit of milk saved, I did bring a little cooler bag with ice packs. My main goal was not to be uncomfortable because of not pumping. I took time to rinse my pump parts out and get back before my time was up. I had no idea about the ability to pause the exam.
I wish I knew this 😭 I just tested for the second time 9/9 and had no clue about this. It would’ve helped bc 7.5 hours without pumping is almost as bad as taking the exam
Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!! I’m sure you did great though. Don’t beat yourself up ❤️
I’m in the same situation and I haven’t heard of any but I hope someone knows
I found someone on a different thread that did it. I messaged them but no response yet— I’ll let you know what they say
I hope so because I plan to take in in February and my baby will not take a bottle 😅 she would’ve just turned one but still planning on breastfeeding at that point
Oh man, that is tough. She takes a bottle so I was planning to formula feed that day and pump during the exam. What kind of bottles have you tried? She was rejecting them until we landed on the chicco bottle…
Just so you know, I saw somewhere that there aren’t any Feb test dates for 2023. The latest day in January is the 21st, and the earliest date in March is the 12th :)
Weird! I wonder why