GMAT Accommodations for Disabilities
If you’re considering applying for GMAT or EA testing accommodations, you probably have a lot of questions. Do business schools find out? What conditions qualify? Is extra time the only option? We sat down with Jason Northrup, Senior Manager of Testing Accommodations at GMAC, to clear up the myths and explain exactly how the process works.
What Are GMAT Testing Accommodations?
GMAT testing accommodations are adjustments designed to create equitable access for candidates with documented disabilities or medical conditions. The goal is simple: the GMAT should measure your quantitative, verbal, and data insights skills—not the impact of ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, or other conditions.
Jason explains that conditions typically fall into three broad categories:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences
- Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder
- Sensory and physical impairments, including vision/hearing loss and mobility impairments
But the list doesn’t stop there. Candidates with conditions such as tinnitus, IBS, or sleep disorders—among many others—can also apply. If your condition affects your ability to take the GMAT under standard conditions, accommodations may be available.
Common Types of Testing Accommodations
While extended testing time (typically 50–100% more) is the most common, it’s far from the only option. Depending on your needs, GMAC may provide:
- Additional breaks
- A separate testing room
- Adjusted break structures
- Permission to use medical devices
- Assistive technology (for candidates with sensory impairments)
These decisions are not automated at GMAC. Human experts—including external psychologists and disability consultants—review each application. As Jason puts it, “there are no robots making these decisions.”
Four Big Myths About GMAT Accommodations
Many test-takers hesitate to apply because of misconceptions. In their video, Jason and Charles addressed the four most common myths:
1. “Business schools will find out.”
False. Schools do not see whether you tested with accommodations. There’s no flag on your GMAT score report, and your medical information is treated as private health data, protected with the highest level of security.
2. “Accommodations give me an unfair advantage.”
The purpose of accommodations is to level the playing field, not tilt it. The GMAT is designed to measure reasoning skills, not your ability to sit still with ADHD, push through fatigue, or manage PTSD symptoms under time pressure. Extra time or other adjustments allow you to show your true ability on the exam.
3. “Other people cheat the system.”
While scandals sometimes make headlines, Jason explains that fraud is “extremely rare.” Every application is reviewed by experts, and GMAC works with test security experts to flag suspicious cases.
4. “The accommodations process is too complicated and expensive.”
GMAC does not require you to undergo new, costly evaluations unless absolutely necessary. Submit the documentation you already have, plus a short personal statement (1–2 pages) describing how your condition affects your test performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About GMAT & EA Testing Accommodations
How long does it take for GMAC to review my accommodations application?
- Typically 2–3 weeks, with a maximum of about 16–20 business days.
What if I was denied accommodations before (e.g., on the SAT or ACT)?
- GMAC rarely issues an unequivocal denial of accommodations applications. In most cases, GMAC simply requests more information rather than rejecting an application outright.
Can I apply if I already took the GMAT without accommodations?
- Yes. You can apply at any point, though past test attempts can’t be retroactively adjusted.
Are accommodations available for the online GMAT?
- Yes. Most accommodations are available for both the test center and at-home GMAT formats.
How long are accommodations valid?
- Generally two years, with the option to renew if needed.
Do I need to apply separately for the Executive Assessment (EA)?
- No. Start with the GMAT application. If approved, GMAC provides instructions for applying the same accommodations to the EA.
Key Takeaways
- Accommodations are confidential. Schools will never know.
- The process is fair. Applications are reviewed by trained professionals, not algorithms.
- Extra time isn’t the only option. Breaks, private rooms, and assistive technology may also be approved.
- Documentation doesn’t have to be perfect. Submit what you already have, and GMAC will ask for more if needed.
- Decisions are quick. Expect a response in about 2–3 weeks, and certainly in less than a month.
If you have a condition that affects your test-taking, applying for accommodations ensures the GMAT measures what it’s supposed to: your skills, not your symptoms.
For more details, check out GMAC’s official testing accommodations page.