School accommodations
Ask for a first meeting
A short way to contact the disability or accessibility office.
Subject: Meeting request regarding accommodations - [Your Name] Dear [Name or Office], I am a [Year] medical student. I would like to set up a meeting to talk about accommodations for [classes/exams/clinical rotations]. Could you let me know what times you have available next week? Please also send me any forms or documentation instructions I should review before we meet. Thank you, [Your Name] [Student ID]
Ask what a decision means
Use this when a request was denied, changed, or is hard to understand.
Subject: Clarification on accommodation decision - [Your Name] Dear [Name], Thank you for reviewing my accommodation request. I received the decision saying that [accommodation] was not approved. Could you explain the specific reasons for the decision? I would also like to understand whether more information is needed or whether another option might work. I would appreciate a brief meeting to discuss this. Do you have time on [Date/Time]? Thank you, [Your Name]
Ask for help with an approved accommodation
Use this when an approved accommodation is not being provided as planned.
Subject: Issue with approved accommodation - [Your Name] Dear [Disability Office Contact], I am writing because I am having a problem with my approved accommodation for [Course/Rotation]. My approved accommodation is [briefly state accommodation]. However, on [Date], [briefly state what happened - e.g., the extra time was not applied to the exam / I was told I could not use my stool]. Could you help me coordinate with [Faculty Name / Department] so the accommodation is in place going forward? Thank you, [Your Name]
USMLE request tools
These checklists can help you organize your information before you log into MyUSMLE.
Personal statement outline
A simple structure for explaining your request in your own words.
1. What you are requesting: Name the accommodations you are asking for. 2. What is difficult: Explain what happens for you during a long, timed, secure exam. 3. The testing barrier: Explain how standard conditions create a problem. 4. Why this helps: Connect each requested accommodation to the problem. 5. Past experience (optional): Say whether you have used the accommodation before and how it helped.
Provider documentation checklist
Use this to discuss what your provider's letter may need to explain.
The letter may need to include: [ ] The condition being evaluated, if relevant to the current instructions. [ ] A clear description of your current functional limitations. [ ] How those limits affect a long, timed, secure standardized exam. [ ] A recommendation for specific accommodations. [ ] The reason each recommendation connects to a functional limitation. [ ] The date, provider signature, credentials, and other required details.
CPTA checklist
Check the form your school completes for prior test accommodations.
Before you submit the CPTA, verify: [ ] It is filled out and signed by an authorized school official. [ ] It correctly lists all accommodations currently approved at your school. [ ] It accurately notes when these accommodations were first provided. [ ] It does NOT list accommodations you requested but were denied. [ ] It includes the official school seal or stamp if required.
Reconsideration worksheet
Match each reason in the decision with new or clearer information.
Step 1: Write down the exact reason(s) for denial given by USMLE. Reason 1: ________________________ Reason 2: ________________________ Step 2: Identify what new information you can provide for each reason. New or clearer information for Reason 1: ________________________ New or clearer information for Reason 2: ________________________ Step 3: Write a brief cover letter explaining how the new information answers the reasons in the decision.
What documents do I already have?
A checklist for finding records that may help with your request.
[ ] High school IEP or 504 Plan [ ] College disability services accommodation letter [ ] Standardized test accommodation letters (SAT, ACT, MCAT) [ ] Recent psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation [ ] Current medical records showing ongoing treatment for the condition [ ] Letters from clinical supervisors regarding adjustments made during rotations
Keep track of important details
Records Timeline Worksheet
Keep dates and messages together if you need to ask for a review or outside guidance.
Date: [When did it happen?] Who was involved: [Names and titles] What happened: [Brief, factual description] Impact: [How did this affect your access or training?] Related information: [Do you have an email, letter, policy, or other document that helps explain this?] [Repeat for each incident]