Psychological Assessment for Accommodations on the LSAT

Struggling with the LSAT?
An Assessment for Testing Accommodations May Help

Getting ready for any standardized test can be a nerve-racking and frustrating experience. Whether you are an undergraduate applying for law school or transitioning from a different career, you might be looking at the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) as the next step toward your goals.

Enduring cognitive or emotional symptoms that affect your capacity to think, focus, learn, or complete tasks might add a layer of stress to this challenge. It may severely impact your studying capabilities and testing performance, putting you at a disadvantage compared to other LSAT candidates.

But you are not alone. And there are systems in place to protect your right to test-taking. Testing accommodations can help ensure the LSAT conditions are fairly administered so you can exhibit your knowledge and skills.

What Are Testing Accommodations?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines testing accommodations as “changes to the regular testing environment and auxiliary aids and services that allow individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their true aptitude or achievement level on standardized exams or other high-stakes tests.”

These accommodations allow you to apply strategies to help mitigate the impact of your disability. For example, you could take a break to refocus, have extended time to re-read test prompts, or use anxiety coping strategies like deep breathing.

Are You Eligible for Accommodations on the LSAT?

If you have a disability, you may be eligible for LSAT testing accommodations. According to the ADA, an individual with a disability is somebody who:

• Has a mental or physical impairment that substantially restricts a major life activity (e.g., listening, speaking, reading, writing, thinking) or body function (e.g., digestive or neurological processes).

• Has a history or is perceived to have such limitations.

What Accommodations Are Available for the LSAT?

• All LSAT applicants are allowed to use any of these personal items during testing:

• Any writing instrument (e.g., pens, pencils, markers, highlighters).

• Up to five blank sheets of scratch paper (lined, unlined, or graph).

• Soft foam earplugs (generic, non-electronic, non-corded).

• Drinks in a plastic container or juice box (up to 20 oz or 591 ml).

• Medication or medical treatment supplies.

Additionally, all test takers can use software features to spell-check and adjust the text size and spacing.

Other accommodations may be allowed during the LSAT upon request, after careful review and approval, such as:

• Extended testing time.

• Additional breaks or stop/start breaks as needed.

• Permission to sit, stand, read, or speak aloud during testing.

• Semi-private testing environment

• Use of alternate testing formats (e.g., paper-and-pencil format, braille books) and resources (e.g., braille materials, magnification devices, tactile manipulatives).

•  Use of a human reader or scribe of your choice.

What Is a Psychological Assessment for LSAT Testing Accommodations and How Can It Help You?

To request LSAT accommodations, you must submit specific documents demonstrating your disability. If you are applying for accommodations due to a learning disability, cognitive, or mental health condition, you will need a psychological assessment to support this claim.

A psychological assessment examines your cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning to identify potential disabilities and other aspects that might be interfering with your testing performance.

This evaluation typically includes:

• Review of records

•  Clinical interview

• Symptom and personality inventories

•  Neurocognitive performance testing

Assessments allow psychologists to reach an accurate diagnosis, substantiate any disabilities, and provide recommendations for appropriate testing accommodations in a report of findings. You can then submit this report to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) as part of your request for accommodations.

3 Tips to Optimize Your Request for LSAT Accommodations

If you seek LSAT accommodations, you must submit your request and all supporting documents by the registration deadline. If this is denied, you can appeal. 

To strengthen your request, try the following:

1. Seek a Qualified Professional

Find a licensed mental health professional with the credentials, knowledge, and expertise to perform a psychological assessment for testing accommodations.

2. Get a Comprehensive Assessment

Submit a thorough assessment that explains your disability, how it affects your optimal test taking, why, and what specific accommodations would help you.

Don't settle for an assessment that only looks at one part of your functioning. Make sure you work with a professional who will evaluate all aspects that could affect your academic performance.

3. Submit Documentation Aligned With Your Request Category

Ensure your request includes all the documentation needed per your specific category:

• Automatic approval based on prior authorization of LSAT accommodations

• Request based solely on prior accommodations on other standardized postsecondary admission tests

• Other requests:

  • No extended time requested.

  • 50% extended time requested for applicants without severe visual impairments OR 100% extended time for applicants with severe visual impairments.

  • More than 50% extended time for people without severe visual impairments OR more than 100% extended time for people with severe visual impairments.

Check out common reasons documentation is deemed insufficient to confirm you are all covered.

Need an Assessment for LSAT Accommodations? Let’s Talk!

Whether you have a disability that would qualify for LSAT accommodations and need a diagnosis or have already been diagnosed and need to substantiate your disability, we can help.

At the OC Psychology Center, we offer thorough and confidential assessments to help college students and professionals thrive. 

You will meet with one of our assessment psychologists to complete an evaluation according to your needs. We will gather information about your history, symptoms, and current functioning. If there is a disability, we will examine neuropsychological processes like attention, reading, and writing to identify areas of strength and weakness. We will also evaluate how your disability affects your test performance.

Our team specializes in assessments for individuals with impairments in thinking, focusing, or learning (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, learning disability). We are knowledgeable on ADA and eligibility requirements for accommodations on the LSAT and many other high-stake exams, including the Bar Exam, SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, and more.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the LSAT, we are here for you. Let’s work together to optimize your testing performance and increase your chance for success!

Contact us to book a 15-minute consultation today!