Accommodated Testing Inquiry

[GoPokes44]

Hi everyone,

I recently registered for the June LSAT and was encouraged by my doctor to apply for time accommodations on the upcoming test.

I was initially diagnosed with ADHD in high school (in 2006 to be exact) and requested time accommodations for the test based on previous test results dating back to high school and my early college career, as well as a more recently administered TOVA test that I was given by my provider. Although I have never received "formal" accommodations on prior tests, I was allowed to take many tests in high school and college with extended time, and my doctor noted these allowances in the report that we sent to LSAC. Without getting too specific, does anyone know the likelihood that my request will be granted or denied? I understand that many requests for accommodations are denied, but I believe that my impairment is well-documented and my additional time request isn't unreasonable. Could anybody tell me what the chances are of getting this request granted?

Thank you for your help!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Go,

Thanks for the question! In the past, it has been incredibly hit-or-miss, and many people who I felt had valid requests for accommodation were denied. It became such a major problem that LSAC was sued over the issue by the DOJ, and settled those issues last year (although they are still fighting about the process, as seen here). They now have a new policy on accommodations requests, and one of the rules of the policy is that if you have had prior accommodations on a major standardized test, you now get them for the LSAT.

The problem in your case is that you didn't have prior accommodations on a recognized test, and so you fall back into the pool where LSAC makes the determination. We've been watching them closely, but at this point we're not seeing that it's now significantly easier to gain accommodations coming out of that pool. I can't really make an accurate determination without seeing the scope and depth of your paperwork, but if it's been done well and documented over time, your chances are ok (I know, "ok" doesn't sound great, but in this process I've learned there are no guarantees).

Sorry I can't be more specific—it's just tough to make estimates when the process is so murky.

Thanks!