LSAT ACCOMMODATIONS

Receiving special LSAT accommodations is not automatic, each specific desired accommodation must be requested. For some, the need is obvious…for example, physical limitations such as wheelchair accessibility or blindness. For others, the need is not so obvious. This would be the case for an accommodation request that involves a learning disability or attention difficulties. These accommodation requests are more difficult to attain  even if you have received, for example, extra testing time for undergraduate work. Additionally, the process has been reported to take as long as a year. Do not delay, plan ahead so that you can begin your application for accommodations and meet all deadlines.

LSAT Accommodations — The Request Phases

• Acquire the Accommodation Request Packet from LSAT. Yes, this should come first. You will see from this that the information required could make for a lengthy process. You will need to know their submission deadlines and what documentation they will require.
• Evaluate your accommodation requirements. This will help you assess the amount of time the request to LSAC will take. (You don’t want to spend so much time on this that your study/preparation time suffers) When these first two steps are completed, you will have a good idea of what your test date should be. This is important. If you decide to change your test date, you will be required to re-submit your LSAT Accommodation request!
• Register for the LSAT!  You must register for the LSAT before you request special accommodations. Any request for accommodation will not be considered before you register.
• Complete the Accommodations Request. The packet you received from LSAC will have you document your disability and the current impact it has. Submitting the request does not guarantee that you will be granted the accommodation. Give yourself adequate time to acquire and submit the necessary documentation. This is the time-consuming phase.
• Submit the request.  All of the required documentations must be received by LSAT on or before the deadlines. There are no exceptions, so send the materials to arrive well before the published deadlines. See LSAC.org for each test date’s required submission date and for full instructions to request accommodations.
• If your request for special accommodation is approved, LSAC will notify you and your testing center. Not all testing centers are able to grant all requests so you could be required to test in a different location. Register early. Submit your accommodations request and documentation early.
• If you decide to change your test location, you must notify LSAC of that change so that the new testing center is prepared for you. All notifications are required by the published deadlines.
• If you change your test date, you must re-submit the accommodation request and documentation or you will be registered as a standard test taker.

Plan ahead!  Do not add stress to the preparation process by delaying to take care of this important detail. You must get through this process so that you are able to focus on the all-important end result—LSAT success!

The LSAT Accommodation Request

The accommodation request will ask you some of the following questions. This list serves the purpose to give you a quick overview of the requirements and know that this is not a process over which you can procrastinate. Check LSAC website for a full listing. The approval process for being granted accommodations can be lengthy. (Physical limitations that require LSAT accommodations are generally much easier to obtain.)

• Did you receive special education or have an individual education plan in elementary school or high school?
• Was your disability evaluated formally?
• Did you receive extra time for testing while an undergraduate?
• Test accommodations and scores from the SAT, ACT, GRE, etc. (with official verification)
• Your requested test format.
• Which sections of the test do you request additional time for?
• Do you require additional rest time?
• Your physical accommodation needs (for example, wheelchair, etc.)
• You must explain what your disability is and how it changes your ability to take the exam. Take your time with this. Take the required time to plan your explanation. Be specific to explain how your disability affects your ability to take the exam
• See Kinds of LSAT Accommodations for examples of accommodations that have been requested.

Requesting special LSAT accommodations does not mean that you will be granted them. It may be worthwhile to make an appointment with your physician. Take the accommodation packet to your appointment and enlist their assistance to fill it out accurately, specifically and using good medical terminology. Remember that diagnosis alone does not qualify you for accommodations.

Consider your needs and what it will take to acquire that accommodation. The process to document and fill out the packet is time-consuming. As in all decisions, there are trade-offs. For example, when an exam is taken with extended time it is flagged for review. (The affect this flag could have on admissions is difficult to determine.) Additionally, the time spent working to acquire accommodations is time that you could be studying for the exam! Consider whether you would be better off taking the exam under standard conditions. See “Should I Request LSAT Accommodations“ for things to consider when deciding to request LSAT Accommodations.

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