LSAT Accommodations 101
The LSAT is traditionally administered as a series of strictly proctored 35-minute sections where the student must sit in place and silently look at a screen for the duration of the exam. This consistency puts the “standardized” in “standardized testing.” However, LSAC offers accommodations to students with accessibility needs, and we hope to simplify the process of obtaining the right accommodations.
The following are just a few accommodations offered by LSAC:
Extended time
Extended breaks
Stop-the-clock breaks
UEB (Braille)
Screen readers
Amanuensis assistance (scribing)
Paper tests
Larger font size
Standing, pacing, leaving camera view
Permission to speak aloud
Private or distraction-reduced room (not applicable during LSAT-Flex)
Permission to eat and drink
Medications including insulin injections
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but other accommodations follow the same basic guidelines: they provide extra resources to students with sensory, processing, or physical differences so that they are measured fairly against neurotypical and physically able test-takers.
ADHD is the most commonly-cited cause for accommodations, and the most frequently granted accommodation is time-and-a-half (53 minutes per section). However, a number of conditions can warrant accommodations, and LSAC approves thousands of applications each year. There is no list of diagnoses that are automatically granted accommodations. Cases are reviewed individually, and LSAC attempts to approve or deny your request within 14 business days.
This is probably where you’re wondering how you get accommodations. First, register for an LSAT. If this is your first time taking a standardized test with accommodations, you’ll need to fill out the following forms. All forms must be typed.
Candidate Form: This is where you tell LSAC who you are and which accommodations you need. You are most likely to be successful if your requests align with your doctor’s recommendations.
Evidence of Disability: Get your paperwork in order. You will need a diagnosis or statement from a qualified professional. According to LSAC, “a qualified professional is a person who is licensed or otherwise properly credentialed and possesses expertise in the disability for which modifications or accommodations are sought.” This doesn’t need to be a specialist; your general practitioner is perfectly able to diagnose you with anxiety, for example.
Prior documentation of disability: The first and best way you can establish evidence of your additional needs is prior documentation. For mental and cognitive issues, the diagnosis must be fewer than 5 years old. For other disabilities, the documentation must be dated after your 13th birthday.
Current evidence of disability: If you don’t have a prior diagnosis or any history of test-taking accommodations, you’ll need a qualified professional to fill out the second page of the Evidence of Disability form for you. They will help explain your needs, perhaps including why you do not have any prior documentation. If you broke your writing wrist a month before your LSAT, this is the section to have your doctor fill out.
Accommodation(s) recommended: Have your qualified professional fill out page three of the Evidence of Disability form, where they will recommend that LSAC allow you specific accommodations.
Statement of Need: Here, both you and your qualified professional must provide written statements regarding your needs. Consider this the personal statement version of the Evidence of Disability form.
If you have taken other major standardized tests (namely, the SAT, ACT, GED, GRE, GMAT, DAT, and/or MCAT) with accommodations before, you are guaranteed equivalent accommodations when taking the LSAT. You are only required to submit the Candidate Form and written verification of your prior accommodations from the organization that administered the prior test.
You must submit all forms and documentation through LSAC before the registration deadline for your test administration. You will find this under LSAT > Request Accommodations when you’re logged into LSAC.org. In an ideal world, you should submit the documentation at least a month before the registration deadline to allow for administrative delays and other bureaucratic hiccups. You will also need to know which category your request falls under. The categories are as follows:
Category 1: accommodations that do not request extra time.
Example 1: you are diabetic and have requested permission to measure your blood sugar, take insulin, and have a snack during the test administration.
Example 2: you have a congenital hand deformity and wish to dictate your answers to a scribe.
Category 2: accommodations that request up to 50% extended time for sighted people or up to 100% extra time for visually impaired people.
Example 1: you have ADHD and have requested time-and-a-half (53-minute sections) and bathroom breaks.
Example 2: you are visually impaired and have requested a Braille paper test and a scribe for transcription. The usual speed of this process means you have requested 100% extra time (70-minute sections).
Category 3: accommodations that request over 50% extended time for sighted people or over 100% extra time for visually impaired people.
Example 1: due to frequent panic attacks and dissociation, you require extra time to process each section and have requested 100% extra time (70-minute sections).
Example 2: you are visually impaired and are requesting a screen reader for the exam. Due to your ADHD, you often replay passages to fully understand their content, and have therefore requested 150% extra time (88-minute sections).
Getting accommodations is a multi-step process that can be extremely overwhelming, especially if your disability interferes with your ability to jump through all the administrative hoops. Read ahead to get answers to frequently asked questions that will help you in preparing your accommodations application!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which accommodations to request?
Discuss your concerns with a qualified professional and consider booking an accommodations consultation, where we can help you assess your needs in the context of the LSAT. We want to help you formulate a request that is realistic, appropriate, and likely to be approved.
Do accommodations get denied?
Yes, about 50% of requests are denied. Read each form with care and make sure to note LSAC’s list of common reasons why accommodation documentation is deemed insufficient.
What happens if my request is not approved?
If LSAC denies your request, you can appeal. You have 2 business days to inform LSAC that you plan to appeal the decision and 4 calendar days from the denial to submit your appeal. All appeals must be received no fewer than 12 days from the scheduled test administration. LSAC will respond within a week of the appeal, but note that they have the final word on whether or not you are allowed accommodations.
Does my doctor send the documentation to LSAC, or do I?
LSAC expects you to personally submit all of your forms and additional documentation. Your qualified professional should fill out the required sections on their own computer and then send the files to you.
Does LSAC have an accommodations hotline?
You can call LSAC at (215) 966-6625 or email them at accom@LSAC.org with your location and LSAC L# in the subject line. Make sure to get every accommodation confirmed in writing.
If I have already taken the LSAT with accommodations, do I need to submit the forms again when I retake?
No. You’re automatically pre-approved for the same accommodations in most cases (an exception might include if you broke your wrist shortly before your last LSAT, but it has been two years). This automatic pre-approval also applies to religious accommodations like Sabbath Testing.
Can I request unlimited time?
No, all administrations of the LSAT must have a specific time limit enforced. However, you can apply for more than 100% extra time (70+ minute sections).
If I am already approved for some LSAT accommodations, can I request more or different accommodations?
Yes! You will need to submit a new Candidate Form and Statement of Need.
Will my proctor know I have accommodations?
Usually. Your proctor should always know your accommodations, but during the era of the LSAT-Flex, some students have reported proctor mishaps where ProctorU employees are ill-informed or improperly equipped. Make sure that all of your accommodations from LSAC are in writing and confirm the accommodations with your proctor prior to starting your exam.
Do law schools know I took an accommodated LSAT?
No. Your LSAT score report appears the same as a non-accommodated student’s. However, this is a valid concern; for years, accommodated scores were listed with an asterisk to indicate a non-standard administration. In 2014, test takers brought suit against LSAC alleging its policies were in violation of the ADA. LSAC settled out of court and dropped the asterisk.
Is it fair to non-accommodated students if I get accommodations?
Absolutely. There is no shame in requesting accommodations, and other takers will not be disadvantaged by your equitable treatment. If you have a legitimate need, you are guaranteed accommodations by the ADA. You’re going to be taking a real LSAT and earning a real score.