Hi, I recently took the LSAT and they wouldn’t give me accommodations. I have been diagnosed with a learning disability since I was in third grade. They told me that I needed more up-to-date testing. I have talked to about 10 psychologists and they all have told me that it is very hard to get accommodations for the LSAT. I just think this is terrible.
Because I read a lot slower than others I only got to about half of the questions. Yet I answered most of the questions I did get to correctly. I am someone who needs extra time to read and process information.
It looks like I will not be able to go to law school because the people at the LSAT will not help me out. I was wondering what you think I should do.
Dear John:
Although many test agencies are being more demanding in relation to documentation, they are allowed to ask for current clinical information in many circumstances, even when there is a long history of disability and accommodation. On the other hand, with current clinical evaluation and the history of problems and accommodations, there should be a basis for arguing for accommodations.
My experience is that many of the test agencies deny many initial requests for evaluation but do agree to some or all of the accommodations if the applicant appeals and provides additional supporting data documenting the existence, severity, and impact of the disability and the need for the specific accommodation.
In addition, because of recent amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the definition of disability has been broadened and will likely make it easier for students with LD, ADHD, and other neurologically-based disabilities to obtain accommodations on these sorts of tests.