Applying for Accommodations on the LSAT

The process of Law School Admission Test preparation (ok, we’ll just call it LSAT prep), can be tough. From looking for an LSAT tutor to wondering what LSAT score is needed for scholarships to your dream law school, it can be a lot. One obstacle that some people may run into when looking to take the LSAT is finding a test-taking accommodation request. If a test accommodation sounds like something you may need when taking the LSAT,  here’s your guide to finding out if you qualify for accommodated testing, and how to apply for a Law School Admissions Test accommodation.

What accommodations are offered?

Because of the test’s new-ish digital format, there are some features built into the LSAT platform that the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) believes might be useful to students with a learning disability. There is no need to request an accommodation for these features. The software allows, for example, students to increase the size of the text on the test, as well as to adjust the space between lines. In addition to this built-in software, LSAC notes that all test takers are welcome to use “external computer programs to make web content accessible, such as keyboard-controlled screen reading software, screen magnification programs, or voice recognition software.” Just make sure that you practice using these tools on the LSAC interface before your test date to ensure it works as you expect it to. 

If you think you need accommodation outside of what’s listed above, no worries! There is a large list of possible accommodations, individualized to the case of each test taker. Some examples include:

• Extended time on your test date 
• Additional breaks between or during test sections
• Permission to read aloud 
• Accommodation for visual impairment (magnification or braille)
• Tactile manipulatives
• Use of a human reader and/or scribe

Who qualifies for LSAT accommodations?

LSAC takes its requirements for testing accommodation super seriously to make sure that nobody is getting an unfair advantage. They lay out exactly what you need to do to get a test accommodation, on their accommodation page. 

Having your disability diagnosed is necessary for extra time, but it is not enough to guarantee accommodation. The diagnosis must be recently updated (within the last five years) by a qualified professional, and you must demonstrate that the disability is severe enough that your aptitude on the test will only be accurately measured with accommodations. It is also helpful to have evidence of past accommodations, either on standardized tests or in the classroom. 

How do you request accommodations?

Here is how to apply for equivalent accommodation in a couple of different situations:

• You already took the LSAT within the last 5 years and were happy with your accommodations the first time around: Congrats! You don’t need to do any more work. You will automatically get the same accommodations for this next exam.
• You received accommodations on certain other standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT: If you received accommodations on a past standardized test, you may qualify for the same accommodations on the LSAT. Check this page to see if you qualify.
• You don’t have a history of accommodations on qualifying standardized tests or are requesting different accommodations for the LSAT: You need to complete a Qualified Professional Form, which will be uploaded during the process. If you are applying for extra time of any kind, the process will require documentation and data that supports your request. This can include a record of testing accommodations through K-12, postsecondary testing accommodations, and more.

If it is your first time taking the LSAT, you can make all of your requests for accommodation from your LSAC account. Make sure that you are already registered for an LSAT exam, and then under the “LSAT” tab in your account, click on “Request Accommodations.” The form on this page will guide you through the process of applying for accommodations. Make sure you finish the request before the deadline for your exam, which you can find here.

Best of luck applying for accommodations and taking the LSAT!