GRE LSAT MCAT Accommodations Testing

GRE, LSAT, and MCAT Accommodations by Kathryn Picano-Morton.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) are standardized tests that are used to evaluate a student’s readiness for graduate school, law school, and medical school.  GRE, LSAT, and MCAT accommodations are available for these examinations which are among the most challenging and important tests a student will take in their lifetime. However, for a student with a disability, testing can be even more challenging. In these instances, requesting testing accommodations can help a student perform to the best of their ability by leveling the playing field.

What are common GRE, LSAT, and MCAT Accommodations?

Accommodations provide students with disabilities with the necessary support to complete the exam under conditions that allow them to fairly demonstrate their knowledge. Some examples of accommodations include extended testing time, additional breaks, a separate testing room, assistive technology, and large-print materials. Each institution and exam has its own policies for accommodations, and students must submit documentation of their disability to request them.

Why are GRE, LSAT, and MCAT Accommodations Important?

For students with disabilities, taking a standardized test can be an especially challenging task. Accommodations help ensure you are accurately evaluated based on your knowledge and abilities and not impeded by your disability, which would otherwise affect their performance under standard testing conditions.  It does not change what the test measures or its expectations.

How to Request GRE, LSAT, and MCAT Accommodations

The type of documentation required will depend on the specific testing organization or the institution’s policy for the requested accommodations.  The documentation should explain how a disability impacts a student’s ability to take the test under standard conditions and must demonstrate the need for accommodations. Most students with a disability have a history of accommodations provided on the SAT or ACT or from when in school, either from an IEP or a 504 Plan.

For example, if you have a learning disability and are requesting extended testing time, documentation that includes a diagnosis of the disability, a description of how the disability impacts your ability to take tests under a standard condition, and a recommendation for the specific accommodation of extended testing time may be required. The documentation will need to be provided well in advance of your desired testing date and can take up to six weeks for review.

Important Considerations

Requesting accommodations requires careful planning. You should plan to submit your application well in advance of your desired test date to allow sufficient time for processing.

It’s important to review the specific documentation requirements of the testing organization or institution you will be working with to ensure you provide the necessary information.

You should also work closely with your institution’s disability services office to ensure that their application contains all necessary documentation. You may also want to communicate with the organization or institution directly to ensure you understand the specific process and requirements for requesting accommodations.

Call to discuss your needs as we complete evaluations for dyslexia, learning disabilities, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other processing disorders.  Call (561) 625 4125.