LSAT Accommodations: Everything You Need to Know

Students with disabilities who are taking the LSAT are allowed to apply for accommodations. These accommodations provide students with the additional assistance they need to make the testing process smoother and simpler. They are meant to place accommodated test-takers on an equal playing field with those who are not similarly disadvantaged. Of course, accommodations are not simply given to everyone who asks, especially if you are applying for extra time. 

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) is very strict about deciding who they grant accommodations to. Test-takers must submit proof of need for specific accommodations as well as proof of disability. If you do receive accommodations, this will not be noted on your score report, and law schools will not be notified that you received them. Law schools will simply see the same report as every other student who didn’t receive accommodations.

Types of LSAT Accommodations

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The LSAT allows for a wide range of accommodations that you can use if you are approved. These accommodations can be as simple as having the use of earplugs to more significant accommodations like extended time. The accommodation you are requesting must relate to a disability that you have and can prove. These include conditions such as visual impairment, hearing impairment, and learning disabilities like dyscalculia or dysgraphia. 

These are the 10 most common accommodations: 

• Unified English Braille (UEB) version of the LSAT
• Large print (18-point font or higher) test book
• Extended test time
• Use of spell check
• Use of a reader
• Use of an amanuensis (scribe)
• Additional rest time during breaks 
• Breaks between sections
• Separate room (small group testing)
• Private testing room (low distraction setting)

You can view the full list on LSAC’s page for Accommodations That May Be Available. LSAC specifies that this list is not complete, so if you need an accommodation that isn’t listed, you can still request it.

Qualifying for LSAT Accommodations

There are three different categories you can choose from when applying for accommodations:

• Category 1 is specifically for accommodations that don’t include extra time. These include things like permission to take prescription medication or permission to bring and eat food.
• Category 2 refers to accommodations of up to 50% extended time for students who don’t have a severe visual impairment or up to 100% extended time for students who have a visual impairment and need an alternative testing format.
• Category 3 is similar to category 2, except it allows for an accommodation of more than 50% extended time for students without a visual impairment.

To qualify for LSAT accommodations you must first register for the LSAT test date you wish to take. If you’ve taken the LSAT before and received accommodations then you will automatically be approved for accommodations when you register for the test. If it is your first time taking the LSAT and requesting accommodations, you will need to provide a candidate form, evidence of disability, and a statement of need for the accommodation. If you received accommodations on a previous post-secondary test like the SAT, then you’ll only need to provide a candidate form and verification of prior accommodation from a test sponsor. All forms and documents must be submitted by the deadline listed on the LSAT Dates and Deadlines Page. If you’re approved, you will receive an approval letter from LSAC in your online account. 

If your request has been rejected and you want to appeal, you must inform LSAC within two business days after LSAC’s decision has been posted. You have four calendar days after the decision has been posted to submit your appeal. You will get the results of the appeal within one week of your submission.

There are a few things LSAC looks at when deciding whether to grant you an accommodation. First, if you’ve scored decently (150+) on previous tests without any accommodations. If you have, they won’t give you an accommodation because they know you can achieve above the median without one. So it’s best to apply for accommodations for your first LSAT if you think you’ll need it. If you take medication for things like ADD/ADHD, you also may not get approval. LSAC believes these medications offset any disadvantages you might have during the test. Lastly, they will likely deny you if you don’t have significant documentation for learning disabilities. LSAC will need several medical forms documenting your disability, especially if you are requesting extra time. They’re more likely to approve accommodations for things like dyslexia rather than ADD. They will also look at how long you’ve had the disability. If you were diagnosed as a child, you will have a higher chance of approval than if you were recently diagnosed.