How to Get College & High-Stakes Test Accommodations (SAT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, Bar): Documentation, Requirements & Deadlines (2025 Guide)
- Leonard Evaluations
- Sep 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 11
Author: Leonard Educational Evaluations, LLC. For more information, please contact Leonard Educational Evaluations at 267-702-6328, or www.LeonardEvaluations.com
What Are Testing Accommodations?
Testing accommodations ensure equal access for students with disabilities under the ADA, Section 504, and state disability laws.
Common accommodations include:
Extended time (50%, 100%, double time)
Breaks (standard or extended)
Reduced-distraction room
Use of a computer for essays
Screen readers or text-to-speech
Permission to bring medication or medical items
Large-print or paper-based materials
Accommodations do not change the test’s content—they ensure the student can show their abilities without being limited by ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, processing speed issues, autism, or other disabilities.
What Documentation Do You Need for Accommodations?
Every testing agency requires documentation that meets these standards:
✔ A current evaluation (usually within 3–5 years)
✔ A diagnosis that impacts major life activities
✔ Evidence of functional impairment
✔ Test scores showing how the disability affects performance
✔ A clear rationale for each accommodation requested
✔ A history of using similar accommodations, if applicable
Evaluations must include standardized testing (e.g., cognitive, academic, processing speed, attention, executive functioning), a diagnostic report, and recommendations.
SAT / ACT (College Board & ACT)
The SAT (through the SSD system) and ACT often approve accommodations if students have:
Required:
A diagnosis (ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, etc.)
Testing showing functional impairment
A history of school accommodations (IEP/504/college disability services)
Notes:
Schools sometimes submit documentation directly → approvals can be fast.
Private evaluations are recommended when schools deny accommodations or when no current testing exists.
Typical Accommodations:
Extended time
Breaks
Calculator permissions
Computer use for essays
Small-group or private room
GRE (ETS)
ETS has one of the more flexible accommodation systems but still requires strong documentation.
Required:
A comprehensive evaluation (usually within 5 years)
Evidence of impairment on timed academic tasks
A narrative linking symptoms → test limitations → requested accommodations
Often Approved:
50% extended time
100% extended time
Extra breaks
Separate room
Speech-to-text for written responses
Students applying to graduate programs often need updated documentation to meet ETS standards.
MCAT (AAMC)
The MCAT has strict documentation requirements and one of the most rigorous review processes.
Required:
A full psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation (usually ≤3 years old)
Objective test data showing significant impairment
A clear functional statement
History of accommodations (if applicable) but NOT required
AAMC will deny requests if documentation is:
Too old
Missing processing speed / executive functioning measures
Missing academic fluency testing
Lacking a diagnostic rationale
Commonly Approved:
Extended time
Extra breaks
Reduced-distraction room
Computer use
Specialized formats
LSAT (LSAC)
LSAC uses Category 1, 2, or 3 documentation depending on disability type.
Required:
Detailed diagnostic report
Test scores demonstrating impairment
History of prior accommodations helps—BUT LSAC no longer assumes students won’t need documentation if they had accommodations historically.
Typically Approved:
Extra time
Stop-the-clock breaks
Separate room
Use of a computer for writing tasks
Law schools do not see whether accommodations were granted.
Bar Exam Accommodations
State bar exam accommodations vary, but most require:
Required:
A recent evaluation showing impairment
Clear rationale for extended time or breaks
Documentation explaining impact on reading, writing, stamina, focus, anxiety, or processing speed
Bar examiners are often strict about:
Recency of testing
Evidence of functional limitations
History of accommodations in law school or LSAT
Timelines & Deadlines (Don’t Miss These!)
SAT/ACT: 6–8 weeks before exam
GRE: 6 weeks recommended
MCAT: 60+ days before testing
LSAT: 6–8 weeks before the test date
Bar Exam: Varies by state, but often 3–4 months before the exam
Submitting earlier improves approval odds.
Common Reasons Requests Are Denied
Documentation too old
Diagnosis not clearly justified
Missing test scores
Lack of functional impact described
No connection between disability and requested accommodations
Incomplete forms
No prior history of accommodations (NOT required, but review boards often ask about it)
A strong evaluation clearly explains how symptoms affect test performance.
When Should You Get an Updated Evaluation?
You likely need updated testing if:
Your last evaluation is older than 3–5 years
You never had a formal diagnosis
You were evaluated as a child but now applying for graduate school
Law/medical schools require updated documentation
You previously received testing accommodations but cannot locate old reports
How We Can Help
Leonard Educational Evaluations provides comprehensive psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological evaluations for:
College accommodations
SAT, ACT
GRE, MCAT
LSAT, Bar Exam
Nursing exams (NCLEX)
Licensing boards
Our evaluations include:
Cognitive testing
Academic testing
Attention/executive functioning measures
Processing speed
Memory & learning
Emotional/behavioral measures
Full diagnostic report + accommodation rationale
We help students understand their profile, secure accommodations, and perform at their best.
FAQ
Do I need a new evaluation if I had one in high school?
Most agencies require documentation within 3–5 years, especially for ADHD, learning disorders, anxiety, or processing issues.
Will colleges or professional schools see my accommodations?
No. Accommodations are confidential.
Can I get accommodations without prior school accommodations?
Yes. Prior history helps, but is not required.
Does medication alone qualify me for ADHD accommodations?
No. You must demonstrate functional impairment through evaluation data.
How long does approval take?
4–8 weeks depending on the agency and completeness of documentation.
Start Your Evaluation Today
Your academic path shouldn’t be limited by untreated symptoms, outdated reports, or inadequate documentation. If you’re applying to college, graduate school, professional school, or preparing for a high-stakes exam, we can help you secure the accommodations you deserve. Call us at 267-702-6328 or click on the contact button below today!
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