If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for LSAT accommodations including extended time, separate testing rooms, and assistive technology. LSAC does not flag or annotate accommodated scores — your score report looks identical to every other test taker's. Here's how to determine your eligibility, gather documentation, and submit a successful request.
LSAC provides a range of testing accommodations designed to give candidates with documented disabilities an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. The specific accommodations you can request depend on your disability and its functional impact on test-taking.
The most commonly requested accommodation is extended time. LSAC offers 50% extended time (giving you approximately 52.5 minutes per section instead of 35) for candidates with conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities, and many other documented disabilities. For candidates with severe visual impairments, 100% extended time is available, doubling the standard section time. Some candidates may qualify for more than 50% extended time under Category 3 requests, though these require more comprehensive documentation.
Beyond extended time, LSAC offers separate testing rooms for candidates who need reduced distractions, additional break time between sections, screen reader and magnification software for visually impaired candidates, alternative test formats, and ergonomic or accessible seating arrangements for physical disabilities. The key is that your requested accommodation must be directly related to the functional limitations caused by your documented disability.
LSAC categorizes accommodation requests into three levels based on the scope of what you're requesting. Category 1 covers standard accommodations like a separate testing room or extra breaks. Category 2 includes 50% extended time for non-visually impaired candidates or 100% extended time for those with severe visual impairments. Category 3 covers requests for more than 50% extended time (non-visual) or more than 100% (visual impairment). Higher categories require more detailed documentation.
| Category | Accommodations Included | Documentation Level |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Standard accommodations (separate room, extra breaks) | Basic documentation |
| Category 2 | 50% extended time (non-visual) or 100% (visual impairment) | Detailed professional evaluation |
| Category 3 | More than 50% extended time (non-visual) or 100%+ (visual) | Comprehensive evaluation with testing data |
All accommodation requests require documentation from a qualified professional — this means a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, physician, or other specialist relevant to your condition. Your documentation should include a clear diagnosis, a description of the functional limitations your disability causes during testing, specific accommodation recommendations, and the professional's credentials. For Category 2 and 3 requests, you'll typically need psychoeducational testing data or a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
If you received accommodations in college or on other standardized tests, this history significantly strengthens your request. Include official documentation from your school's disability services office showing what accommodations you received and for how long. LSAC considers prior accommodations as strong supporting evidence for your current request, and in some cases, prior approval may streamline the review process.
Your accommodation request and all supporting documentation must be submitted by the test registration deadline for your chosen LSAT administration date. Most requests are reviewed and decided within 14 business days of receiving all required documentation. If additional information is needed, LSAC will contact you, which can extend the timeline. Submit your request as early as possible to avoid delays.
ADHD is one of the most common conditions for which LSAT accommodations are granted. Typical accommodations include 50% extended time, extra breaks, and a separate testing room. You'll need documentation from a psychologist or psychiatrist that includes your diagnosis, a description of how ADHD affects your test-taking ability, and specific accommodation recommendations. Similarly, learning disabilities like dyslexia typically qualify for extended time, and psychoeducational testing data showing the discrepancy between your cognitive ability and academic performance strengthens these requests.
Physical disabilities may qualify for accessible seating, ergonomic equipment, or assistance with test materials. Visual impairments can qualify for up to 100% extended time, screen magnification, or a screen reader. Hearing impairments may receive visual alerts and written (rather than verbal) instructions. Documentation from the relevant medical specialist is required — an ophthalmologist for visual conditions, an audiologist for hearing conditions, or your treating physician for physical disabilities.
Anxiety disorders and other psychological conditions can qualify for accommodations, though documentation requirements may be more rigorous. You'll need a psychiatrist or psychologist evaluation that clearly links your condition to functional limitations during standardized testing. Common accommodations include a separate testing room and extra breaks. Extended time is less commonly granted for anxiety alone without additional documented learning challenges, but it's not impossible with strong documentation.
| Disability | Typical Accommodations | Key Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| ADHD | 50% extended time, extra breaks, separate room | Psychologist/psychiatrist evaluation, diagnosis history |
| Learning Disability | 50% extended time, separate room | Psychoeducational evaluation with testing data |
| Physical Disability | Accessible seating, ergonomic equipment | Medical documentation of condition |
| Visual Impairment | 100% extended time, screen magnification, reader | Ophthalmologist documentation |
| Hearing Impairment | Visual alerts, written instructions | Audiologist documentation |
| Anxiety/Psychological | Separate room, extra breaks | Psychiatrist/psychologist evaluation |
One of the most important things to know: LSAC does not annotate the score reports of test takers who receive accommodations, including those who receive extended time. This policy has been in effect for years and means your accommodated score report looks exactly the same as every other test taker's report. There is no asterisk, no notation, and no way for anyone reviewing your score to know you received accommodations.
Law schools receive your LSAT score, percentile ranking, and score band — identical to what non-accommodated test takers receive. They cannot request information about whether you used accommodations, and LSAC does not provide this information. Your decision to disclose your disability in your application is entirely your choice and is separate from the score reporting process.