Accommodations

Universities, standardized tests and professional licensure exams—including the SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, DAT, CPA exam (AICPA), state bar exams, and others—require an official evaluation by a licensed psychologist to document a qualifying disability. Many families assume that a note from a therapist, school counselor, or even self-disclosure is sufficient, but testing agencies and universities are increasingly strict, especially with the rise in accommodations nationwide. A formal neuropsychological assessment provides the comprehensive documentation needed to ensure that you and/or your child have the best chance of approval for accommodations, whether they are related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning and cognitive differences.

With a licensed psychologist’s report, students can qualify for a range of accommodations, including extended testing time, scheduled breaks, a separate testing room, use of a computer for exams, and alternate formats for materials. For example, studies have shown that extended time alone can increase LSAT scores by 4–5 points on average (source). Navigating accommodations can be complex: requirements vary by test, university, and even state, and factors such as the age when testing occurs, whether accommodations documented in high school carry over to college, and whether evaluations need to be repeated all matter. That’s why it’s important to start early, plan ahead, and contact specific colleges and testing agencies for their documentation requirements. While we are most familiar with the current requirements at the main Ivy League schools and UT-Austin, these processes are manageable no matter your goal, and you are not alone in navigating them.

For example, here is Stanford’s Office of Accessible Education page, with detailed documentation guidelines outlining exactly what is required for accommodation approval. As requests for accommodations have increased nationwide, colleges and testing agencies have responded by applying these standards more carefully—and the clear trend is toward increasingly rigorous documentation requirements over time. Even current guidelines are likely to evolve further, which is why it is often recommended (and can ultimately save time, money, and stress) to obtain a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation as early as possible, so the disability is thoroughly documented from the outset. By contrast, rushed or limited “report-factory” online companies that evaluate only ADHD or autism and provide minimal documentation frequently do not meet the standards already in place at many Ivy League and Tier 1 institutions, and are unlikely to suffice as requirements continue to tighten. 

To help families navigate this evolving landscape, I offer no-cost information sessions for schools, homeschool co-ops, and parent communities, including a clear overview of current accommodation requirements and a live Q&A to address common concerns. If you’re a parent, teacher, administrator, or community leader interested in scheduling a session, I invite you to call or email me—I’m happy to support your community in making informed, confident decisions.