What to Know: At a Glance
- This fall brings important test dates for the SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE, MCAT, and others.
- If you have a diagnosed disability, such as ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences, you may be eligible for testing accommodations.
- Accommodations can include extended time, extra breaks, alternate formats, distraction-free environments, or multi-day testing setups.
- To qualify, you need a current psychological or neuropsychological evaluation (typically no older than three years).
- CNLD Neuropsychology provides high-stakes exam evaluations and guides you through submission requirements to major testing organizations.
As the cool, crisp air of autumn descends in Michigan, so too does the looming pressure of upcoming high-stakes exams. Whether you’re poised to take the SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE, MCAT, or even the bar exam, you already know these assessments can determine your academic or professional path. If you are a student with diagnosed challenges, from ADHD and anxiety disorders to dyslexia or processing delays, the standard testing format can be a stressful burden.
That’s where high-stakes testing accommodations become critical to success.
Testing Accommodation: What is It and Why Might You Need One?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA), testing agencies must offer accommodations to individuals whose disabilities significantly impact their ability to demonstrate their knowledge. These adjustments can include:
- Extra time
- Quiet testing rooms
- Alternate answer formats
- Extra breaks
While these accommodations don’t change what’s on the test, they do provide an equal opportunity to perform. It’s not an unfair advantage. Take the LSAT, for example. You may qualify for double time or stop/start breaks, which will level the playing field so you can adequately and fairly showcase your skills.
How Can CNLD Neuropsychology Help?
In order to qualify for these accommodations, you will need to undergo a high-stakes exam testing evaluation designed specifically to:
- Reflect your current functional limitations, with most exam agencies requiring documentation no older than three years.
- Include cognitive and psychological testing, ADHD and learning disability evaluations, and anxiety assessments.
- Align your documentation with testing agencies’ needs to ensure your accommodation request is solid and defensible.
CNLD Neuropsychology specializes in conducting current, comprehensive evaluations to put you on the right path for success.
Deadlines Are Closer Than You Think: Don’t Put it Off
If you’re contemplating seeking accommodation documentation, keep in mind that testing agencies will want them well in advance of exam day—usually by the same deadline as test registration. Some testing agencies may allow automatic approval for some exams if you’ve previously received accommodations on other standardized tests. However, you are still required to provide proof and apply on your account.
Delayed submissions or outdated evaluations could spell the difference between denial and approval, so don’t wait. Many of these tests in Michigan are coming up in fall and throughout the winter, sothe time to act is now.
4 Steps to Success
- Identify your exam and testing needs (SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.)
- Book an evaluation with CNLD Neuropsychology
- Submit documentation on time
- Check your approval status
You’re Not Alone
It can be stressful enough attending school and higher education without the added pressure of testing burdens. Just know that you are not alone, and there are resources out there to help if you have adisability that interferes with test taking. Our skilled staff can help you secure fair and effective support so you can achieve success on test day and beyond.
Schedule an Assessment With CNLD Neuropsychology
Are you studying for an upcoming exam? Do you want to see if you qualify for an accommodation? Contact CNLD Neuropsychology for a confidential consultation on a high-stakes exam evaluation so you can approach test day with confidence.
