Testing Accommodations for High Stakes Exams

High stakes exams are tests used primarily to help make decisions about admissions to certain programs. Some examples of these tests include the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT. In cases where an individual is found to have a disability that is associated with significant functional limitations that interferes with their ability to take tests, they may be eligible for accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act Amendment Act (ADAAA). For example, individuals with an attentional disorder, learning disability, or anxiety disorder may be found eligible for extended time on tests, an environment with reduced distractions, multiple breaks, etc.  In many cases, a recent and comprehensive evaluation is required as part of the application process to help determine a person’s eligibility for accommodations. Dr. Beaulieu can assist you in this process by providing the necessary testing information. However, it is important to keep in mind that neither a diagnosis of a disability, previous history of receiving classroom accommodations, nor recommendations for testing accommodations automatically lead to testing accommodations, as it must be associated with functional limitations.

See the following resources to obtain more information about testing requirements:

ACT: actstudent.org/regist/disab/

SAT: sat.collegeboard.org/register/for-students-with-disabilities

LSAT: lsac.org/jd/lsat/accommodated-testing

MCAT: aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/accommodations/application/