Ep 63: Navigating The LSAT Accommodations Process with an LSAT Tutor
Today we have the pleasure of having Jasmeene Burton-Martin, LSAT Tutor and 2L at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, joining Monique to discuss LSAT accommodations. Jasmeene goes over the categories of the types of accommodations as well as advice and reassurance that if you need something to test better, you can!
Episode Highlights
For more written down information, visit the LSAC website about LSAT accommodations
If an accommodation is not on the website as a commonly requested accommodation, and so long as it's reasonable, they should grant it like that is your legal right under the ADA
Accommodation requests go into three categories based off of extended time and how much you're requesting
Category 1: Most simple type of accommodation request that's anything except for extended time. This could include extra snacks, a screen reader, a printed copy, etc.
Category 2: If you don’t have a visual impairment and are requesting at least 50% extra time. If you have a visual impairment, and request 100% extra time (double time). It’s based on your natural ability, the things that you're working with, and the time.
Category 3: If you don’t have a visual impairment, and requesting more than 50% time. If you have a visual impairment, and request more than 100% extra time.
Accommodation document requirements differ depending on the category:
Category 1: Straightforward documentation. Fill out the candidate form and qualified professional forms. Simply be clear on what difficulties you have and explain why the accommodations would be helpful to alleviate the issue.
Category 2: Same forms as category 1 along with additional information and documentation of said issue. Give them every single way that these issues show up because it's not just when you're studying, it's not just on test day, it can show up in other places and it's going to help make your case more robust. At Least talk about how this shows up in your practice and when you've done timed practice, or if you've taken the LSAT before without accommodations.
Category 3: Usually only granted to folks who have a documented disability and it's longstanding
If there's things that you can think of that help make your case, put those in there. Tell the story, tell it from different perspectives, explain yourself candidly.
Tweetable Quotes
“It’s just not reasonable to hold up your law school dreams and career based off of getting into the medical space to have this done. I really dislike that it really puts up barriers for people, and I feel that really hard, but do the best you can. There are so many ways to demonstrate need.”