How to Get Extra Time on the LSAT for ADHD or Anxiety (Before the November 28 Deadline)

Why LSAT accommodations matter for focus and anxiety

High stakes tests like the LSAT are built to measure reasoning and logic, but

they also test the limits of focus and stress tolerance. People with ADHD or anxiety often understand the material, but lose time (and points) managing distractions, perfectionism, or time pressure. That’s why LSAC allows accommodations for documented conditions that affect test performance.

If you haven’t already, it’s worth reading Extended Time for LSAT & MCAT: Why It’s Harder to Prove for High-Achieving Students for an overview of how LSAC reviews these requests. The process can feel unpredictable, but understanding what they’re looking for can help you avoid common pitfalls.

What LSAC looks for in ADHD and anxiety documentation

To approve accommodations, LSAC needs evidence that your symptoms create a functional limitation under timed conditions. That means an evaluator must do more than write a sentence that says “you have ADHD” or “you have anxiety.”

The documentation should:

• Clearly describe your current symptoms

• Show how those symptoms affect test performance

• Include comprehensive, recent testing by a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist

• Provide examples from school or work that illustrate the impact

If this sounds detailed, it’s because it is. Think of it like preparing a formal report for a regulator; similar to how pilot applicants go through structured processes such as the FAA ADHD Fast Track: The #1 Mistake to Avoid. The same principles apply: precision, consistency, and clear evidence of functioning.

Timeline: Why the November 28 deadline matters

LSAC’s deadline for the next testing cycle is Thursday, November 28, 2025. Missing it means you’ll need to wait until the next LSAT administration (December 23rd).

Because a comprehensive evaluation often includes interviews, cognitive and academic testing, and document review, it’s best to start several weeks ahead. That allows time for scoring, report writing, and any follow-up data LSAC might request.

How a psychologist or neuropsychologist can help (and what not to submit last minute)

A strong evaluation does more than verify a diagnosis; it connects data to real-life performance. A psychologist familiar with both ADHD and test-related anxiety can explain how working memory, processing speed, or anxiety interference affects your test-day efficiency.

When students rush the process, reports often fall short because they:

• Use outdated evaluations (older than three years)

• Lack evidence of functional impairment

• Include self-report data without standardized testing

If you’d like to understand what a good evaluation includes, see What’s Included in a Neuropsychological Evaluation. It breaks down the structure of a thorough report so you know what LSAC reviewers expect.

For strategies on managing symptoms while preparing, you might also read The Professional’s Guide to Managing ADHD Symptoms Without Burning Out.

Common pitfalls that lead to denials, and how to avoid them

Even with good intentions, applicants often run into preventable problems:

• Submitting reports with no testing data

• Using outdated forms or missing signatures

• Providing reports that describe symptoms but not functional limitations

If you’ve already been denied, What to Do If Accommodations Are Denied outlines how to appeal effectively and what LSAC looks for in revised documentation.

And if anxiety played a role in the test experience itself, you might find From Freeze to Action: Finding Your Voice Again helpful, it’s about turning paralysis into progress when stress hits.

Next steps before the LSAT accommodations deadline

If you’re planning to apply for LSAT accommodations this year, now is the right time to start. The evaluation process, report drafting, and LSAC review all take longer than expected. A psychologist experienced with both ADHD and test anxiety can help you build the strongest possible application.

You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation directly through my online calendar:

Schedule an Appointment

For more on what happens after the testing process, From Past ADHD to Peak Performance at Work shows how people often turn their accommodations journey into long-term success strategies.