LSAT vs GRE Accommodations (2025): 7 Documentation Gaps Students Miss

Jun 16, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Comparison of LSAT vs GRE testing accommodations requirements 2025

Thinking about law school and grad school? Good news: you can often use one accommodations evaluation for both the LSAT and GRE.

But here’s the catch: the LSAC and ETS don’t follow the same rules. If you’re not careful, the same report that gets approved for one could be denied by the other.

As a psychologist who helps students prepare these evaluations, I see the same avoidable issues crop up again and again. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Outdated Testing

The GRE has a 3-year rule; LSAT allows reports up to 5 years old. If your evaluation is older than three years, don’t panic—but do consider a short update that includes a current interview and symptom measures. This is something I can usually do quickly.

2. Missing Timed Task Data

GRE reviewers are strict: if your evaluation doesn’t include timed tasks (like processing speed or attention testing), they’ll often reject it. LSAT is a little looser—but if you want one report to work for both, you’ll need this testing.

3. Vague Descriptions of Functional Impact

A common GRE rejection reason is: “Functional impairment not demonstrated under testing conditions.” To avoid that, I include concrete language like:

“When reading under LSAT timing conditions, the client’s reading rate was 45% below average.”

This shows reviewers the connection between symptoms and test-day struggles.

4. Weak Documentation of Past Accommodations

If you used extra time in college or high school, include that! LSAC puts a lot of weight on prior use. If you didn’t, that’s OK—we can emphasize current clinical needs instead.

5. Using the Wrong ADHD Scales

GRE requires adult-focused measures like the CAARS or BAARS. If you only have childhood ADHD ratings (like the SNAP), that could be a problem. I always use tools that meet both boards’ expectations.

6. Forgetting the Review Checklist

Each board uses an internal checklist to process your file. When I write evaluations, I structure the content to hit all those required fields—so there’s no guessing on their end.

7. Upload Confusion

Let’s be honest: uploading your paperwork can feel like a mini test of its own. GRE wants a single PDF under 10 MB. If you accidentally upload a separate doctor letter, or exceed the file size, your request can get delayed. When I work with students, I give you a ready-to-submit final packet.

Quick Comparison

Requirement	LSAT	GRE
Evaluation age limit	5 years	3 years
Timed cognitive tasks	Preferred	Required
Past accommodations	Important	Less so
Adult ADHD scale	Optional	Required
File format issues	Fewer	Stricter