What Does a Neuropsychological Evaluation for Test Accommodations Include?

If you're applying for accommodations on the LSAT, MCAT, GRE, or GMAT, chances are you'll need a psychological or neuropsychological evaluation. But what exactly does that involve?

Step 1: Clinical Interview

We start with a deep dive into your history:

• Academic background

• Medical and mental health history

• Current concerns and goals

The clinical interview is a key part of the evaluation. Clinicians need to understand your life history and get a feel for how you are as a person. Sometimes the interview alone can provide strong evidence to justify accommodations.

Step 2: Standardized Testing

Depending on your concerns, we assess:

• Attention and focus (e.g., continuous performance tasks)

• Processing speed and reading fluency

• Memory and working memory

• Executive functioning (organization, mental flexibility)

• Emotional functioning (anxiety, depression scales)

The types of tests used to evaluate your function are validated and commonly used. Sometimes, it makes sense to have you do several tests targeting the same area. This helps underscore a weakness or challenge. Testing is also helpful in providing you better recommendations.

Step 3: Diagnostic Report

You receive a comprehensive report that includes:

• DSM-5-TR diagnoses (if applicable)

• Summary of cognitive strengths and weaknesses

• Clear recommendations tied to your functional impairments

• Justification for each requested accommodation

First, reports are written to help support the justification for an accommodation. Sometimes this only involves a brief letter with a diagnosis. Other times, a full report is requested.

Is It the Same for Everyone?

No. We tailor evaluations based on your needs, your test (LSAT, MCAT, etc.), and your prior history. Some clients need a full battery; others may need an update.

What About Students Applying to UC or CSU?

While California public universities no longer use SAT or ACT scores for admissions, accommodations evaluations remain important for students applying to:

• Graduate programs

• Private or out-of-state undergraduate schools

• College courses requiring testing accommodations from disability services offices

  
  

Need an evaluation that meets the standards of LSAC, AAMC, or ETS? Start here