What Does a Neuropsychological Evaluation for Test Accommodations Include?
Updated: Sep 25
Accommodations on the LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and GMAT require a psychological or neuropsychological evaluation with three parts: a clinical interview, standardized testing, and a written report tied to the reviewing agency's documentation standards. Jason Olin, PhD, conducts these evaluations for applicants across the country.
Step 1: Clinical Interview
This involves a deep dive into your history:
Academic background (transcripts, score reports, communications between teachers and parents)
Medical and mental health history (primary care, specialist care)
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 provides strong evidence to justify accommodations.
Step 2: Standardized Testing
Depending on your concerns, the assessment includes:
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)
Effort and performance validity measures are part of every battery.
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
Summary of cognitive strengths and weaknesses
Clear recommendations tied to your functional impairments
Justification and rationale for each requested accommodation, linking the neuropsychological results to the demands of the exam.
Reports are written to help support the justification for an accommodation, following the exact guidance provided by the testing agency, examiner or university.
Is It the Same for Everyone?
No. Evaluations are always based on your unique needs, your test (LSAT, MCAT, GRE, FINRA, Bar Exam, etc.), and your prior history. Some clients need a full battery; others may need an update.
You can learn more about LSAT accommodations, MCAT accommodations, Bar examination accommodations, or other common tests here.
Reach out for a 15-minute consultation to discuss your current situation.
Written by Jason Olin, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist.
Dr. Olin provides psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for high-stakes testing and licensing decisions, including FAA-related evaluations. He sees clients onsite in Newport Beach, California, and by telehealth across 43 PSYPACT states and New York.
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