When Should You Start the Accommodations Process for Standardized Exams?

If you're planning to apply for accommodations on a graduate exam, your timeline matters—a lot. Here’s how to work backwards from your test date. Take the minimum recommended lead time (below) and add on 3-weeks to it. That's the minimum time it will take you to meet with a professional who can evaluate you and complete their part of the accommodation request.

Minimum Recommended Lead Time for Submission

• LSAT (LSAC): Submit your request and materials no later than the test registration deadline, though it is highly recommended you do it earlier. Note that you must first register for a test date prior to submitting accommodations materials.

• MCAT (AAMC): Submit your request 15 weeks before your test date. AAMC requires up to 60 days for the initial submission and may need an additional 30 days for appeals, reconsiderations or extensions.

• GRE / GMAT (ETS/GMAC): ETS won't let you schedule the test until your application is reviewed and approved and they estimate 6 weeks review time minimally and up to 12 weeks if additional information is requested.

  
  

Why You May Need Even More Time

Many requests require follow-up documentation or clarification. An appeal may add 2–4 more weeks. And a full psychological evaluation can take several weeks to schedule and complete.

Pro Tip for California Students

Even if you’re applying to UC or CSU campuses, you may still need accommodations evaluations for:

• In-class testing or university disability services

• Graduate school admissions

• Future licensing exams

  
  

Avoid the last-minute scramble. Book your evaluation early