How to Choose the Right Psychologist for Testing Accommodations
What to Look for When You Need an Evaluation for Exams Like the MCAT, LSAT, GRE, or STEP
If you’re preparing for a major exam like the MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, or a licensing exam and you’re thinking about pursuing testing accommodations, you’ve probably discovered that the process can feel confusing and overwhelming.
The good news is that choosing the right psychologist can make the experience far smoother and ensure your evaluation meets the exact standards of your testing board.
Here’s what to look for when choosing an evaluator and why it matters.
1. Make Sure the Psychologist Specializes in Neuropsychological or Psychoeducational Testing
Not all psychologists who diagnose ADHD or anxiety provide the type of testing required for accommodations.
High-stakes testing boards like the AAMC (for the MCAT) or LSAC (for the LSAT) typically require comprehensive evaluations that include:
Objective measures of cognitive ability
Processing speed and working memory tests
Academic fluency and timed performance measures
Attention and executive function assessments
Self-report and behavioral scales
A general psychological evaluation might confirm ADHD or anxiety but often lacks the cognitive and timed data necessary to justify accommodations such as extended time or stop-the-clock breaks.
Tip: Ask specifically whether the psychologist provides neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluations for testing accommodations, not just diagnostic assessments.
2. Ask About Experience with High-Stakes Testing Boards
Each testing organization has its own documentation guidelines, timelines, and requirements. For example:
The AAMC (MCAT) requires evaluations within 3 years and expects detailed evidence of functional impairment.
The LSAC (LSAT) accepts evaluations up to 5 years old but still requires data showing how a condition affects timed performance.
ETS (GRE/GMAT) and the NBME (medical boards) each have their own documentation standards.
A psychologist familiar with these systems will know how to:
Administer the right combination of tests
Write reports that meet board expectations
Include the specific phrasing or data needed to avoid common denials
In short: The evaluator should know what “counts” as sufficient evidence for your specific exam.
3. Look for Someone Who Writes Clear, Data-Driven Reports
Strong reports are:
Objective and detailed. They show real data, not just clinical impressions.
Well-organized and readable. Testing boards prefer concise, clearly structured documentation.
Tailored to your needs. Recommendations should match the demands of your specific exam (e.g., timed reading, long-duration focus, written output).
If you see vague or generic recommendations in sample reports (like “extra time may be beneficial”), that’s a red flag. Testing boards typically want a specific, evidence-based rationale linking test results to the accommodation requested.
4. Ensure the Evaluator Understands Both Clinical and Performance Factors
Many students seeking accommodations are high-achieving and have learned to compensate for their challenges. The right evaluator understands how:
ADHD, learning differences, or anxiety might impact efficiency and endurance, not just accuracy.
Average scores can still reflect impairment for someone with above-average ability.
Emotional and cognitive patterns interact (for instance, how anxiety worsens working memory or processing speed).
You want a psychologist who can see beyond numbers. You want someone who understands how your brain functions under pressure and communicates that nuance effectively to testing boards.
5. Ask About the Process and Timeline Up Front
A thorough evaluation typically includes:
An initial interview and background history
One or more testing sessions (often 4–8 hours total)
Scoring, interpretation, and report writing
A feedback session to review results and next steps
Turnaround times can vary from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the evaluator’s schedule and how comprehensive the testing is.
If you’re applying for accommodations, check your testing board’s submission deadlines and plan well in advance.
Example: The AAMC recommends submitting accommodation requests at least 60 days before your test date.
6. Choose Someone Who Communicates Clearly and Collaboratively
Accommodations requests can feel personal and vulnerable. The best psychologists take a collaborative approach. They’ll walk you through:
What to expect during testing
How results will be used
What documentation you’ll receive for your testing board or school
They should make you feel informed and empowered, not intimidated by jargon or paperwork.
7. Look for a Good Fit: Expertise + Trust
Finally, you want someone you feel comfortable with. You’ll be sharing personal details about your academic history, study habits, and daily functioning, so rapport matters.
A skilled evaluator blends expertise, empathy, and precision. They know how to capture your challenges honestly while highlighting your strengths.
Summary
If you’re investing in a psychological or neuropsychological evaluation for testing accommodations, make sure you’re choosing someone who:
Specializes in neuropsych testing
Understands testing board requirements
Writes data-driven, detailed reports
Communicates clearly and professionally
A well-chosen evaluator not only helps you navigate the accommodations process but also helps you better understand how your brain works. This insight can benefit you far beyond any single exam.
Next Steps
If you’re preparing for a high-stakes exam and wondering whether you qualify for accommodations, a brief consultation can help you determine what type of evaluation you need and how to prepare for the process.
