I have ADHD, and due to stigma, have gone through 3 years of college refusing accommodations, even though the result has led to me not taking care of myself as much as I should at times, and scraping by to meet deadlines. I have managed to learn time management, and other skills to be successful. I have a 3.9 GPA and am triple majoring and minoring, which I've busted my a** to achieve. There are times, though, where I know university accommodations could've helped me, and I know I do have a real need. In the same vein, I know that reasonable accommodations on the LSAT (ie time and a half) would be really valuable for me. I did have high school accommodations for testing and accommodations for both the SAT and ACT. I have regular appointments with my psychiatrist, and am prescribed medication. In other words, I think I have a strong reason to believe LSAC would accept my accommodations request.
Regardless, I have this mindset that's been ingrained by others/the dominant culture that it's not good to request accommodations on the LSAT, because in the real world as a lawyer, I won't get accommodations. I scroll on Reddit as well (probably not a good idea) and see people in law school (including some with ADHD) poo pooing on accommodations. I have internalized a lot of these messages, and am not sure whether I should request accommodations, even though I am pretty certain my request will be accepted. I know that I am intelligent and competent, but just that I struggle with being inattentive, and it takes me more time to process information than others. Even though I'm not even in law school yet it's like I already have imposter syndrome!
2 comments
Thank you for sharing your story and situation. Based on your history I'd say the accomodations are warranted.
Although ADHD is manifested often in a mental and/or emotional way, it's just as valid as something like being hard of vision or blind which happens to manifest in a physical way.
I understand that while working as a lawyer you will not have accomodations, but life is inherently unfair because all folks have different stories, backgrounds, privileges, and even luck!
I am but a mere stranger, and it sounds like you could totally take the exam without accomodations but as a fellow person who tried to raw dog my first exam- id happily report I applied for accomodations this second time around because I think a fair swing at bat never hurt anyone.
Wishing you the most luck and support on your journey 🙏🏽