High-Stakes Testing Evaluations
Psychological evaluation for exam accommodations in Pasadena
the stakes are high
Testing Accommodations in CA
Thrive and Feel Psychology offers psychological testing for individuals seeking accommodations for high-stakes exams. Many test-takers exhibit the following pattern: they study and master the material, perform well in class or at work, but struggle on standardized tests, licensing exams, or other high-pressure situations.
If you have experienced this pattern, you may benefit from a psychological assessment.
Our evaluations go beyond simply determining if you meet diagnostic criteria. Instead, we look for underlying conditions that may interfere with your ability to perform to your full potential.
With documentation and practical recommendations, we help you understand why you may be facing these difficulties and suggest accommodations that may be helpful.
You are In the Right Place
We offer assessments both in person in Pasadena and virtually throughout California.
All of our evaluations are comprehensive. We look at the whole picture, considering personal background, experiences, and learning history, to provide informed recommendations.
f you are considering taking exams such as the MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, USMLE, or state bar exam (just to name a few) and believe you may have an underlying health condition that is interfering with your ability to perform your best, a high-stakes testing evaluation could be right for you.
Who We Help - Accommodation Assessment California
We support individuals who study and prepare thoroughly for exams yet still struggle to perform at their full potential.
A high-stakes testing evaluation could be beneficial if you find yourself in any of the following situations:
You know the content you are about to be testing on as you enter the exam room, but somehow you “forget” or freeze up as soon as the test begins
You work slowly and find yourself running out of time in time-limited testing situations
Your mind wanders during the test, and it is hard to stay focused. You have a history of struggling with reading comprehension under timed conditions
You experience anxiety or panic in testing environments
You have a history of requiring substantially more time to complete assignments or practice tests
You have always suspected that you have ADHD, a learning disability, or a processing disorder, but have never participated in a neuropsychological assessment.
A comprehensive psychological evaluation can help determine whether these conditions are impacting your test performance and whether accommodations are clinically appropriate.
What Exactly Are Testing Accommodations?
Accommodations are adjustments made for individuals with disabilities during structured exams to help them take the exam under more optimal conditions. The structure of most standardized tests can be very rigid in an attempt to provide “equal” testing conditions. Still, on the other hand, it can hinder many who suffer from specific learning disabilities or mental health challenges. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to perform at their best and demonstrate their knowledge.
The type of accommodations granted varies depending on the association or board administering the exam. Ultimately, all accommodations provide tailored adjustments to the test-taking environment to support individuals whose disabilities may substantially limit their performance.
Many students are eligible for accommodations, but eligibility depends on factors beyond a diagnosis. Having additional supporting documentation, such as prior Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, or previous accommodations, can strengthen the case for recommending new accommodations.
Common Qualifying Diagnoses
Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia
ADHD or other similar attention disorders
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, and depression
Specific physical or mobility disabilities
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, and migraines
Sensory impairments, including visual or hearing impairments
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other neurological conditions
While these are common diagnoses among students who receive accommodations, the focus is on how they affect your test-taking abilities. This is where proper, thorough documentation of our findings becomes critical.
Example Scenarios
Two students may both have an ADHD diagnosis, but one may benefit from a low-distraction environment, whereas the other may not really need it.
Students with dyslexia may differ in whether their challenge stems from reading speed or reading accuracy, which requires different accommodations.
For someone with a vision impairment, a large-print version of the exam can be helpful, but a text-to-speech reader may be more appropriate.
These are examples of individuals who may receive accommodations; each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. Our next section provides more insight into common types of accommodations.
Who can receive accommodations?
Common Types of Accommodations
Once you have completed a series of tests with your psychologists in-person in Pasadena or virtually throughout the state of California, you can take a break. Your team of assessors will get to work on scoring and interpreting your findings. These clinicians are seeking to understand if that data indicates that your disability impacts your day-to-day life and your ability to access the test. If your team of accommodations experts determines that your disability is creating unequal access to the test, then they will decide what reasonable accommodations would be most effective based on your unique circumstances. The following are common types of accommodations for high-stakes exams:
Extended testing time
Extra time ranging from 25% to 100% may be granted, depending on one’s disability and severity. This type of accommodation can be suitable for those struggling with reading, processing, or anxiety disorders. This allows extra time to gather thoughts and process, without penalizing slower comprehension.
Reduced-distraction rooms
This type of accommodation may include a room with fewer people, fewer distractions, and, in some cases, a private room. This creates an environment with reduced stimuli to help someone who is easily distracted by sensory interruptions concentrate more effectively.
Assistive technology
Under accommodations, individuals with visual impairments may be permitted to use text-to-speech applications, magnification tools, or screen readers. This may help them be better able to see and respond to the test material.
Extra breaks
Similar to additional time on the exam, extra breaks allow individuals to take 10-15 minutes per break, in addition to the time already allotted. Another version of this accommodation is the option to stop the clock to take a breath or to gather oneself if suffering from anxiety. This can also apply to individuals with physical disabilities who cannot sit for long periods of time without being in pain, as an increase in pain can be a huge distraction.
Health-related accommodations
Health-related supports include being able to take items within the testing environment that would otherwise not be allowed. This may include snacks, drinks, or medications. For those with physical disabilities, it may consist of ergonomic chairs or similar equipment. Extra time can also be a health-related accommodation, allowing time for stretch breaks and other health-related needs.
Every AccomModations Case is Unique
The examples above are just some of the most common types of accommodations - you may need something different to support your needs. Ultimately, our assessments aim to determine which accommodations will benefit you most, within what is reasonably permitted under the testing organization's guidelines.
Which Tests Do We Evaluate For?
We currently conduct high-stakes exam evaluations for many exams (listed below). If you do not see your exam on the list, reach out. We can discuss options.
exam List:
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
California Bar Examination (California Bar)
Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
Certified Public Accountant Examination (CPA)
Professional licensing examinations, such as:
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
Commission on Certification Examination (CCE)
The High Stakes Evaluation Process at Thrive and Feel Psychology