While LSAC is denying nursing moms extra time on the LSAT to pump breastmilk, they recently granted double-time to a test-taker with ADD.The Star-Tribune reports that LSAC just reached a settlement with the Justice Department over the following case of a test-taker with ADD and a learning disability:
As part of the settlement, the council agreed to double the standard testing time on each section and to allow the complainant breaks between sections, a separate and quiet testing area, permission to use his own computer for the writing section, permission to use scratch paper and use of an alternative answer sheet.The test-taker in question has "received testing accommodations from elementary school through his graduation in three years from the University of Minnesota in 2009, including on national standardized tests such as PSAT, SAT and Advanced Placement exams."
So, instead of 3 35-minute sections back-to-back, followed by a 15-minute break, then followed by 3 more 35-minute sections back-to-back (including the writing sample), this test-taker gets 70 minutes to complete each section and plenty of breaks.
Given the time pressure that LSAT test-takers are under, this is the law school admissions equivalent of getting a Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka's magical chocolate factory.
Continuing this ironical journey down the rabbit hole (yes, I'm mixing childhood metaphors - deal with it) the attorney for one complainant who got double-time stated:
"They [LSAC] are of the belief that giving extra time is giving an advantage, but there is no credible proof that that's the case."
This is the same attorney who filed 7 different lawsuits against LSAC arguing that his clients should be given extra time on the LSAT.
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Most importantly, what will happen to these would-be lawyers when they have to take their law school exams and the bar? Will they get double-time then, too?
What happens when they have to enter the real world? Do you want them doubling their billable hours on your case?
Leave your thoughts in the comments!
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Further reading: How to apply to get extra time on the LSAT
Photo by flickerbulb
