Updated August 17, 2023
As an accommodations specialist, I hear all sorts of assumptions about the accommodations process. Most students, for example, think getting accommodations only means getting extra time to complete an exam, but that couldn't be further from the truth. While extra time is one of the most common accommodations, I'd like to introduce you to my favorite accommodation: the stop/start clock option. This accommodation is available for the LSAT, GRE, and Praxis exams. Students in law school have also begun asking for this accommodation.
Here's how the stop/start clock accommodation works on the LSAT:
LSAT test takers who are approved for “stop/start - breaks as needed” have a Pause button available on the “Questions” screen of the computer during the test.
You will control the Stop-the-Clock function, whether you take a digital or paper-delivered exam.
Note that if you are taking the paper format of the LSAT , your “Questions” screen will not contain test content but will still include the toolbar, which is where you will locate the Pause button (toward the top left of the screen).
If you need to take a stop/start break, you can use the Pause button to stop the test timer.
You are permitted to leave the view of the camera during a stop/start break or a between section break, but must leave your testing materials and scratch paper on the desk when you leave.
You are not permitted to work on the test during breaks. On breaks, it's best to take the time to rest, relax your brain (maybe by meditating to manage intrusive thoughts, and take care of any physical stress symptoms. You can refill a drink, stretch, use the restroom, or grab an anti-oxidant-rich snack to give you the energy you need.
When you return to the computer to resume testing, be prepared to re-do the room scan with your webcam and show your photo ID again to the live proctor (just like at the beginning of the test).
Not sure if the stop/start clock accommodation is right for you? Email me at hello@ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com if you need assistance preparing your accommodations paperwork.