ADHD Testing for College Students: What You Need to Know Before Getting Accommodations

Why ADHD often shows up in college

College can be an exciting, freeing time—but it’s also the first time many students are fully responsible for managing their schedules, assignments, and responsibilities. Without the external structure of high school or parental support, difficulties with attention and organization can suddenly become overwhelming.

This is one reason why many students first discover ADHD in college. The signs have often been there since childhood but only become disruptive when academic and life demands intensify.

Signs of ADHD in college students

While ADHD symptoms are consistent across the lifespan, they often show up differently in young adults. Common struggles include:

• Missing deadlines despite best efforts

• Difficulty sustaining attention during lectures

• Forgetting assignments or misplacing materials

• Procrastinating until the last minute, then feeling overwhelmed

• Restlessness that makes it hard to sit through long classes

• Anxiety and self-doubt tied to academic performance

Many students come to us saying, “I always thought I was just lazy or not smart enough.” A thorough evaluation helps separate ADHD from stress, anxiety, or depression, which can look similar but require different interventions.

Why a psychological evaluation is required for accommodations

If you’re hoping to access academic accommodations—like extended time on exams, reduced-distraction testing environments, or note-taking support—a full psychological evaluation is essential. Universities typically require a recent evaluation report (often within the last three to five years) to approve services through disability resource centers.

An ADHD evaluation provides:

• Documented evidence of attention and executive functioning challenges

• Objective test results that differentiate ADHD from other concerns

• Recommendations tailored for academic settings

• Written reports that can be submitted to universities, testing boards, or even graduate schools

Without this documentation, schools can’t grant accommodations, no matter how clear your struggles feel.

What ADHD testing looks like for college students

At Restore Psychology, ADHD testing for college students includes:

1. Clinical interview – We review your history, struggles, and goals.

2. Cognitive and attention testing – To measure focus, memory, and executive functioning.

3. Self- and parent/teacher input (if relevant) – To assess patterns across contexts.

4. Differential diagnosis – Ruling out anxiety, depression, trauma, or learning disorders.

5. Comprehensive report + feedback session – So you leave with both answers and strategies.

This process usually takes 2–3 weeks from start to finish, ensuring you get results in time for semester deadlines.

The benefits of testing go beyond accommodations

While accommodations help level the academic playing field, the benefits of ADHD testing go further:

• Self-understanding – Knowing it’s not laziness, but brain wiring, reduces shame.

• Treatment planning – Whether medication, therapy, or coaching, you’ll know the right supports.

• Future opportunities – Reports can be used for standardized tests (GRE, LSAT, MCAT) or workplace accommodations after graduation.

Ready to set yourself up for success?

At Restore Psychology, we provide ADHD evaluations for college students in San Diego and across California (via telehealth).

We accept Aetna, United Healthcare, and Anthem Blue Cross, plus private pay.

Fill out the form below and schedule your ADHD evaluation today and gain the clarity, support, and accommodations you need to thrive in school.