SAT, ACT and AP Testing Accommodations: Parent Guide

Short answer: the College Board and ACT each decide on testing accommodations themselves, based on documentation. A school plan or a private evaluation can support a request, but neither guarantees approval. Families of private school juniors and sophomores do best when they start early, work through the school’s testing coordinator, and make sure any evaluation is current and explains why each accommodation is needed.

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Who this guide is for

Parents of high school students in private and independent high schools, Catholic high schools, boarding schools and college prep schools across West Los Angeles and Southern California who are wondering whether their teen could qualify for extended time or other accommodations on the SAT, PSAT, AP Exams or ACT. It is also for teens who already get informal support at school and are not sure whether that counts.

This page explains how documentation fits into the process. It is general information, not a promise of any result. The testing organizations make every decision.

College Board: SAT, PSAT and AP Exams

College Board accommodations are handled by its Services for Students with Disabilities office (SSD). A few points from College Board’s own guidance:

A school plan does not carry over automatically. College Board says students must request accommodations from SSD even if they have an IEP, a 504 plan or other school accommodations. See College Board documentation guidelines for ADHD.
Going through the school is usually faster. College Board recommends working with the school’s SSD coordinator, who can submit the request online. Families can also apply directly with a paper form and documentation, which involves more paperwork. See College Board advice for students and families.
One approval covers several tests. Once approved, accommodations can generally be used on the PSAT, SAT and AP Exams through high school without reapplying, according to the same College Board page.
Timing matters. College Board says a request that needs documentation review can take up to seven weeks and suggests applying early, ideally in ninth grade. Late requests may not be decided before test day.
What reviewers look for. For ADHD and learning disorders, College Board lists criteria such as a specific diagnosis by a qualified, licensed professional, current documentation, relevant history, test results with scores, a description of how the condition affects functioning, and a rationale for each accommodation. See also College Board guidelines for learning disorders.

ACT

ACT has its own policy. According to the ACT policy for accommodations documentation:

A school official submits the request on the student’s behalf, and the decision is posted for that official.
A current IEP or Section 504 plan that authorizes the requested accommodations can be enough documentation on its own.
Students without an IEP or 504 plan need a letter or report from a qualified, licensed professional showing a diagnosed condition that substantially limits a major life activity, and requesting accommodations that fit it. ACT encourages submitting a current official school accommodations plan if there is one.
A history of using the requested accommodations at school helps. Without any history, ACT asks for an additional form explaining why accommodations are needed now.

Why private school families need to plan ahead

Many private schools do not write IEPs or 504 plans the way public schools do. Some offer their own learning plans or informal supports instead (our guide to IEPs, 504 plans and learning plans in private vs public schools explains the difference). That is not a barrier by itself, but it means the testing organizations may lean more heavily on outside documentation and on a record of accommodations your teen actually uses in class.

Practical steps:

Ask the school who serves as its College Board SSD coordinator and who handles ACT requests.
Ask what accommodations, if any, your teen currently receives in writing, and whether teachers can describe how they are used.
Check the age of any prior evaluation against the College Board and ACT guidelines.
Give yourself months, not weeks, before the first test date that matters.

How an evaluation at Blackburn Clinical Services can fit in

Blackburn Clinical Services provides comprehensive ADHD and neuropsychological testing for adolescents, in person at our office at 12326 Venice Blvd in Mar Vista. It is a full evaluation, not a quick screening. It looks at attention and concentration, memory and learning, language, problem solving and executive functioning, visual-spatial processing, and emotional and psychological functioning, and it can help clarify ADHD, learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other conditions. The process includes an initial consultation, testing sessions over several hours, a written report with recommendations, and a feedback session to review results and next steps, including school accommodations. Learn more on our ADHD testing page.

We cannot promise that any testing organization will approve accommodations. Recommendations in the report are based on the results. What an evaluation can do is give your family, your teen’s school and the testing organization a clear, current picture of how your teen learns and where they struggle.

When clinically appropriate, we can provide documentation for your teen’s school. Records are shared with a school or counselor only with your written permission.

What parents can do this week

Write down which tests your teen plans to take and when.
Collect report cards, teacher comments, any prior evaluations and any school accommodation plan.
Talk with your teen. Accommodations work best when the student understands and wants them.
Call us if you think an evaluation may be needed so you can plan around testing deadlines.

When stress becomes something more

Test season is hard. If your teen talks about hopelessness, self-harm or not wanting to be alive, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline right away. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Questions

Does an IEP or 504 plan automatically give my teen accommodations on the SAT?

No. College Board says students must request accommodations from its Services for Students with Disabilities office even if they have an IEP, a 504 plan or school accommodations. Many students who use the same accommodations under a formal school plan are approved without extra documentation, but the decision is College Board’s.

How early should we apply for College Board accommodations?

College Board says a request that needs documentation review can take up to seven weeks and recommends applying early, ideally in ninth grade. Check College Board deadlines for the specific test date.

Does one College Board approval cover the PSAT, SAT and AP Exams?

According to College Board, once accommodations are approved, students can generally use them on the PSAT, SAT and AP Exams through high school without reapplying.

How does ACT decide on accommodations?

A school official submits the request. ACT says a current IEP or 504 plan that authorizes the accommodations can be sufficient documentation; students without one need documentation from a qualified, licensed professional. ACT also considers whether the student has used the accommodations before. ACT makes the decision.

Can Blackburn Clinical Services guarantee my teen will be approved?

No. We cannot promise any testing organization’s decision. Our evaluations give a clear, current picture of how a teen learns, with recommendations, and documentation is shared only with your written permission.

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