Did you know that students with LD and ADHD can receive accommodations when taking the SAT or ACT tests? Well, I didn't until I read about it in this month's issue of ADDitude magazine. According to this issue, if students can prove that their ADHD/LD affects their test-taking ability (which can be done easily with an IEP or 504 Plan), the College Board will provide accommodations to those students. For students who do not have an IEP or 504, it is still possible to receive the accommodations. However, the process is a little more complicated. Speaking with your child's guidance counselor should be your first step if this is the case.
For eligibility criteria, documentation required and forms necessary when taking the SAT, visit the College Board's website. If your child will be taking the ACT, read more about their requirements here.
I've also ran across several colleges that are specifly for students with ADHD and/or LD. For more information you can visit their websites.
I hope that this reaches someone who might find this story helpful. It's my, "I swear I have ADD and it's real" story. A little history: female, 29, diagnosed in 3rd grade Cutting to the chase: I took the ACT in a huge room, full of other hopeful ACTers and whoops...I forgot my ADD medicine. Ha! Classic ADD move. AWFUL!!!!! I knew it wasn't going to be good but didn't expect it to be THAT bad. I got my test score... drum roll please...........................................14!!!?!!?!!??????? Wow!!!! OUCH! Curse word!!!! Great! No college would except me, I was so embarrassed. Yes, I know it could've been worse but I felt stupid. I'M NOT STUPID and I knew that in my heart. What can I say? I was distracted, scared, insecure, nervous, and questioned every answer. It was like every question was a trick question. All of my friends completed the test at least an 1 1/5 before I did (not that that was unusual) and made decent scores. Okay, okay...as Aaliyah would say, dust yourself off and try again!! Second attempt: Still scared, insecure, nervous I took the test again. Only this time in a quiet room, time and a half, with ADD medicine. Drum roll please.......................................... pddddddddd...pdddddddddd ....dd ..dd ..dd ...pshhhhh ...28!!!!!!!!! OMG!!! I'm not stupid!!! I went from no college acceptance to actually having choices. AMAZING!!! I was even offered scholarships to certain schools. Awwww. My life could have turned out completely different. I am a college graduate, great career and I even made the Dean's List a few times! Life changing!!!
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Did you know that students with LD and ADHD can receive accommodations when taking the SAT or ACT tests? Well, I didn't until I read about it in this month's issue of ADDitude magazine. According to this issue, if students can prove that their ADHD/LD affects their test-taking ability (which can be done easily with an IEP or 504 Plan), the College Board will provide accommodations to those students. For students who do not have an IEP or 504, it is still possible to receive the accommodations. However, the process is a little more complicated. Speaking with your child's guidance counselor should be your first step if this is the case.
For eligibility criteria, documentation required and forms necessary when taking the SAT, visit the College Board's website. If your child will be taking the ACT, read more about their requirements here.
I've also ran across several colleges that are specifly for students with ADHD and/or LD. For more information you can visit their websites.