The SAT, ACT, and Students with Learning Disabilities

Multiple-choice time! College admissions exams like the SAT and ACT are:

A) A chance for high school students to show college admissions officers what they know
B) Often an anxiety-provoking event for high school students
C) Just one part of a comprehensive college application
D) Sometimes a particular challenge for students with learning disabilities (LD) like dyslexia and dyscalculia
E) All of the above

The correct answer is “E”—all of the above can be true! But with the right information and preparation, the SAT and ACT don’t have to be a cause for worry. This is especially true for students with LD and their families, who often have a unique set of questions regarding accommodations for the big test.

A crucial thing to remember is that accommodations for the SAT and ACT are not automatic. The use of accommodations in school, or inclusion on an IEP or 504 plan, does not necessarily qualify a student to use those accommodations on the SAT or ACT. Accommodations must be approved by the organization administering the test. This is a process you’ll want to start as early as possible, so find out the facts now!

The best place to start for all of your questions about the SAT is at the source. The College Board is the organization that administers the SAT, as well as the PSAT and Advanced Placement exams. Their Services for Students with Disabilities page answers many basic questions about eligibility for accommodations, the process of applying for accommodations, and how to make use of approved accommodations. For more detailed information, check out the Students with Disabilities page on the College Board’s “For Professionals” site. Although this page is written for guidance counselors and other school-based professionals, the information is useful for parents and students who want to learn more than the basics about accommodations on the SAT.

If you or your child is planning to take the ACT test for college admission, check out the ACT’s Services for Students with Disabilities. Similar to the College Board’s site about the SAT, the ACT site walks through available accommodations and gives directions for families on how to apply for test accommodations.

The Princeton Review offers a breakdown of the steps you need to take at Learning Disabilities and the SAT/ACT.

Once accommodations are in place, a solid plan for test preparation can help to alleviate test anxiety and get students ready to do their best on the test. Check out real SAT practice questions from the College Board and sample ACT tests from the ACT.

With the right knowledge and preparation, students with LD can be very successful on college admissions tests. Check out LD.org for more information on transitioning to college for students with LD.