Home / Extra Time on the SAT or ACT for Students that Need It Could Mean a Big Difference in Scores!

Extra Time on the SAT or ACT for Students that Need It Could Mean a Big Difference in Scores!

Parents of students preparing to take the SAT or ACT should know that various accommodations for these tests are available to students with a documented need. Being aware of these options can have a big impact on how well your child performs on these important college-entrance exams.   For example, students taking the SAT that can demonstrate a history of better performance on other standardized tests with extended time can also request anywhere from 50-100% extended time on the SAT. Similarly, the ACT will afford you up to 5 hours of time to complete the multiple choice questions at your own pace, if you request and qualify for their 50% National Extended Time option. Students and parents should be aware however that in most cases if extended is allowed, students must sit for the entire test and may not advance to the next section until such time as the extended time has been expended.   Other accommodations exist for both the SAT and ACT as well, including but not limited to large print books, modified response booklets (being able to mark answers directly in the book, for example, or having larger boxes to mark instead of the standard bubbles), being able to bring a snack in if your child is a diabetic, use of Braille text or visual magnification devices, and more.   In all cases, students will need to show a documented history of similar accommodations, and will likely need the assistance of the school's guidance counselor to substantiate the need. So parents are encouraged to start speaking with their child's counselor(s) now to ensure enough time to prepare the request.  Test dates for both SAT and ACT are coming up fast - if you've missed the October 5th SAT, the next opportunity to test will be November 2nd, with registration closing October 3rd. Similarly, if you missed the September 21st ACT test date, the next available test date for ACT is October 26th, with registration closing September 27th.   For more information and other useful tips and hints for success on the SAT or ACT, contact your nearest Club Z! office at 800-434-2582 or fill out our online quick contact form to have an educational specialist in your area call you.
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