By: Erin Gibbons, Ph.D.
NESCA MA Clinical Director; Pediatric Neuropsychologist
If you’re the parent of a high schooler with a disability, you might be thinking ahead to college entrance exams like the ACT or SAT. These tests can be stressful for any student, but for those who need accommodations—such as extended time, additional breaks, or accessible testing formats—planning ahead is especially important. One of the most common pitfalls families encounter is missing the deadline to apply for accommodations. Here’s why you should check those deadlines now, and how to get started.
Why Accommodations Matter
Accommodations help level the playing field for students with disabilities, ensuring they have the support they need to demonstrate their potential. Whether your student has ADHD, a learning disability, anxiety, or another disability, the right accommodations can make a significant difference in their performance and confidence.
Deadlines Sneak Up Fast
Exams, such as the ACT, SAT, and Advanced Placement, require students to apply for accommodations well in advance of the test date—sometimes several months ahead. The process involves gathering documentation, working with your child’s school, and waiting for approval. If you miss the deadline, your student may have to take the test without the support they need or wait for the next test date.
Don’t Forget About Updated Evaluations
One important detail to keep in mind: the College Board and similar organizations require current documentation to support accommodation requests. If your student’s last neuropsychological evaluation is more than 2 years old, you will likely need to schedule an updated evaluation this fall.
What You Should Do Now
- Check the official website for deadlines: https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/
- Contact your school’s guidance counselor or learning support specialist
- Gather documentation – most recent neuropsychological evaluation, current IEP or 504 Plan
- Schedule updated neuropsychological testing if needed
- Apply early! If the requested accommodations are not approved, you may need to start an appeal process, which can take a good amount of time to gather the required documentation or other materials.
About the Author
Since 2011, Dr. Gibbons has been a trusted expert at NESCA where she evaluates children presenting with a range of attentional, learning,
and developmental disabilities. She has a particular interest in children with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and those with complex medical histories. In addition, she evaluates adults who have concerns about whether they meet criteria for an ASD or ADHD diagnosis.
If you are interested in booking an evaluation with a NESCA neuropsychologist/clinician, please fill out and submit our online intake form.
NESCA is a multidisciplinary practice with offices or staff in Newton, Hingham, and Plainville, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; the Burlington, Vermont region: and Coral Gables/Miami, Florida, serving clients from preschool through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.
