How to get ACT accommodations like extended time

To test with accommodations like extended time, you work with a school official to submit a request that ACT must approve before test day. The accommodations you ask for should match the ones you already receive at school, such as through a 504 plan or IEP. The process takes time and has firm deadlines, so the single most important tip is to start early.

Who this is for

ACT provides accommodations for students with documented needs, and the general rule is that what you request should be similar to the support you already get in school. If you have a 504 plan or IEP, or you receive accommodations for a disability, you may be eligible. Common examples include extended time, but ACT reviews a range of supports based on documentation. English learners can also request specific supports.

The key idea: your school submits the request

You do not send documentation to ACT on your own. Instead, you work with a school official (often a counselor, testing coordinator, or 504/special education coordinator) who submits the request through ACT's system on your behalf. That is why looping in the right person at your school early is so important.

Step by step

• Register in MyACT and say yes to accommodations.When you register, link your high school to your account and select "Yes" when asked if you need accommodations. If you accidentally select no, contact ACT to fix it. New to registering? See how to register for the ACT.
• Work with your school official. After registering, you will get an email to forward to your school official, along with a signed consent form so ACT can communicate with your school. They then submit your request.
• Wait for the decision. ACT sends the decision to your school, who shares it with you. If you have not heard back after about 10 business days, check in with your school official.
• Confirm on your admission ticket. Once approved, print your admission ticket and make sure it reflects your accommodations and correct testing location.

National testing vs. special testing

Depending on what you are approved for, you will test one of two ways. Some accommodations, like time-and-one-half in a single session, can be provided at a regular national test center. Others that need more flexibility, like multi-day testing, happen through special testing, which uses a longer testing window and is usually arranged at your own school. Your approval determines which path you take, and your admission ticket will tell you.

A few things students worry about

• Will colleges know? No. ACT does not indicate the use of accommodations on the score reports it sends to colleges.
• What if my school will not submit it? There is an exception process to submit directly to ACT with documentation explaining the situation.
• Homeschooled or not enrolled?There is a separate process for you, so follow ACT's instructions for those situations.

Prep the same way, just with your real conditions

Once your accommodations are set, practice under the same conditions you will have on test day, including your approved time. ACT offers alternate-format practice materials for students using accommodations. Building your plan around your actual timing makes your practice far more useful, and our guide on how to study for the ACT still applies.

The bottom line

Accommodations exist so you can show what you actually know. Start early, register and select accommodations, work with your school official to submit the request before the deadline, and confirm everything on your admission ticket. Give yourself plenty of runway, because approval takes time.

This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.