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Would having extra time or using a computer help your teen on the SAT or ACT test? Both of these college entrance exams offer accommodations for eligible students with learning and attention issues. But the process for applying to each is different.

Below is an overview of the types of accommodations available and the application process. But first, here are some important things to consider:

Decide on the SAT, ACT, both, or neither. Consider which college entrance exam is a better fit for your child. And as you research potential colleges, keep in mind that some colleges are test-optional.

Start the application process early. It takes time and planning to apply for SAT or ACT accommodations. For the SAT, the review process for accommodations takes up to seven weeks. And tests are only offered on specific dates during the year. So start the process as early as possible. This is especially true if your child is planning to take the SAT or ACT more than once.

Kids with IEPs and 504 plans have to apply for accommodations, too. Getting accommodations on the SAT or ACT isn't automatic for students with IEP or 504 plans. They still have to formally apply for them. Both tests have specific guidelines on the required documentation. Check out the SAT documentation requirements, or download a PDF of the ACT requirements.

For convenience, apply through your child's high school. Every public high school (and some private ones) has at least one staff member who helps students apply. This person knows the process well.

Apply on your own if needed. Schools, however, typically only help your child get accommodations that are already in her IEP or 504 plan. So if your child needs different accommodations, you may want to apply on your own. This can be trickier than applying through the school.

Use the SAT and ACT websites. The SAT and ACT websites are updated when new information is available. They're the final word on applications and available accommodations.

Types of SAT and ACT Accommodations

The SAT offers several different types of accommodations. (You can see a full list on the College Board site.) They include:

Extended time

Computer use for essays

Extra and extended breaks

Reading accommodations (like an audio test format)

Use of a four-function calculator for math sections

Multiple-day testing

Small group setting

The ACT also offers many accommodations. They include:

Taking the test within the standard allotted time, but with additional breaks

Alternate testing formats (like use of a computer for essays)

Time-and-a-half extended time

Reading accommodations (such as assistive technology and readers)

If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan, review it to see what accommodations she has for tests. Think about whether she'll need additional accommodations on the SAT or ACT. Keep in mind that neither the SAT nor the ACT offers modifications, like fewer or less difficult test questions.

In general, the types of accommodations available on the SAT and ACT aren't that different. But the way you apply for them is. The SAT offers more of an "à la carte" model, meaning you can seek the individual accommodations your child needs. The ACT, on the other hand, bundles different types of accommodations together. Read on for more details on how this works.

How to Apply for SAT Accommodations

A not-for-profit organization, the College Board, administers the SAT. It refers to accommodations on the SAT as Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).

The College Board's SSD website offers specific instructions for applying. But here's a general overview of suggested steps in the process.

1. Look at the calendar of SAT test dates on the College Board's website, and choose a target test date. Your child should apply for SAT accommodations before registering to take that SAT test. The application and review process can take up to seven weeks, so plan accordingly.

2. If you'd like to apply with your high school's help, contact your child's special education case manager (or guidance counselor or 504 coordinator, if she has a 504 plan). Tell the case manager when your child would like to take the test. Discuss what accommodations you think your child will need.

3. Check that the school has documentation of your child's learning and attention issues on file. Provide the school with anything you believe is missing. Make sure the documentation explains how her issues affect her test-taking abilities. You can learn more about the specific documentation criteria on the SSD website.

4. Ask your child's case manager or guidance counselor to fill out an online application for SAT accommodations for your child on the SSD website. The case manager will submit your child's disability documentation along with the application.

5. If you want to submit a request on your own, without the school, you must request a paper Student Eligibility Form from the College Board. You'll still have to gather documentation and fill out the application.

6. When you get the approval letter, look for something called an SSD number. Use the SSD number when your child applies online to take the SAT. This will ensure that she gets the approved accommodations. (Some testing sites may have a limited number of seats available to kids with accommodations on any given day. The earlier she signs up, the better her chances for getting her desired time and location.)

How to Apply for ACT Accommodations

The nonprofit organization ACT administers the ACT test. You can go to the ACT website for specific and up-to-date instructions on applying.

There are three options for accommodations on ACT. The application process is different for each option.

Option 1: The National Standard Time With Accommodations. This option allows students to use various tools within the regular allotted time. These might include large-type test booklets, or food or drink being allowed in the testing room. Another accommodation might be taking "stop the clock" breaks that don't actually extend the test-taking time.

To apply for this option:

1. Register for an ACT testing date, either online or via mail.

2. Download the "Request for ACT National Standard Time With Accommodations" form.

3. Gather written documentation of your child's need for accommodations. (The form lists acceptable documentation.)

4. Print a copy of your child's admission ticket. Mail it along with the disability documentation and the completed request for accommodations form.

Option 2: National Extended Time (50 percent time extension). This option gives students time-and-a-half to complete the exam. The application process is similar to the one for National Standard Time:

1. Register for the test.

2. Print the admission ticket.

3. Gather documentation.

4. Fill out the request form.

5. Submit it all to ACT for approval.

In this case, however, you'll need to use the "Request for ACT Extended Time National Testing" form. And both your child and a school official (typically your child's case manager or guidance counselor) must sign it.

Option 3: Special Testing. This option includes extended time and alternate test materials. It's for students who need more than time-and-a-half, or who only use extended time on writing. It also provides for alternate test formats and testing over multiple days.

This option has a different set of procedures than the other two. Registration can't be done online. Instead, your child's case manager (or other qualified school official) will need to complete a "Request for ACT Special Testing" form and mail it to ACT. The case manager will also send the required documentation.

If it approves the request, ACT will assign your child a time and location to take the test. Those will be at the earliest time slot available and at the location nearest to you that offers those accommodations.

The ACT website has a chart comparing these last two options, so you can see which one fits your child's needs.

Taking the college entrance tests is a major step in the process of applying to college. And like everything else in this process, it can be stressful for you and for your child. Try these last-minute strategies to help your child get ready for the test. And explore tips for helping high-schoolers cope with test anxiety.

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How to Apply for SAT and ACT Accommodations

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Would having extra time or using a computer help your teen on the SAT or ACT test? Both of these college entrance exams offer accommodations for eligible students with learning and attention issues. But the process for applying to each is different. Below is an overview of the types of accommodations available and the application process.

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To help schools and students prepare accommodation requests, the College Board has established guidelines for documentation. While the College Board will review all documentation that is submitted when documentation review is required, documentation that meets the College Board's Documentation Guidelines is most helpful in enabling us to determine what accommodations are appropriate.

The guidelines explain the kinds of documentation that are most helpful to the College Board.

Seven Documentation Criteria

For the documentation you submit to be useful to us in making accommodations decisions, it should meet these criteria:

1. The diagnosis is clearly stated.

2. Information is current.

3. Educational, developmental, and medical history is presented.

4. The diagnosis is supported.

5. The functional limitation is described.

6. Recommended accommodations are justified.

7. Evaluators' professional credentials are established.

Specific Guidelines Vary by Disability

Most students without a diagnosed disability are ineligible for accommodations through SSD. To learn about assistance for students with short-term injuries or conditions that affect their ability to take the SAT, an SAT Subject Test, or an AP Exam, see Temporary Medical Conditions.

Review the documentation guidelines for the student's particular disability:

Related Topics

Who Is Eligible?

Learn how eligibility for accommodations on College Board exams is determined.

Find Out Who's Eligible

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To help schools and students prepare accommodation requests, the College Board has established guidelines for documentation. While the College Board will review all documentation that is submitted when documentation review is required, documentation that meets the College Board's Documentation Guidelines is most helpful in enabling us to determine what accommodations are appropriate.

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The College Board provides many different types of accommodations for students with disabilities whose requests have been approved by Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Documentation is always required and must meet the College Board's guidelines.

Review the documentation requirements for each of these common accommodations:

Related Topics

Typical Accommodations

Get an Overview

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The College Board provides many different types of accommodations for students with disabilities whose requests have been approved by Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Documentation is always required and must meet the College Board's guidelines.

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SAT or ACT? It might not seem like there's much difference between the two college admissions tests. But, in fact, there is. And depending on your child's learning and attention issues, one test may be a better fit than the other.

One thing to think about is whether your child needs accommodations. To get accommodations, he'll have to show documentation of a disability. And accommodations may have to appear in his Individualized Education Program ( IEP) or 504 plan. Your child may be required to explain in writing how specific accommodations can help address his limitations.

Most students work with their school to apply for accommodations. Your child will complete a consent form for his school. The school then requests accommodations on his behalf. Applications may be due at the time he applies for his test-or before.

SAT

Beginning in Spring 2016, the SAT will focus on knowledge and skills that current research shows are most essential for college and careers. It will be designed to better capture what students have learned in class. Your child might prefer the SAT if he:

Works slowly.

Reads a lot and has a strong vocabulary. (Though the new version will shift from testing obscure words to more "collegiate" words, vocabulary is still important.)

Thinks "outside the box." (Questions tend to test problem-solving ability rather than factual knowledge.)

Writes well. (The essay section will be optional, but the test will still include reading and writing sections.)

The SAT's accommodations for students with documented learning and attention issues are generous. They include:

Presentation. (This includes large print, a reader and oral presentation.)

Responding. (Dictation, a tape recorder and large block answer sheets can help.)

Timing. (Extended time and frequent breaks are allowed.)

Setting. (This can mean a small group setting, special room and adaptive equipment.)

The College Board's Services for Students with Disabilities page explains who is eligible for accommodations. It also outlines how to apply for them and how to make use of them.

ACT

The ACT leans toward testing what students learn in school instead of assessing ability. Slightly more high school students now take the ACT than the SAT.

Your child might prefer the ACT if he:

Works quickly.

Excels in math and science. (The SAT only tests math; ACT tests math and science.)

Prefers seeing questions like he sees on school tests.

Struggles with essay writing. (The ACT essay is optional, but may be required by target schools.)

The ACT offers two accommodations options. Your child may choose only one:

National Extended Time. (This gives students up to 50% more time, with breaks.)

Special Testing (at school). Your child can test at school with extended time and alternate formats instead of at a test center.

If your child gets time-and-a-half for tests, he may need to take the test over multiple days. Other accommodations include alternate test formats like cassettes, DVDs or a reader; a computer or scribe for essays, and alternate response modes, such as responding orally.

Visit the ACT's Services for Students with Disabilities page for an explanation of available accommodations and directions on how to apply for them.

If standardized testing is a real challenge for your child, it's good to know that more and more colleges are becoming test-optional. But most still require either the SAT or ACT for admission. Knowing the basic differences between the two can help your child pick the best test for him.

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SAT or ACT: How to Know Which Is Best for Your Child

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SAT or ACT? It might not seem like there's much difference between the two college admissions tests. But, in fact, there is. And depending on your child's learning and attention issues, one test may be a better fit than the other. One thing to think about is whether your child needs accommodations.