This page helps students and families navigate college entrance exams, including the SAT, ACT, TSIA2, and AP tests. It provides essential guidelines on test preparation, registration, and the step-by-step process for requesting testing accommodations for students with disabilities or Section 504 plans. This resource ensures every student receives the support needed for post-secondary testing success.
Key Contacts: Contact your child’s school counselor or campus testing administrator who serves as the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) coordinator that handles accommodation submissions.
Step-by-Step Accommodations Process & Timeline
*Important Note for Families: Approved accommodations (via an IEP or Section 504 Plan) do not automatically apply to national standardized tests. Testing organizations (like the College Board and ACT) are separate entities with their own eligibility guidelines and required approval processes.
- Plan Ahead: Identify which tests your student will take (like the SAT, ACT, or AP exams). Check the deadlines early, as most requests need to be made 7–10 weeks before the test date.
- Start the Request: Determine who the campus SSD coordinator is(Services for Students with Disabilities Coordinator), as they can assist your student’s request for testing accommodations. This could be your school counselor, 504 coordinator, or campus testing coordinator. They will provide the steps needed to begin your request.
- Submit & Wait: The school handles the heavy lifting by submitting the paperwork for you. The testing organization will then review the request, which usually takes about 6–8 weeks.
- Get Approved & Register: Keep an eye out for a decision letter in the mail. Once you receive your approval and special accommodation code, you’re all set to register your student for their exam!
College Exam Resources and Guides
|
Test / Organization |
Downloadable Guides & Links |
|---|---|
|
College Board (SAT, PSAT, AP) |
|
| ACT | |
|
TSIA2 (Texas Success Initiative) |
Documentation Guidelines: Required materials that testing boards may request during their review.
- Current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan
- Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) or psycho-educational assessment results
- Official medical or psychological diagnostic reports
- Teacher observations or documentation of accommodation use in the classroom