Homeschool Accommodations for the ACT

I receive requests every year from homeschool families for details on the process to secure accommodations for the ACT, so I thought I would turn this into a blog.

Homeschooling high-school is daunting. In addition to the roles of parent and teacher, you now have to also add in guidance counselor! That can get extra complicated if you have a teen who needs accommodations for the ACT, as you are responsible for navigating that process yourself (and the ACT is not always helpful during that process!

This guide will walk you through the steps of signing up for ACT accommodations, ensuring a smooth and successful test experience.

Step 1: Register and Request

First things first, head over to the ACT website and get registered for the exam. During the registration process, there will be a section dedicated to accommodation needs. Don't skip this! Select "Yes" when prompted.

Step 2: Documentation

Since you're a homeschooler, ACT will need some addi...

A lot is riding on the ACT, especially for homeschoolers where the test can often receive more weight than your GPA. Yet for students with special needs, there is an additional challenge of getting accommodations for the ACT without the assistance of a traditional guidance counselor. Here are the steps you need to go through:

1. Have the Correct Documentation

You will need a valid, current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan (504 Plan), or documentation that specifies a "professionally diagnosed physical or mental impairment that substanially limits one or more major life activities" and "requests allowable accomodations that are appropriate and reasonable for the documented disability" (from ACT guidelines, see here for full text).

If you do NOT have an IEP or 504 you will need to submit the ACT Exceptions Statement Form.

Accommodations are also typically provided if a student has past IEP or Section 504 Plan, even if expired, especially if the student ha...