Changes in ACT Extended Time Administration

SUMMING IT UP

Students who qualify for extended time will still have the same total amount of extra time. Before, students could spend their extra time (1.5 hrs) on whichever of the four tests they chose. Now that time is proportionally allocated across the four subject tests. This is a change for the ACT but exactly how the SAT allocates extended time.

The change takes effect September 2018.

Read the full ACT press release.

WHO BENEFITS?

Students who struggle with time management and organization, typically those with ADHD. This might also help students with weak flexible thinking who often have difficulty evaluating trade-offs. Not needing to make decisions about how to allocate that large block of time across four tests can be one less thing to worry about it.

The new structure ensures they spend sufficient time on every section and minimizes the chance that they get stuck on a single area at the expense of overall performance. However, it will be critical that they have clear score optimization strategies for every subject test given the new time constraints.

WHO MIGHT LOSE?

There are two types of students whose scores might suffer. Students with a subject-specific learning disability or who are considerably stronger in one subject than another are most likely to see a decline in scores. In the past, they could allocate more time to their weaker subject.

Students with slower processing are also likely to show declines. Even students who work very slowly are usually able to finish the English in the regularly allotted time. The prior format enabled students to use the extra time from English to spend on the other sections. No longer.

WHICH TEST SHOULD STUDENTS TAKE?

As before, it still depends on which are your stronger skills and subjects, and which are your weaker ones. Our ACT vs SAT Comparison test can be administered under modified conditions, in accordance with the approved accommodations. Schedule your diagnostic test

HOW DO STUDENTS GET EXTENDED TIME?

Students with diagnosed disabilities or English learning needs might qualify for time-and-a-half. In order to qualify, the student must have a professionally diagnosed condition, documentation of the condition on file at school, and use those accommodations on tests in school.

This article was published by our partners at Mindprint Learning.