<p>I'm a high school junior. I recently took the ACT, and let me say that it was the worst experience of my life. To try to focus in those short periods of time just threw me off so much. I am one of my school's highest achievers at school, and I have the hardest schedule. However, I have been ADHD since I was first diagnosed at age 8. I took max medications up until age 16, where I tried to adjust to adulthood, as I had heard of people doing that, and my older brother did that. However, I have never had any accommodations in school. I struggle most with focusing in history and english, because it's uninteresting and I can't focus ever. I haven't had any accommodations because our teachers make the classes quite easy, and we never have any reading tests or quizzes, so it's not that bad. Although, I have had some bad, impulsive and interrupting behavior in class, and multiple teachers will attest to my lack of focus. ADHD students are said to have something called a "hyperfocus", which is an intense focus on things they enjoy. Most of my classes are math and science, and I love that, so I do well in my classes, but when it comes to other things, I have an extreme lack of focus. I've spent hours trying to read just a few chapters, though none of my English teachers know that, because I would feel embarrassed if I told them that. Do you think I should apply, and do you think I might get granted extended time? Also, on the last ACT, I'm pretty sure my reading and science scores were between 17 and 23 at max, if I was lucky. I wrecked it, and I'm ashamed, because I'm known as the "Genius" in school. </p>
<p>You seem to have a lot of self-awareness, and now would be the best time to prepare to develop the skills and work-arounds you’re going to need not only in high school, but in college and home/worklife. You and your family should probably meet with your school’s sped counselor and discuss 504 or IEP options. Research “assistive technology” for ADHD now. Address this immediately and maybe an answer regarding your next step with ACT or SAT accommodations will become obvious. Ask your school for help requesting ACT/SAT accommodations. </p>
<p>1) I would be embarrassed by a 504 plan
2) Next year, I have all math and science again, and like one english class. I just get by by reading a chapter and spending all night trying to read lol</p>
<p>And 3) my school is too easy for me to have a 504 plan. Other people have them for classes, especially math and science classes, because we have long tests, but in english we dont. Nor in history</p>
<p>Maybe try new study techniques? I like Cal Newport’s. </p>
<p>There’s also something called Bookshare, free audio books for those who qualify (a confirmed LD or Reading Disability). You can research it. Perhaps listening while reading the text will significantly help. Lots of kids use this tool successfully. </p>