Hello, everyone!
I’m a high school junior, and I recently took the PSAT. Because I’m a junior, this is also the test that will qualify or disqualify me for the National Merit scholarship. This scholarship is incredibly important to me, both because of the financial scholarship and the prestige.
I have ADHD and have had extended time for my exams for the past two years. I also had extended time for the PSAT. Unfortunately, this caused a minor storm to break out. Apparently, my school didn’t have my diagnosis on file, although I know that my psychiatrist sent them a letter (which may have been lost?). Because of this and because this year is the year which affects my National Merit chances, my counselor sent a report to the College Board. Here is a snippet from the email she sent me in relation to this fiasco:
"I mistakenly thought that I had the required written documentation of your ADD diagnosis on file, as you do have a “Minor Adjustment Plan” that allows for extended time on tests, such as exams. However, as I stated in a phone message left on your mom’s cell phone this morning, there is no documentation in your file. 
So, due to the fact that you are a Junior and the PSAT is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test, I had to report that you had extended time to the College Board, (through no fault of yours).
I now need to file an Irregularity Report with the College Board, and your “case” will go before a Review Board to determine next steps.
Additionally, I will be writing a letter of “appeal” to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation on your behalf. You, and your parents,(if they so choose), may do the same. It is extremely important that in your letter, you verify that you requested and
were granted time and a half on the PSAT, as your Minor Adjustment Plan at NDA allows on tests, quizzes and exams, due to your ADD diagnosis.
In your letter, I would advise you to go into some detail about how your ADD adversely affected your school work and exams prior to your diagnosis and medication. I would also suggest that you explain how having extended time has helped you at NDA.
Know that your scores will probably be delayed, and that you may have to re-take the test without extended time, depending on the decision of the Review Board."
So, basically, my question is: what should I do? How serious is this? How does this affect my chances for National Merit? Have any of you had this happen to you? My psychiatrist, my mom, my school counselor, and I are all sending letters. Oh, and I do feel as though it’s worth mentioning that I truly have extended time because I need it.
Thank you so much for any guidance and have a great day!