Slow test taker

I am a very literal person that has a big problem with being slow and meticulous. When I sit done to do anything (for example a test), it takes a long time because in order to do that task I need to understand it extremely well and I need to follow a set process every time. A perfect example is the compass test I took this year to place into college classes. Because this test was un-timed, I was able to score almost perfectly. In contrast, when I took my pre-calculus test this year, I took a long time. While the other students had finished, I was still working on the test even when class ended. Another example can be shown from the SAT I took this year. Because this test was timed, I almost never finished a section.

On a quick side note, I do have OCD but I am making great headway in overcoming it. Not sure if it's related in any way though.

So this leaves me with 2 questions:
1. Can I try to get some benefits as far as how long I can take a test?
2. What advice do you guys have for getting over this problem?

hi electrobricks
if you are diagnosed, you can get special accomodations. you qualify for disability program and would get extra time to complete things. and there are meds that lessen ocd symptoms and therapy that could work as well. welcome to psych central. you will find we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

Tomorrow I will be going to the doctor to see if he can confirm I am eligible for extra time as a part of a disability. Does anyone have advice for that meeting tomorrow?

Is there any chance that you could get accommodations? I have OCD and ADHD and I submitted my psychological evaluations to the college board and was able to receive accommodations for the SAT as well as the ACT. If you have/had an IEP or 504 plan, you could submit that as well. The board has to review your case and then approve the accommodations. I have 50% extra time and a quiet testing space with less people. I will say though that it takes a few weeks and up to a month or two to get approved so you want to do it in advance of the testing date. But you can sign up for the test before you are approved I think, while the case is pending. Also, just a heads up, the ACT cooperation is stricter with their accommodations than the SAT people. But if you have official documentation of a psychological disorder or a learning disability, then I don't think you should have any issues.

Be yourself and be honest. I'm not sure how much a doctor can confirm. I would have suggested that you see someone who specializes in psychological disorders/learning disabilities to see if you meet the criteria. The best thing you can do is be honest and attempt any tests or evaluations that he/she gives you to the best of your ability. You want an accurate representation of your cognitive abilities.

I have a learning disability. You can get tested at school. Look for the special resource center or ask your counselor. They gave me a quiet place to test, without distractions, and more time as well. It helped a lot with the pressure and anxiety of taking tests.

Well last week I was tested for ADHD inattentive type. I only met 6 of the 9 requirements for it, but the psychologist still determined I had it. So now I get extra test time in school!

On a side note, you said you had gotten 50% extra time for the SAT. My mom called the college board and they are sending out some forms for us to fill out. We are going to provide my near perfect compass test (this is an untimed community college test to see where someone is in school) scores to show evidence that I do better in untimed testing conditions. However, we are stilling to figure this out.

Do you have any advice for us on getting the SAT extra time?

Yes, I got 50% extra time on both the SAT and the ACT as well as being able to test in a room that had a significantly less amount of people in it. My advice is to have your psychologist help you with submitting the necessary forms to the college board. They are not going to just want scores of an academic test to prove that you need extra time. You aren't proving that extra time helps you (unless you can submit an IEP or a 504 plan that shows that you received extra time). You are proving that your ability to take a test like the SAT is hindered when you don't have the extra time. Does that make sense? They are going to want the test scores of the tests that your psychologist used to diagnose you (if he/she used any). An official diagnosis goes a long way- if you have the means to get yourself evaluated by someone who specializes in diagnosing learning disabilities and ADHD, then I would do that. I had mine done by a neuropsychologist. I went through 7 hours of testing and received a 16 page report explaining the tests he administered and my results. A full work up can be good evidence for the college board. If you don't have the time/ability to get a full evaluation, I would definitely have your psychologist write up a letter of suggestion with his recommendations for your treatment and any accommodations that he sees necessary and beneficial (that would be where he mentions the extra time). Lastly, if you have a learning specialist or a college counselor at your school, I would get them involved as well. If they can verify that you have indeed received extra time in the academic setting, that is good evidence as well. They can also assist you in completing the forms that the college board is sending you to fill out and helping you gather all of your evidence into one packet.

Hope this helps!

The only advice would be to study well for your exam and give it your best shot.

Man I am like the exact opposite of you. I fly through tests at super speed, if I take my time i learned my performance is usually lower. My college algebra final had like 200 questions, i took it shaking and showing signs of psychosis. Managed to complete it in like 15 minutes and got an A.

It was kinda funny because i was literally shaking, crying and emotional. My hand writing was really really bad due to my hands shaking and yet i was still the very, first student done the exam by a loooong shot.

What i learned is you stick to your guns when it comes to testing. If you are slow and methotical be slow and methotical. I am sure you will get accomadations and don't be afraid to inform your professors about it too. Some of them will let you test even longer then the bonus time.

I had a data structures 2 exam where our professor made us hand write all our programs. It was a 7 question final it took me 47 pages (i counted) to answer the 7 questions and I finished the exam in around 2 hours. I was the first student done, the next student finished about 30 - 45 minutes after me. (i got an A)

I'm always the first student done in all my exams for every class, professors say its not smart. But every exam that i sat down and actually took time to answer i did bad on. SO basically just do school the way that is most comfortable for you. All the professors care is that you learn the material. They also don't want to stay in class all day waiting for you to finish your exam because alot of these professors have lots of work to do. Always communicate with your professor and tell him about yourself, if the school doesn't give you enough time he might give you even more time to work on it.