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Follow along to learn everything you need to know about SAT accommodations!
The SAT is a widely recognized standardized test that plays a crucial role in college admissions. The pressure to perform well on the exam can be overwhelming for many students, especially those with special needs or accessibility concerns.
The good news is that there are a range of accommodations that ensure a level playing field for all students. In this article, we’ll explore the details of SAT test accommodations, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and the various options available to test-takers.
College Board offers various services for test takers with disabilities. Before taking the SAT with accommodations, you must submit a request to the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SDD).
Below, we’ll provide a list of available accommodations for the SAT. While this list is not exhaustive, we review and consider all reasonable requests from students with documented disabilities.
It's important to note that SAT accommodations for disabilities are only provided if a student's documented disability will impact their ability to take the test. Accommodations will not be given if the disability does not affect the test-taking process or if the student's difficulty with taking exams is not related to their disability.
Also, keep in mind that the College Board recently offered a digital SAT format, which will make the exam even more accessible.
Time accommodations are designed to allow students to customize the testing schedule to meet their needs. These accommodations are available for all sections and types of tests. Some common examples include requesting extended time, additional breaks, and limited-time testing spread out over multiple days.
These accommodations have been made for students with disabilities that impair their ability to see, read, or understand the text. If a student has difficulty reading quickly, requesting extra time may be more appropriate.
Common examples of presentation accommodations for the SAT include:
Note: Assistive technology devices for presentation accommodations cannot have any functions or capabilities for recording, copying, storage, printing, snapshot, or transmitting data, pictures, text, or any other information.
Response accommodations have been put in place for students who need help with answering exam questions. Related disabilities may include visual, physical, or learning disabilities that impair writing, and dysgraphia (such as visual-motor integration deficits). College Board provides many different alternative methods for students to record their responses.
Common examples of this SAT accommodation include:
Note: assistive technology devices for response accommodations must have all spell-check, grammar-check, word prediction, and cut-and-paste functions disabled or removed.
Some SAT math sections permit the use of calculators, and others forbid them. Students may request to use approved four-function calculators in non-calculator sections if their disabilities affect their ability to calculate without assistive devices.
To clarify, four-function calculators are basic calculators with functions limited to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, and percentages.
Setting accommodations allows students to adjust to the testing environment to better meet their needs. Common setting accommodations include:
These accommodations can range from preferential seating to a one-to-one testing setting and are designed to ensure that all students can take the SAT in a comfortable and accessible environment.
The College Board provides accommodations for students who need to manage medical or physical needs during exams. These accommodations include permission to:
Approved diabetes management supplies allowed during the exam include:
Additionally, students who require epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) can bring them if they are stored in a clear bag and placed under the desk during the test.
Note: The College Board must pre-approve any use of a cell phone. It's recommended that you use another device to monitor your blood or sugar levels.
To qualify for SAT accommodations, students must have a documented disability that makes it difficult for them to take the test under standard conditions. Common disabilities that qualify for accommodations include:
To get these accommodations, students need to provide proof of their disability. This could be a doctor's report, a psychoeducational evaluation, or other official documents. This proof helps the College Board ensure that the accommodations match the student’s needs.
The application for accommodations is usually done through the school’s SSD Coordinator. This person helps collect and send the necessary documentation to the College Board. The documentation must clearly explain why the student needs certain accommodations, such as more time or a different format for the test.
Temporary conditions, like a broken arm, or non-disabilities, like not speaking English well, don’t typically qualify for accommodations. However, if a temporary condition severely affects test-taking, students can apply for temporary assistance.
There are mainly two ways to apply for SAT accommodations. You can submit your request and documentation directly to College Board SSD via mail or fax. Or, if your school has an SSD coordinator, you can make your request through them.
For either option, you must fill out and complete the Student Eligibility Form and provide the following:
When providing documentation of the disability, be sure to follow the specific guidelines. For example, if you’re applying for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) support for the SAT, make sure you meet the seven criteria laid out by the College Board. This will help ensure you receive the accommodations you deserve.
Here are two tables containing deadlines you should keep in mind, depending on when you’re taking the exam.
Source: College Board
We recommend submitting accommodations requests earlier than the deadline to give College Board ample time to review and approve them. The process can take up to seven weeks, and College Board can only begin once all necessary documents have been received.
So, the earlier you request accommodations, the better your chances of getting approved in time for your test date.
Do you still need more information? Don’t worry—we have our own accommodations in the form of FAQs!
Anxiety is considered a documented psychological condition. So, yes, it is possible to request accommodations if you have anxiety that will negatively impact your test-taking process.
Yes, if your anxiety slows you down or interferes with your ability to finish the SAT in time, you may request extra time.
Yes, if your disability warrants a need for extra time, then you may request it. However, according to the College Board, IEPs (or Individualized Education Plans) are insufficient, and you need to provide documentation stating your need for the extra time requested.
Taking the SAT is certainly not easy. If you have an unfortunate condition that drags you down, that can certainly make things worse. But there’s no need to worry. College Board provides various forms of support and assistance to alleviate difficulties resulting from disabilities to the best of their ability.
As long as you list your needs and provide clear documentation for your conditions, the College Board will do its best to help you. Best wishes for your exams, and may you get the scores you’ve hoped for!
