Our Experts' Guide to SAT Accommodations
What is an extended time accommodation?
Do you have trouble reading or seeing?
Do you need to use a computer to write on the test?
Do you need to take the test in a different setting than normal?
How do I apply for an accommodation?
What to Know About SAT Accommodations
Although there is a lot of uncertainty right now surrounding college standardized testing, it is important to know what SAT accommodations are available. This SAT accommodations guide will help you determine whether you qualify for an accommodation and will walk you through the details. Here’s what you need to know about the accommodations available during your SAT testing, starting with what they are.
Need extended time?
Extended time refers to extra time given to students to complete the test. The most common forms of extended time are as follows: Time and a Half (50 percent more time), Double Time (100 percent more time), and More Time (somewhere greater than 6 hours). For Double Time and above, the test is given over two days and at a student’s school rather than at a designated SAT testing center. Students should request extended time if their disability causes them to work slower than other students.
Trouble reading/seeing?
There are several different kinds of SAT accommodations for students with disabilities that require an alternative form to the test rather than the standard SAT booklet. These options include:
Large-print test book
Braille test book
Braille graphs
MP3 audio test format
Reader (live person who reads test booklet aloud to student)
Magnifier/magnifying machine
Usually these accommodations are made for students who are suffering from blindness, visual impairments, or severe reading disabilities.
Need to use a computer?
Computer assistance is allowed for the essay and short-response sections of SAT tests if a student has a disability that affects their ability to write. This accommodation allows students to type their answers on microsoft word, or another kind of word processor, instead of having to hand-write their response. It is important to note that College Board does not typically allow computers to be used for the multi-choice sections. If a computer is used, the use of any spell or grammar check software must be disabled.
In order to qualify for the use of a computer during the SAT, a student must suffer from either a physical disability that impairs the student’s ability to write, or severe language-based learning disorders. Poor handwriting is not considered a debilitating condition, unless there is evidence to prove it is caused by a disability.
Setting
There are SAT accommodations that allow students to take the SAT in a setting other than the standard classroom setting filled with other students. There are a variety of reasons students may be allowed to take the SAT in one of the alternative locations below:
Small group setting
Private room
Alternative test site (with proctor present)
Preferential seating at regular test site
Specific room with wheelchair accessibility
These accommodations are typically handled on a case by case basis, if you have any questions either reach out to your school counselor or a representative at College Board to discuss what options will be available in your situation.
Documentation of disability
In order to be granted an accommodation for the SAT, students need to provide up-to-date documentation from a doctor or medical health professional certifying their disability.
You qualify if your disability directly affects taking the SAT
A student’s disability must hinder their ability to take the SAT specifically. Thus, accommodations are typically made for students that have trouble with reading, writing, and sitting in one place for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, if you have a disability that is not deemed as an inhibitor to your SAT testing performance, you may not be eligible to apply for the accommodations mentioned above.
How do I apply?
The most efficient way to apply for an accommodation is by working with your school counselor. Since the vast majority of schools already have disability documentation on file for students, it makes the process simpler for your school to request accommodations on your behalf. Plus, your school will likely have a SSD Online coordinator for accessing the SSD Online Disability Accommodation Management System (SSD System) on College Board necessary for applying for SAT accommodations. Your parent or legal guardian will be obligated to sign a consent form available online that enables your school counselor to request this on your behalf. If you have any unanswered questions, you should contact either your school counselor or a representative from College Board for more details.
For more information please feel free to visit College Board’s website at https://accommodations.collegeboard.org
