How to Navigate SAT Accommodations
What SAT Accommodations Can Do for You
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. The first thing to look at is what accommodations are available.
Extended Time
The SAT is administered in 5 timed sections. Extended time refers to extra time given to students for whom that time limit places an undue burden. The most common forms of extended time are Time and a Half (50 percent more time) and Double Time (100 percent more time). For Double Time, the test is given over two days at a student’s school rather than at a designated SAT testing center. Students should request extended time if they have a disability or a language barrier causes them to work slower than other students. It is also important to note that if you’re approved for a time accommodation, you must remain present for the total amount of time you’ve been allotted.
Extra/Extended Breaks
Usually, breaks between sections of the SAT run between 5 and 15 minutes. An Extended Breaks accommodation lengthens this time. Often, Extended Breaks are packaged with Extended Time (Ex. double length breaks with Double Time). Extra Breaks can also be awarded, for example, after the Writing & Language section and before the No Calculator Math Section. This is not a point where students usually have a break. Break accommodations are typically awarded to students with a medical condition that makes extra time between sections necessary, such as needing to test for blood sugar or take medication. This can also be helpful for some students with ADHD if they have difficulty focusing for extended periods.
Visual Accommodations
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:
Screen reader for digital tests (non-web based)
Human reader(live person who reads test booklet aloud to student)
Braille with raised line drawings, contracted
Large-print test book
Raised line drawings (tactile graphics to use along with a screen reader or human reader
Magnifier/magnifying machine
Usually, these accommodations are made for students who are blind, visually impaired, or have severe reading disabilities.
Test Taking Setting
There are SAT accommodations for students who need a different environment, not 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
Preferential seating at regular test site
Wheelchair accessibility
School-based setting
One-to-one setting
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.
Recording Responses
When you’re taking the SAT, PSAT, or a digital AP exam, the test is computer-based for all students. Accommodations are available if your disability impedes your ability to record your responses. Disabilities covered include visual disabilities, physical disabilities (for example, if you’re physically unable to write), and dysgraphia. Reach out to your school counselor or College Board if you think you may need this accommodation.
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.
The 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 who have trouble with reading, writing, and sitting in one place for an extended period of time. 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 to 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 an 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.
If you do not have a school counselor who can help you apply, you can submit a paper request directly to the college board. You will have to print the form on the college board’s website and mail or fax it in. The college board notifies the student of their decisions by mail.
For more information, please feel free to visit College Board’s website at https://accommodations.collegeboard.org
