SAT™ Accommodations: Eligibility & How to Apply

The College Board is committed to making the SAT™ accessible to all students, which includes providing testing accommodations for students with documented disabilities. This guide provides an overview of the types of accommodations available, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for them.

Contents

• What Are SAT™ Accommodations?
• Eligibility for Accommodations
• Common Types of Accommodations
• How to Apply for Accommodations
• Important Note

What Are SAT™ Accommodations?

Accommodations are adjustments to the standard testing conditions that allow students with disabilities to demonstrate their academic abilities. These are provided to ensure that the test is fair and are not intended to give any student an unfair advantage.

Eligibility for Accommodations

To be eligible for accommodations, a student must have a documented disability that necessitates a change in the standard testing environment. Generally, eligibility requires that:

1. The student has a disability that is documented.
2. The student’s disability requires the requested accommodations to access the test.
3. The student receives and uses the requested accommodations for school-based tests.

Disabilities can include learning disorders (like dyslexia), ADHD, visual or hearing impairments, and medical or psychiatric conditions.

Common Types of Accommodations

The College Board offers a variety of accommodations, which can include, but are not limited to:

• Extended Time: One of the most common accommodations, typically 50% or 100% extra time.
• Extra and Extended Breaks: More frequent or longer breaks.
• Reading and Seeing Accommodations: Large-print test books, braille versions, or a human reader.
• Writing Accommodations: Use of a scribe or a computer for essays.
• Four-Function Calculator: Use of a four-function calculator on the no-calculator math section.
• Separate Testing Room: Testing in a small group or one-on-one setting to reduce distractions.

How to Apply for Accommodations

The process for requesting accommodations should begin well in advance of your desired test date.

1. Talk to Your School: The vast majority of accommodation requests are submitted by a school counselor or an SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) Coordinator. You should start by speaking with them.
2. Gather Documentation: You will need to provide current and comprehensive documentation of your disability. This often includes a diagnostic evaluation, a history of the disability, and evidence that you use accommodations in school.
3. Submit the Request Online: Your school’s SSD Coordinator will typically submit the request and documentation to the College Board through their online portal.
4. Receive a Decision: The College Board will review the request and issue a decision letter. If approved, the accommodations are typically valid for all future College Board tests (including AP Exams and PSAT).

Start Early! The approval process can take several weeks. It is crucial to submit your request far ahead of the SAT registration deadline.

Important Note

All requests for accommodations must be processed and approved by the College Board. Our app, Panchi, is a study tool and is not involved in the accommodations application or approval process. We encourage all students who may need accommodations to visit the College Board’s website for the most accurate and detailed information.

For official information, forms, and deadlines, please visit the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) page.

Taking the SAT™ with the right accommodations can make a significant difference in your performance. Be proactive and start the process early to ensure you have the support you need on test day.