SAT Sphere | How to Apply for SAT Accommodations

Applying for SAT accommodations is essential for students with documented disabilities or medical conditions that affect their test-taking abilities. The College Board provides a structured process to ensure these students receive the necessary support. The following guide outlines the step-by-step process and important deadlines for submitting your request.

📝 Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for SAT Accommodations

1. Determine Eligibility

To qualify for accommodations, you must have:

A documented disability that affects your test performance.
A demonstrable need for specific accommodations to address the disability.
A history of receiving similar accommodations in school settings (such as through an IEP or 504 Plan).

Common qualifying conditions include learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, physical or medical conditions, and visual or hearing impairments.

2. Gather Required Documentation

Prepare comprehensive documentation that includes:

Diagnosis: A clear diagnosis from a qualified professional.
Evidence of Impact: Documentation showing how the disability affects test-taking.
History of Accommodations: Records of accommodations received at school.
Recent Evaluations: Evaluations typically conducted within the last three years.

For detailed guidelines, visit the College Board's documentation requirements pageCollege Board's documentation requirements page.

3. Submit the Accommodation Request

There are two primary methods to apply:

Through Your School:
Collaborate with your school's SSD coordinator to submit the request via the SSD Online system. This is the recommended and faster method.
Independently:
Complete the Student Eligibility Form and submit it along with your documentation directly to the College Board.

More details are available on the College Board's accommodations pageCollege Board's accommodations page.

4. Await Approval

The College Board reviews your application and typically responds within seven weeks.
Ensure you apply well in advance of your intended test date to secure your accommodations on time.

5. Register for the SAT with Accommodations

Once approved, you will receive an SSD Eligibility Code. During SAT registration, use this code to ensure your accommodations are applied.
Verify that your admission ticket lists your accommodations and, if not, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333.

📊 Key Steps Overview

Step	Task	Description
1	Determine Eligibility	Confirm that you have a documented disability affecting your test-taking abilities.
2	Gather Documentation	Collect diagnostic reports, evidence of functional impact, and records of prior accommodations.
3	Submit Accommodation Request	Apply via your school’s SSD coordinator or independently using the Student Eligibility Form.
4	Await Approval	Allow up to seven weeks for the College Board to review and respond to your request.
5	Register with Accommodations	Use your SSD Eligibility Code during SAT registration and verify that the accommodations are applied.

📅 Important Deadlines

Due to the processing time, it is crucial to submit your accommodations request at least seven weeks before your intended test date. For specific test dates and deadlines, please refer to the SAT registration datesSAT registration dates.

🔁 Reusing Approved Accommodations

Once approved, accommodations remain valid for all College Board exams—including the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and AP Exams—until one year after high school graduation. There is no need to reapply if you have already been approved, unless you are requesting different accommodations.

📚 Additional Resources

By following these steps and preparing in advance, you can ensure that you receive the necessary accommodations to perform at your best on test day.

How to Apply for SAT Accommodations