SAT Sphere | Extended Time on the SAT: How It Works

Students approved for extended time accommodations on the SAT receive additional time to complete each section of the exam. This support is designed for individuals whose documented disabilities affect their test-taking speed, ensuring a fair opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

⏱️ Types of Extended Time Accommodations

The College Board offers several extended time options based on the individual’s documented needs:

50% Extended Time (Time and a Half):
The most commonly granted accommodation.
100% Extended Time (Double Time):
Generally reserved for students with more significant needs.
150% Extended Time:
Granted in rare cases for students with severe functional limitations.

The specific amount of extended time approved depends on the student’s documented needs and the nature of their disability.

🧠 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for extended time accommodations, students must:

Have a Documented Disability:
The disability must impact the ability to take standardized tests under timed conditions.
Demonstrate Functional Impact:
Documentation should clearly explain how the disability affects test performance under timed conditions.
Provide Comprehensive Evidence:
Evidence, such as a neuropsychological evaluation, must show the need for extended time.
(Note: Low processing speed alone is not sufficient; the documentation must demonstrate how it hampers test performance.)

📄 Application Process

Students should work with their school's Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) coordinator to submit a request through the College Board's SSD Online system. The application should include the following:

A detailed description of the disability.
An explanation of how the disability affects test-taking under timed conditions.
Relevant educational history and past use of extended time accommodations.

It is recommended to submit requests well in advance of the desired test date, as the review process can take up to seven weeks.

🧪 Test Day Expectations

For students approved for extended time accommodations, test day adjustments include:

50% Extended Time:
The SAT duration increases to approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes, plus extra break times.
100% Extended Time:
The SAT duration increases to around 4 hours and 28 minutes, plus extra break times.
Specific Section Accommodations:
- Students approved for extended time in reading will receive additional time for all test sections involving reading.
- Those approved for extended time only for math will receive additional time solely for the Math section.

Extra Breaks:
Students are granted extra break time during the exam; these breaks do not count toward the overall testing time.

📊 Extended Time Overview Table

Accommodation Type	Description	Approximate Total Test Duration
50% Extended Time	Time and a half; most common option	~3 hours 21 minutes + additional break time
100% Extended Time	Double time; for more significant needs	~4 hours 28 minutes + additional break time
150% Extended Time	Rarely granted for severe functional limitations	Duration varies; determined on a case-by-case basis

📚 Additional Resources

Understanding how extended time accommodations work on the SAT is crucial for students who require this support. By following the proper application process and ensuring thorough documentation, students can secure the necessary accommodations to perform to the best of their abilities on test day.

Extended Time on the SAT: How It Works