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A general overview of SAT accommodations and how they support students with special needs.
Accommodations Guide
This article provides a general overview of SAT accommodations, including what they are and why they exist. It is intended to help students and families understand how the College Board supports students with documented needs by offering modifications to the standard testing environment.
A general overview of SAT accommodations and how they support students with special needs is provided below. These adjustments ensure that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their academic abilities under equitable testing conditions.
SAT accommodations are adjustments or modifications to the standard testing environment or procedures, designed to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities. These adjustments are not meant to provide an unfair advantage but rather to level the playing field. Common accommodations include:
These accommodations are determined based on the student's documented needs and are approved by the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office.
Students with documented disabilities that affect their ability to take standardized tests under standard conditions may qualify for SAT accommodations. Eligible disabilities include, but are not limited to:
To qualify, students must provide comprehensive documentation of their disability and clearly demonstrate how it impacts their test-taking abilities.
The process for requesting accommodations involves several key steps:
Initiate the Request Early:
Begin the process well in advance of your intended test date, as approval can take up to seven weeks.
Work with Your School's SSD Coordinator:
Most students apply through their school's SSD coordinator, who can submit the necessary requests through the College Board's SSD Online system.
Submit Required Documentation:
Provide current and comprehensive documentation of your disability, including evaluations and records of any accommodations received in the school setting.
Receive Approval:
Once your request is approved, you will receive an SSD eligibility letter containing a code that you will use when registering for the SAT.
For more detailed guidance, refer to the College Board’s official page on How to Request AccommodationsHow to Request Accommodations.
Consistency with School Accommodations:
The accommodations you request for the SAT should be consistent with those provided in your school setting.
Validity Period:
Once approved, accommodations remain valid for all College Board exams, including the PSAT and AP exams.
Test Center Availability:
Not all test centers are equipped to provide every accommodation. It is important to confirm available accommodations with your chosen test center ahead of time.
Practice with Accommodations:
Familiarize yourself with any approved accommodations during practice tests to ensure you are comfortable using them on the day of the exam.
For further information and assistance, consider reviewing these resources:
By understanding and utilizing the available accommodations, students can approach the SAT with confidence and the opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities.
Practice with Official SAT Tests
Download Bluebook, the official College Board app, to take official full-length digital SAT practice tests.
Turn what you’ve learned into action. SAT Sphere helps you build confidence with targeted practice, smart feedback, and everything you need to prep for the digital SAT—all in one place. From pinpointing your strengths to reinforcing your weak spots, it’s designed to guide you every step of the way.