Who Qualifies for SAT Accommodations?

This article explains the eligibility requirements for SAT accommodations. It outlines the types of conditions and documentation needed for students who have disabilities or medical conditions that substantially affect their ability to take the SAT under standard conditions. The goal is to provide equitable access to the exam by addressing specific challenges faced by these students.

✅ Eligibility Criteria for SAT Accommodations

To be eligible for SAT accommodations, a student must meet the following criteria:

1. Documented Disability:
   The student must have a professionally diagnosed disability or condition that significantly impacts their ability to take standardized tests under standard conditions.

2. Functional Limitation:
   The disability must affect the student’s ability to participate in the SAT as it is typically administered.

3. Need for Specific Accommodation:
   The accommodation requested must be directly tied to addressing the functional limitations caused by the disability.

4. Consistency with School-Based Accommodations:
   The student should have a history of receiving similar accommodations in school settings, such as through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.

Common conditions that may qualify include:

• Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression)
• Physical or medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy)
• Visual or hearing impairments

It is important to note that a diagnosis alone does not automatically grant accommodations; the disability must be shown to have a demonstrable impact on test-taking abilities.

📝 Required Documentation

When applying for SAT accommodations, students must provide comprehensive documentation. The following information is typically required:

• Diagnosis:
  A clear statement from a qualified professional detailing the diagnosed disability.

• Functional Impact:
  Evidence describing how the disability affects the student’s ability to take the SAT.

• History of Accommodations:
  Documentation showing that the student has received similar accommodations in their school settings.

• Recent Evaluations:
  Up-to-date assessments (usually conducted within the last three years) that verify the current relevance of the disability and its impact.

For detailed guidelines on documentation requirements, please refer to the College Board's documentation guidelinesCollege Board's documentation guidelines.

📅 Application Process and Deadlines

The process for requesting SAT accommodations involves several key steps:

1. Initiate the Request:
   Begin the application process as early as possible—ideally several months before the intended test date—since the review and approval process can take up to seven weeks.

2. Work with School Officials:
   Collaborate with your school’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) coordinator who can help submit your request through the SSD Online system.

3. Submit Required Documentation:
   Provide all necessary documentation as outlined above to support your request.

4. Await Approval:
   The College Board reviews the application and typically provides a response within seven weeks. It is crucial to adhere to the College Board’s deadlines for submissions, as late requests may result in accommodations not being provided for the desired test date.

🔁 Reusing Approved Accommodations

Once approved, SAT accommodations remain valid for all College Board exams—including the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and AP Exams—until one year after high school graduation.
If a student has previously been approved for accommodations, there is no need to reapply unless a different accommodation is being requested.

📚 Additional Resources

For further information on SAT accommodations and the application process, consider reviewing these resources:

• College Board Accommodations OverviewCollege Board Accommodations Overview
• Registering for the SAT with AccommodationsRegistering for the SAT with Accommodations
• Accommodations and Supports Handbook (PDF)Accommodations and Supports Handbook (PDF)

Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process for SAT accommodations is essential for students with disabilities or medical conditions. Early planning and thorough documentation are key to ensuring that the necessary support is in place, allowing students to perform to the best of their abilities on test day.