Accommodations Provided for the SAT®: A Guide for Students with Disabilities
In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the accommodations available for the SAT® and how to apply for them.
The SAT® is an important standardized test that is used by many colleges and universities as part of their admissions process. However, some students with disabilities may require accommodations in order to take the test under the same conditions as other students. The good news is that the College Board, which administers the SAT®, provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the accommodations available for the SAT® and how to apply for them.
Types of Accommodations
The College Board provides a variety of accommodations for students with disabilities, including:
- Extended time: Students who require additional time to complete the test can receive time and a half (50% extra time) or double time (100% extra time).
- Extra breaks: Students who require extra breaks can receive additional breaks during the test.
- Large-print or Braille test booklets: Students who have difficulty reading small print can request a large-print or Braille test booklet.
- Audio and video accommodations: Students who have difficulty reading or writing can request audio and video accommodations.
- Assistive technology: Students can use assistive technology such as a screen reader or a braille display.
- Other accommodations: The College Board may provide other accommodations depending on the student's needs, such as a separate testing room, a reader, or a scribe.
Who Qualifies for an Accommodation?
Examples of disabilities that may qualify for accommodations on the SAT® include, but are not limited to:
- Learning disabilities
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Physical disabilities
- Visual impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Traumatic brain injury
How to Apply for Accommodations
To apply for accommodations:
- Students must submit a request form
- Provide documentation of their disability
- Documentation must be recent (within the last five years) and include a specific diagnosis, a description of the functional limitations caused by the disability, and recommendations for accommodations
- Documentation must be provided by a qualified professional, such as a doctor or a psychologist
The process for requesting accommodations can take several weeks, so students should begin the process as early as possible. The College Board reviews each request on a case-by-case basis and may request additional information if necessary.
The SAT® can be a stressful experience for any student, but it can be especially challenging for students with disabilities. The accommodations provided by the College Board can help level the playing field and provide students with the support they need to perform their best on the test. If you are a student with a disability, we encourage you to explore the accommodations available and apply for them as soon as possible. With the right accommodations, you can take the SAT® with confidence and achieve your academic goals.
