How to Get Accommodations on the SAT & ACT
If you historically have struggled with taking standardized tests, especially when you have done well in your classes, there is likely a good reason. You might struggle with anxiety or another disability or issue that impacts your ability to test as well as you can. In fact, ADHD and learning disabilities often go undiagnosed, especially in people of color, and lead to poor standardized test scores. Don't let this stop you from applying to college or avoid applying to some schools because you're worried about a low score. The Americans for Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and provides the legal basis for people to receive accommodations when they take standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. This short guide offers some preliminary information on navigating standardized testing if you need accommodations.
Qualifying Disabilities
When SAT or ACT grants accommodations, they don't use a checklist of qualifying disabilities. They typically evaluate two things: impact and documentation. This gives them the discretion to accept or deny a request for accommodations on a case-by-case basis. College Board—the non-profit entity that administers the SAT—and ACT typically give accommodations any time a disability impacts a test-taker's ability to read, write, or sit for extended periods. Additionally, students must provide documentation of their disability, which might be a current psychoeducational evaluation or a report from a doctor. College Board requires that testing for learning abilities and ADHD occurs within the previous five years, and ACT wants documentation that occurred in the previous three years. Anyone requesting accommodations for psychiatric disorders must have documentation within one year before their test date.
Examples of disabilities that qualify someone for test accommodations include:
Blindness and other vision problems
Learning disorders, such as dyslexia
Cerebral palsy
Diabetes
Multiple sclerosis and other motor impairments
ADHD
Autism spectrum disorders
Psychiatric disorders
Types of Accommodations for the SAT and ACT
Accommodations for the SAT or ACT look different depending on the type of disability a student faces. Some test-takers need minimal accommodations, while others might need more. Here is an overview of the most common accommodations for the SAT and ACT:
More time. Students whose disability causes them to work slower than others request extended time to take their tests. Sometimes they ask for 50 or 100 percent more time. It depends on individual needs.
Breaks. Some medical conditions serve as grounds to ask for extra or longer breaks while taking a test. Some people need extra breaks to take medication, test their blood sugar, or eat something. Extra breaks sometimes help those with ADHD who struggle to focus.
Vision/reading accommodations. Those who have blindness or a severe reading disability can ask for specific accommodations, such as large-print text sheets, a braille test, an audio test, and other assistive technology.
Recording answers. Those with visual, physical, or learning disabilities that impact their ability to record responses can ask for a scribe to record their answers or request to record responses in the textbook. The SAT has eliminated the essay portion of their test, but those who want to complete the essay on the ACT can request to use a word processing program to write their essay.
Calculator use. Diagnosed disabilities, like dyscalculia, that prevent students from doing math calculations can request the use of a basic four-function calculator for math sections. These simple calculators only perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentage, and square roots.
Setting accommodations. Those with psychological and physical disabilities sometimes struggle with the typical large group test setting. They can request specific seating, a small group setting, wheelchair accessibility, and similar accommodations.
Importance of Requesting Accommodations for the SAT and ACT
Some struggle with the idea of asking for help when they need it. SAT and ACT offer accommodations for a reason. However, accommodations help level the playing field for students with disabilities. The key benefit of requesting accommodations is better performance. Standardized test scores are not the only factor colleges and universities review to admit new students. However, they do matter.
Although views about standardized college tests are changing, they still inform decisions, especially as it relates to scholarships. First, ACT and SAT scores serve as an indicator of someone's critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Also, colleges and universities interpret test scores as an indicator of how someone will handle college coursework. Ultimately, those with higher test scores benefit from admission to programs of their choice and have a much higher chance of receiving merit-based scholarships.
Applying for Accommodations for the SAT and ACT
College Board and ACT have slightly different application processes and different deadlines, so you need to visit their websites to get complete information. Also, be aware that rules and procedures often change each year slightly. Here is some broad information about each application process, registration deadlines, and required documents for each test:
SAT
At the time of this blog post, you can only register for one more date for the SAT in the 2021-2022 school year: June 4, 2022. You must request accommodations by April 14. You can submit your registration and request with the help of your school counselor or do it independently. If you choose to do it yourself because you are homeschooled or for any other reason, you need to complete the Student Eligibility Form to get the ball rolling. The exact medical documentation you need varies based on disability but typically includes an evaluation or report from a medical professional. You can find information about documentation guidelines here.
ACT
You have two more opportunities to sit for the ACT this school year: June 11, 2022, and July 16, 2022. You must register for the test and accommodations by May 20 and June 24, respectively. ACT requires a minimum of two pieces of documentation to support your request for accommodations: a diagnosis of your disability and an associated education plan. ACT requires students to begin the registration process online. You must specify one of two types of accommodations:
National Extended Time is for students who need a little extra time, but no more than 50 percent.
Special Testing includes any other accommodations requests, regardless of disability.
ACT wants families to work with their schools to request accommodations. During the registration process, you must also complete a consent form that permits your school to release information to ACT. Your school coordinator will submit your request for accommodations on your behalf.
Get Accommodations on the SAT and ACT
Taking the ACT or SAT is an essential part of your college application package. Get the assistance you need to give yourself the best chances of scoring well on the test. You deserve it! Check out my website to find more test prep and learning disabilities resources.