Requesting SAT/ACT Accommodations Just Got Easier
By Jennifer Schneider
The College Board has a new streamlined process for requesting accommodations for the SAT. The new guidelines simplify and expedite the eligibility process. For most students requesting typical accommodations, a two question approach is now in place for the SAT.
- Is the requested accommodation(s) in the student’s plan?
- Has the student used the accommodation(s) for school testing?
If the answer to these questions is yes, nor further review process or additional documentation is required. The accommodations listed below are included in this category.
If a student is requesting additional accommodations, or if a formal plan is either not in place for the student or has been in place for less than a year, a review process may be initiated. Students should keep in mind that this review could take up to seven weeks.
For the ACT, a majority of students who can apply through their high school counselor’s office will automatically receive testing support including extended time, language supports, and testing in a separate room. The ACT now places the high school’s test accommodations coordinator at the center of the process and eligibility is greatly determined by the accommodations and testing already established by the school.
Requesting Accommodations
While the review process is more straightforward, requests for accommodations on testing remains different for the SAT and ACT. Here is a downloadable guide produced by Summit Educational Group that compares the process for requesting accommodations.
SAT Accommodations
For the SAT, students apply for the accommodations before registering for the test. Accommodations are available for the PSAT, SAT, and SAT Subject Tests. Once accommodations for one test are received, they will carry over for all other tests.
Click here for additional information concerning the accommodation process for the SATs and Available Accommodations.
ACT Accommodations
For the ACT, students register for the test, and once registration is complete, an e-mail is sent to the student with instructions on how to work with school officials to submit a request for accommodations. Once approved, requests for the same accommodations on subsequent tests are generally approved, but must be requested each time.
Click here for additional information concerning accommodations for the ACT.
Click here for more information concerning the newly streamlined accommodations process.