Seeking Accommodations for Standardized Tests
The process of applying for accommodations for standardized testing can be confusing. Many parents and students are unsure if they need accommodations or if they will qualify for them. The following summary compiles some basic information to help students and parents make informed decisions about pursuing a request for accommodations or modifications for the SAT or ACT. Please note that these accommodation application processes refer to students with diagnosed disabilities rather than students facing temporary illness or injury.*
Students with documented disabilities (including students who need English Language supports) may apply for specific accommodations during test-taking. Students must apply to each test separately: College Board governs the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 or AP Exams, and ACT governs the PreACT or ACT. While both entities offer an option for home-schooled or non-enrolled test-takers to apply for accommodations, the process is much more automated and streamlined when the application is made through the student’s school.
School counselors usually handle contact with ACT or College Board for students, but students must ask the counselor to initiate this contact. Counselors will not automatically request accommodations for students on the SAT or ACT even if students have active 504 or IEP plans on file with their schools. Additionally, counselors and teachers will be asked by ACT or SAT to verify the student’s current use of accommodations.
It usually takes a while for ACT or College Board to make decisions on applications for accommodations (estimated timelines listed below). Also remember that school counselors often have heavy case loads, especially during college application season, so you also will want to factor in time for your counselor to respond to your request.
If a student’s request for accommodations is granted, he/she does NOT have to reapply for future tests; granted accommodations will be available for all future tests he/she takes. For both tests, the most commonly requested accommodations are: additional time; extra or longer breaks; use of a word processor for written essays; use of a calculator on calculator-inactive sections; and use of large-print or Braille books.
Some important things to note:
A diagnosis of a learning difference by a psychologist or doctor does not necessarily mean accommodations will be granted in an educational setting (at school or for standardized tests). Questions about individual students’ needs for accommodations, especially if they are having difficulty maintaining proficiency in any subject, should first be addressed to their classroom teachers and counselors.
If a student already has a 504 or IEP in place for a documented disability, the student must still apply separately to ACT or College Board to receive accommodations for the corresponding standardized test. It is a separate process and must be pursued with each standardized testing entity (ACT or College Board) with which the student will test.
Most students who request and receive approval for accommodations already have test-taking accommodations in place at school through a 504 or IEP. However, having these accommodations in place for the school environment does not guarantee the same accommodations will be granted during standardized testing. Because standardized tests are usually taken in quiet, controlled environments, students must demonstrate that the accommodation they seek is still needed in the standardized test environment.
A student who has accommodations in place through a 504 or an IEP but who is not using these modifications in school will likely not be allowed to use these modifications for a standardized test. Sometimes there are accommodations written into a 504 or IEP “just in case” a student needs them (for instance, extended time on tests). However, if the student chooses not to use this accommodation in a regular classroom setting, he/she will likely be unable to use it during standardized testing.
While both SAT and ACT allow applications for accommodations, there are some differences between the tests’ request processes. Listed below are some basic details about each test’s procedures; however, if your student plans to seek accommodations for a test, please review thoroughly each test’s website to gain a more complete understanding of the process.
Applying for Accommodations Through College Board
Timeline: Allow 7-8 weeks for your request to be reviewed. Requests must be approved by College Board before a student may take a test with accommodations. Scores will be cancelled for students who take a test with accommodations before being approved.
Accommodations Considered: College Board states that any reasonable accommodation requested will be considered.
Eligibility and Documentation: To be eligible to receive accommodations, students must have a documented disability and must provide the accompanying documentation, such as a current psychoeducational evaluation or doctor’s report. This documentation will vary depending on the disability which hinders your student and the type of accommodation being requested.
Process Logistics: It is most efficient to work with your school to complete this process. Schools have a more streamlined process with College Board than do individuals: schools are able to submit requests online, while individuals are not. Your school must employ a SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) coordinator (usually a school counselor) in order to access the College Board’s online submission system. When requests are made through the SSD coordinator, often College Board does not require as much supporting documentation. Additionally, schools work with many students on these requests each year and have extensive knowledge of the process.
Families can submit a paper form to College Board if students are home-schooled, not enrolled, or do not want to go through the school.
Registering for the Test with Accommodations: Once a student is approved for accommodations, College Board will send an official code to use when registering for the test.
Applying for Accommodations Through ACT:
Timeline: The evaluation and approval processes take at least two (2) weeks from the submission date. However, it is wise to leave more time than that (at least 4 weeks) in case ACT requests additional documentation.
Accommodations Considered: ACT indicates that it “approves accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).”
Eligibility and Documentation: ACT receives requests for accommodation from students who already receive accommodations in school and who have professionally diagnosed and documented disabilities. The ACT website provides detailed lists of accepted documentation for a variety of disabilities.
Process Logistics: Unless your student is home schooled or not currently enrolled, you must work with your school to submit your request for accommodations to ACT. If a student is home schooled or not currently enrolled, you may download a form on the ACT website to submit on your own.
To initiate your request for accommodations, register for an official ACT test, indicating which accommodations you need. After you register for a specific test, ACT will email you with instructions on how to work with your school to request accommodations. You will forward this email to your school counselor along with the completed Consent to Release Information to ACT form. Once ACT makes a decision on your request, your school contact will be notified by email and given instructions for next steps.
Registering for the Test with Accommodations: ACT’s registration process differs from the SAT’s. ACT asks that you register for the test FIRST, indicating which accommodations you need. Then your request for accommodations will be triggered and ACT will contact your counselor with instructions for the next steps.
* Both tests have a process for one-time accommodations in the event of an unexpected injury (for example, allowing a student to use a computer if he breaks his wrist the week before the test and can’t write). Information about this situation can be found on the websites of the respective tests.