SAT Sphere | Common Types of SAT Accommodations

Students with documented disabilities or medical conditions that significantly impact their ability to take standardized tests may be eligible for various accommodations on the SAT. These accommodations are designed to provide equitable access to the exam by addressing specific challenges and ensuring all students have the opportunity to perform to their fullest potential.

🧩 Overview of SAT Accommodations

The College Board offers a range of accommodations tailored to support a variety of needs. Below is an overview of the most common types:

⏱️ Extended Time

50% Extended Time (Time and a Half):
Typically granted for students who need extra time to process and respond to test questions.
100% Extended Time (Double Time):
Reserved for students with more significant needs requiring additional time.
More than Double Time:
Granted in rare cases for students with severe functional limitations.

Extended time accommodations may apply to specific sections or the entire test, depending on the student's documented needs.

🔁 Break Accommodations

Extra Breaks:
Additional breaks between sections to manage fatigue or address medical needs.
Extended Breaks:
Longer-than-standard breaks to accommodate specific health requirements.
Breaks as Needed:
Flexible break options during the exam for students with conditions that require timely attention.

These accommodations ensure that students can manage their health and maintain optimal performance during the test.

🧠 Reading and Seeing Accommodations

Assistive Technology:
Use of screen readers, text-to-speech software, or other assistive devices to access test content.
Large-Print Test Booklets:
Designed for students with visual impairments who require larger text.
Braille Test Materials:
Provided for students who are blind or have significant visual impairments.
Magnification Devices:
Tools that enlarge text and images, helping students with low vision access the test materials more easily.

These accommodations support students with visual or reading disabilities in accessing test materials effectively.

✍️ Response Accommodations

Scribe:
A designated individual writes or types responses as dictated by the student.
Computer for Essays:
The use of a computer to type essay responses, which is particularly helpful for those with writing difficulties.
Speech-to-Text Software:
Enables students to dictate responses that are then converted to text, aiding those who have trouble with writing or typing.

Response accommodations assist students who experience difficulties with written expression due to physical or learning disabilities.

🧑‍🏫 Setting Accommodations

Small-Group Setting:
Testing in a reduced group environment to minimize distractions.
One-to-One Setting:
An individual testing environment for students who require minimal distractions.
Preferential Seating:
Specific seating arrangements to accommodate physical needs or attention-related conditions.

Setting accommodations create a more controlled environment tailored to the student's needs.

🩺 Medical and Physical Accommodations

Permission for Food, Drink, or Medication:
Allows students to manage medical conditions during the test.
Blood Sugar Monitoring:
Permits students with diabetes to check and manage their blood sugar levels as needed.
Wheelchair Accessibility:
Ensures that testing locations are accessible for students using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

These accommodations support students in managing their medical needs without interrupting the testing process.

📊 Accommodation Types at a Glance

Accommodation Category	Examples	Purpose
Extended Time	50% extended time, 100% extended time, more than double time	Provides additional time to process, answer questions, and complete the test.
Break Accommodations	Extra breaks, extended breaks, flexible breaks	Allows students to manage fatigue and health-related needs during the test.
Reading and Seeing	Assistive technology, large-print booklets, Braille materials, magnification devices	Aids in accessing written content for students with visual or reading disabilities.
Response Accommodations	Scribe, computer for essays, speech-to-text software	Supports students who have difficulty writing or typing responses.
Setting Accommodations	Small-group, one-to-one, preferential seating	Provides an optimal testing environment with fewer distractions.
Medical/Physical Accommodations	Permission for food/drink/medication, blood sugar monitoring, wheelchair accessibility	Ensures students can manage their medical conditions effectively during the exam.

📚 Additional Resources

Understanding the available SAT accommodations helps students and families make informed decisions, ensuring the right support is in place for a fair testing experience. Early planning and working closely with school officials can greatly facilitate the application process and the effective implementation of the necessary accommodations.

Common Types of SAT Accommodations