Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

College Admissions

Our Counselors Answered:

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?
Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Most like yes, but call in advance.

Zahir RobbCollege CounselorThe Right Fit College

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Depending on the disability. You will have to submit the paperwork to the SSD office with the College Board. Extra-time is based on the recommendations of your individual evaluation and you will typically have this information contained within your IEP or Educational Assessment.

Kathleen HarringtonOwnerNew Jersey College Consulting

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Both the SAT and ACT have different requirements that need to be met by the student prior to the student being approved for when requesting additional time or other accommodations. In most cases, with both the SAT and ACT, formal documentation is needed from the students school and/or a physician. The one main different between applying for accommodations with the SAT and ACT is that once you file with College Board and are approved for accommodations, each test you register from that point forward will automatically place the student under special testing; meaning that no application is necessary to be filed for each test. However, when registering for the ACT, the student will have to file paperwork for EACH test he/she plans on taking from that point forward. Both the College Board and ACT website have detailed information regarding the application and documentation process required for accommodations.

Lisa CarltonOwnerwww.collegematchpoint.com

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Yes, you can possibly get extra time on the SAT if you have a learning disability. However, this is not an automatic policy. You have to complete the necessary forms and include documentation of your disability. Your school should be able to help you with this. The College Board has become more strict about this policy. Be sure to plan ahead when requesting extra time. This will give you time to appeal if your request is not granted.

Lisa CarltonOwnerwww.collegematchpoint.com

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Yes, you can possibly get extra time on the SAT if you have a learning disability. However, this is not an automatic policy. You have to complete the necessary forms and include documentation of your disability. Your school should be able to help you with this. The College Board has become more strict about this policy. Be sure to plan ahead when requesting extra time. This will give you time to appeal if your request is not granted.

Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Most like yes.

Eileen Ed.D.Associate DirectorEducational Directions, Inc.

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

There are a couple of things you need to understand about receiving accommodations for standardized exams. First, you have to be identified with specific learning issues that impact your ability to complete exams in the same way that other students complete them. For example, if you have significant difficulty filling in information using paper and pencil and normally use the computer, you need documentation to prove this. To be identified, a student must undergo a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation that details the areas of strength as well as any challenges to learning. Second, in order to qualify for accommodations during standardized exams, you need to have received similar accommodations in school for at least six months prior to the exam you are taking. When you have your documentation, your school guidance counselor has a form to fill out that outlines your documented need and verifies that you have received these accommodations in school.

Annie ReznikCounselor/CEOCollege Guidance Coach

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Disability Support Services through the College Board evaluates requests for extended time on the SAT. Your school counselor submits a request for extended time (or other testing modification) on your behalf. Typically, if you have a diagnosed learning difference and have been granted extended time (or other testing modification) by your school or district through an IEP (or equivalent), you will earn extended time (or other testing modification) for the SAT. The evaluation process can be lengthy. Apply plenty of time in advance of test administrations and make sure your evaluation is current (within 3 years).

Kris HintzFounderPosition U 4 College LLC

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Yes, but you need to get accommodations at least six months in advantage. Whether or not you are classified (504 or IEP) in your high school, you need to also be evaluated by an outside learning consultant and have your specific learning disabilities documented. This documentation needs to be sent to College Board (for the SAT) or ACT Inc. (for the ACT) several months in advance of the test date.

If you are not classified in high school, or have been de-classified, and seem to be performing okay academically without being given extra time on tests in high school, it is unlikely you will get accommodations on the SAT or ACT. But if you believe it is necessary, go see a learning consultant, get tested, and make the request.
Jill KaratkewiczCounselorEast Hampton High School

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

If you have a documented learning disability and receive extended time on your regular school tests, then yes – it is possible to request extra time on tests like the SAT or ACT. Your high school will need to submit certain documentation to the testing organization. They will review your request and will ultimately decide whether or not you are approved to have the same accommodation on SAT or ACT. Please keep in mind that you will need to leave plenty of time between when you request the accommodations and when a decision will be reached, so plan ahead and put in your request well ahead of time!

Jill KaratkewiczCounselorEast Hampton High School

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

If you have a documented learning disability and receive extended time on your regular school tests, then yes – it is possible to request extra time on tests like the SAT or ACT. Your high school will need to submit certain documentation to the testing organization. They will review your request and will ultimately decide whether or not you are approved to have the same accommodation on SAT or ACT. Please keep in mind that you will need to leave plenty of time between when you request the accommodations and when a decision will be reached, so plan ahead and put in your request well ahead of time!

Erica WhiteCollege & Career CounselorMiddletown High School

Most likely

If you have a documented disability with either an IEP or a 504 plan you can have your case manager/school counselor apply for extended time.

Just because you may get extended time in the classroom, does not mean you automatically get extended time on the SAT. It is up for collegeboard to decide based on the documentation provided. As a student or a parent, I would ask the case manger to fill out the paperwork for extended time during freshman year of high school . If you qualify during freshman year, you will have it for the rest of high school for PSAT testing, SAT and AP testing. Typically, students receive 50% extended time which equates to time and one half. Once in a while a student may qualify for 100% extended time (double time).
Corey FischerPresidentCollegeClarity

Not necessarily

You need to submit recent testing and documentation to the College Board and they will determine if your particular learning disability qualifies you for extra time. Apply at least a few months before you need to take the SAT, SAT Subject Test, or the AP exams so you have time to be processed through before the test date.

Rana SlosbergOwnerSlosberg College Solutions LLC

Extra Time on the SAT

Students who have a current professionally diagnosed and documented disability which requires extra time may receive either 50% extra time or 100% extra time on the SAT. Your documentation should show both that you have a disability and that you require an extra time accommodation because of that disability.

The College Board who administers the SAT says “a student who requests extended time should have documentation that demonstrates difficulty taking tests under timed conditions. In most cases, the documentation should include scores from both timed and extended/untimed tests, to demonstrate any differences caused by the timed conditions”.
Rana SlosbergOwnerSlosberg College Solutions LLC

Extra Time on the SAT

Students who have a current professionally diagnosed and documented disability which requires extra time may receive either 50% extra time or 100% extra time on the SAT. Your documentation should show both that you have a disability and that you require an extra time accommodation because of that disability.

The College Board who administers the SAT says “a student who requests extended time should have documentation that demonstrates difficulty taking tests under timed conditions. In most cases, the documentation should include scores from both timed and extended/untimed tests, to demonstrate any differences caused by the timed conditions”.
Tam Warner MintonConsultantCollege Adventures

Accommodations

Yes, but only if you have accommodations at school due to a learning difference. If you are not using accommodations at school, college board does not consider that you are impaired. ACT is pretty much the same way. There are exceptions. I had a student this year who learned of a processing disorder during the summer, and because it was recently diagnosed, College Board allowed extra time on the SAT.

Pamela Hampton-GarlandOwnerScholar Bound

Extended Time on SAT

You can get extended time on the SAT if you have documentation of your disability and your school counselor who is responsible for completing the college board documentation submits it to college board you can get up to double time or time and a half. You must bring the documentation from a ceritified physician, however if you are already receiving differentiation in your classes in high school then the documentation is already at the school and you should just requests that it be submitted to college board for review. It is a fairly quick (6 – 8 week process depending on your schools counselor).

Bill PrudenHead of Upper School, College CounselorRavenscroft School

Extended Time on the SAT: If Appropriate, An Important Accommodation

Generally if a student has a documented disability and has been given extended time as an accommodation in their daily work–tests, quizzes–in high school, there is a good chance that they will also get it on the SAT. However, there are different standards and it is not a certainty. One must submit materials to the College Board, and after reviewing the testing and the accommodations that the student has received in school, it will make a determination. It is not automatic and it is not a permanent thing. .If testing is updated it must be resubmitted to the College Board.

Jeana RobbinsCounselor

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

This is a possibility. It should depend on the student’s IEP.

Deborah SlocumSchool CounselorCollege Counseling from a Caring Perspective

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

The decision as to whether or not a student gets extra time on the SAT is made by the College Board. Students who currently receive extra time in the school setting, through either a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Plan, should speak directly with their school counselor. Once a student and his/her parent has provided authorization to the school counselor (or designated person in their school system), a request will be made with College Board for the student to receive extra time on the SAT. The College Board will interact with the high school and let them know if additional documentation is required or if the additional time has been granted. Given that the College Board does need some time to review requests, it is best that the student begin the process to request extra time in sophomore year or at the beginning of junior year.

Students who do NOT have an IEP or 504 plan still have the option of requesting extra time on the SAT. The burden is then on the family to provide required documentation by a psychologist, psychiatrist or medical doctor, depending on the disability, outlining the rationale for the requested accommodations. Information reqarding this process is available on the College Board website or can be obtained from the student’s school counselor.
Eric Beers, Ph.D.College and Career CounselorAir Academy High School

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

It is possible; not guaranteed. Go talk to your school counselor about receiving an accommodation on the SAT. Just because you receive them at school does not guarantee that you will get them for the SAT, that is for SAT to decide. You can just submit the request for accommodations (along with a recent diagnosis) and see what SAT decides.

Rhona Halpern

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

The College Board (the company that administers the SAT) will provide some accommodations, including extended time, for a student who has a documented disability and an accommodation plan or individualized education plan that states the requested accommodation is permitted for testing. This plan should have been in place for some time prior to applying for the SAT accommodation(s) to demonstrate current and past use of the accommodation(s).

Renee Boone

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

If you have a documented learning disability (504 Plan, IEP, etc.) you may request accommodation. Contact CollegeBoard through their website.

Renee Boone

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

If you have a documented learning disability (504 Plan, IEP, etc.) you may request accommodation. Contact CollegeBoard through their website.

Mary Mariani

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Yes, you can. BUT, you have to have been provided accommodations before you take the SAT. There has to be a history and a diagnosis of a learning disability. Any accommodation, such as longer time, has to be in place as a regular activity during the school year and not one that materializes because of the SAT.

Nancy MilneOwnerMilne Collegiate Consulting

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

If your disability is documented and you provide sufficient advance notice, you should be able to obtain extra time on the SAT. Your guidance counselor should be able to help you with this issue.

Jenn CohenOwnerJenn Cohen Tutoring

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Definitely. The College Board offers students with documented learning disabilities/ADHD several helpful accommodations, including extended time, more frequent breaks and longer breaks. Students with a writing disability may also ask for use of a computer to type responses on essays.

The application process can take several months to be approved, so get started well before you plan to take the test. In most cases, your school counselor will complete and submit the application for you, so make an appointment to talk with him/her as soon as possible. It’s also very important to carefully consider which accommodations will work best for you. While extended time on the SAT can be a good thing, it can also be completely exhausting! Consider getting advice from a tutor who specializes in students with disabilities. In many cases, I encourage my students to try the ACT instead.
Ellen [email protected]OwnerEllen Richards Admissions Consulting

Recent study finds that students taking ADHD medication tested higher on standardized tests

A recent study from researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that students taking ADHD medication tested higher on standardized tests. The study tracked a nationally selected group of 600 children ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade, whom had been diagnosed with ADHD and the effect of ADHD medication on the participants’ test scores versus similarly diagnosed students not on drug therapy for their ADHD over a five year period. The study found significant gains in math scores that was reflective of almost a fifth of a school year’s worth of extra learning and almost one third extra progress in reading.

The study further supported earlier studies which have shown that children who have been properly diagnosed and treated for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are more prone to behave better in class as well as being able to complete schoolwork without distraction. However, the new study from University of California Berkeley was the first to counteract any previous studies that were unable to project if treating ADHD results in any measurable improvement in long-term academic improvement. While the study was not a randomized trial against a placebo treatment, researchers found the association between medication and academic gains significant. The focus group was screened carefully to ensure that the same level of “outside influences” was at a minimum, ensuring the same level of parental education, support, and the education/challenge level of the elementary schools selected. The study also concluded that while medications and an active parental and school approach to treatment will advance the academic levels of students with ADHD it also noted that medication may not be a viable choice for all people with ADHD and recommend evaluating the side effects with a physician before beginning the drug therapy.
William Chichester

Yes

Consult with SAT for more information

Nina BerlerFounderunCommon Apps

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

The answer is absolutely yes! Many of my students have been awarded extra time on the SAT, typically 1.5 times as much as the standard amount of time. The College Board doesn’t award this haphazardly, however. You will need to provide documentation supporting your disability. Sometimes that takes time, so read up first on the College Board website: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/ssd/application/guide/guidelines. Also check in with your guidance counselor. Remember to bring snacks the day of your SAT: you may be at the test center for some time!

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Yes, you can. if you are international students, you may request extra time through counselor.

Laura Smith

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Whether a student can obtain accommodations for college admissions tests depends on how long their high school has had accommodations in place.  The student must show that they were granted extra time on tests in high school for at least four months prior to registering for the SAT.  To receive extended time on the ACT, one year of prior accommodations in high school is required. The school psychologist or guidance counselor should submit an accommodation form plus results of specific disability testing.  The student must be determined to have  a substantial limitation in comparison to the average person.  The disability may take the form of physical impairment such as impaired eyesight, chronic health conditions (ADHD), or significant emotional difficulties.  The guidance office should submit the student’s IEP or 504 plan along with their application.

Early preparation for testing accommodation is crucial.  Eligibility for accommodations is determined on a case by case basis through documentation review by the testing authorities.  This review can take from 6-8 weeks so high school juniors should be working on this now if they seek extra time on the SAT or ACT in the spring.
Donovan BlakeLead ConsultantGriffin Blake Educational Consulting

Yes…

You can get extended time on the SAT. Here is what you need to do: – go to collegeboard.com to get the forms – fill out the forms and then submit them to the counselor at your school – the school will complete the form and mail it to college board – you will get a letter approving/declining your request for extended time.

What to do if you are denied the extended time: – get new psychoeducational testing -do all the steps above, using your new testing
Christina ReynoldsGuidance Counselor

Extra time on SAT

There are many students that have a learning disability which allows them extra time on tests in school and possibly on the SAT as well. The best thing to do is contact the SSD coordinator at your high school and ask them how to apply for extended time through collegeboard. There may be an application for you to fill out and the SSD coordinator will submit, the approval process may take up to a few months so it is a good idea to start the process at least six months prior to the test date.

Nicholas Umphrey

Extra time

Yes, if you have an IEP or 504 plan, this can be submitted to the College Board by your school’s SSD coordinator. This is usually a guidance counselor or test coordinator. They must complete and eligibility form, get parent consent, and submit a request for accommodations. They can deny this request depending on the disability. In most cases you can expect 50% or 100% extended time. This would make each 25 minute test section extended to either 37 minutes or 50 minutes.

Helen Cella

Can I get extra time on the SAT if I have a learning disability?

Yes if it’s documented

Laura O’Brien GatzionisFounderEducational Advisory Services

Extended Time on the SAT

Students with documented disabilities can request extended time but the must follow the requirements posted on the Collegeboard site. The student must be able to demonstrate with accepted documentation not only that the student has a disability but that he/she requires the requested accommodation. Be certain to start the request process early as processing takes approximately 7 weeks after all the information has been provided to Collegeboard.

Tyler BurtonPresident Burton College Tours

You must have a documented learning or physical disability.

Students who wish to request extended time on the SAT or keyboarding accommodations must do two things ASAP. 1. Log onto the College Board website and read about the steps that a student needs to take to meet the requirements of a documented disability. 2. Contact your school guidance counselor and confirm with them that you wish to see accommodations on standardized testing. Students need to be aware that a history of accommodations and educational testing are both required. I caution students not to worry, if they require accommodations then they will be able to work this out.