Hey everyone! I've heard that there might be some accommodations available for students with disabilities when taking the SAT. Can anybody provide me with more information on this and how to apply for accommodations? Thanks in advance!
Of course! The College Board offers accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure the test is accessible and provides equal opportunity for all test-takers. Some common accommodations include extended testing time, extra breaks, test format changes (e.g., large print, braille), and separate testing rooms.
To apply for accommodations, you'll need to follow these steps:
1. Start early: The process of requesting accommodations can take up to seven weeks, so it's crucial to start planning ahead of time. Make sure you're aware of the registration deadlines for the test date you're interested in.
2. Speak to your school counselor or SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) coordinator: They will help you fill out the request form and submit it on your behalf. If you're a homeschooled student or your school doesn't have an SSD coordinator, you can directly contact the College Board SSD Program at ssd@info.collegeboard.org or 844-255-7728.
3. Provide documentation: You'll need to submit documentation that demonstrates your disability and justifies the need for specific accommodations. Your school counselor or SSD coordinator can help you determine the necessary documents, which may include a psychoeducational evaluation, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or 504 Plan.
4. Wait for approval: Once you submit the request, the College Board will review it and make a decision. They usually respond within four to six weeks. If approved, you'll receive an SSD Eligibility Letter, which confirms your accommodations.
5. Register for the SAT: After receiving the SSD Eligibility Letter, you can register for the SAT. If you have a College Board account, you can register online—just make sure to enter your SSD number during the registration process.
Remember to communicate with your school counselor or SSD coordinator throughout the process and ask them any questions you may have. They're there to help you and ensure you have the appropriate accommodations for your needs.
Finally, on a separate note, if you're looking for tips on how to prepare for the SAT once you have your accommodations sorted out, I'd recommend checking out CollegeVine's series of free blog posts focused on the content of the test and how to study for it effectively: https://blog.collegevine.com/category/standardized-tests/sat/
Good luck!
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