Accommodations Requests: SAT® vs. ACT with The Krupnick Approach

Accommodations Requests: SAT® vs. ACT with The Krupnick Approach

Empowering Students with Learning Differences to Succeed

College Board® (responsible for the SAT®, PSAT™10, and AP® exams) and ACT, Inc. provide a range of testing accommodations

Understanding Accommodations for Students with learning differences

College Board® (responsible for SAT®, PSAT™10, AP® exams) and ACT, Inc. provide a range of testing accommodations for students with documented learning differences. For a useful overview of relevant legislation and how LDs are diagnosed and supported in public and private school settings, please explore RTI Action Network’s website.

Typical accommodations requested include:

  • Extended time (various increments)
  • Multiple-Day Testing (for ACT only)
  • Additional or extended breaks
  • Computer use for essays (typed responses)
  • Large-print materials (for visually impaired students)
  • Small group testing (for those prone to distractibility or anxiety)

English learners may also qualify for testing supports (e.g., 50% extended time, word-to-word glossaries, translated directions) if limited language proficiency hinders test performance.

Both College Board and ACT regularly refine their accommodations policies, so it’s important to keep an eye on the latest guidelines.

Digital Testing Update: Spring 2025

In March 2024, College Board launched a digital adaptive version of the SAT®. This new format:

  • Zoom Feature: Replaces large-print test booklets by letting students enlarge text on-screen.
  • Assistive Technology: Text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools reduce or eliminate the need for human readers and scribes.
  • Single-Question Display: Each question appears separately in both Math and Verbal sections, which can be beneficial for students with visual or processing difficulties.

     

These changes are designed to make the testing experience more flexible and accessible for students requiring specific types of support.

Accommodations Request Deadlines

Below are the relevant deadlines for College Board® (SAT®, PSAT™10, AP®) and ACT. Always verify the latest dates on official websites since these can change.

College Board® (SAT®, PSAT™10 and AP®)
Test DatesDeadline
August 23, 2025July 7, 2025
October 1–31, 2025 (PSAT/NMSQT)August 11, 2025
October 4, 2025August 15, 2025
November 1, 2025September 12, 2025
December 6, 2025October 17, 2025
March 3–April 30, 2026 (PSAT 10)January 12, 2026*
March 7, 2026January 16, 2026
May 2, 2026March 13, 2026
May 4–15, 2026 (AP Exams)January 16, 2026*
June 6, 2026April 17, 2026
ACT
Test DatesDeadline
September 13, 2025August 24, 2025
October 25, 2025October 6, 2025
December 13, 2025November 21, 2025
February 7, 2026January 19, 2026
April 4, 2026March 15, 2026
June 13, 2026May 25, 2026
July 11, 2026June 19, 2026

*Indicates specific or variable deadlines for special accommodations. Always consult official College Board or AP resources to confirm.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Timing: We recommend that families consult school officials and/or private evaluators by January of 10th grade...

College Board® (SAT®)

  • The learning difference is documented by recent testing from a certified professional.
  • The learning difference significantly impacts performance on College Board® exams.
  • The specific accommodations requested are necessary for the student to perform at their best.
  • Students may receive accommodations only for specific sections based on the documentation.

ACT

  • The learning difference is diagnosed and documented by a credentialed professional.
  • The learning difference substantially impacts ACT performance.
  • Documentation shows similar accommodations used in other academic settings.

ACT accommodations types:

  • Extended Time: Up to 50% additional time.
  • Special Testing: Includes multi-day testing, special location, etc.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Timing: Ideally between winter of 10th grade and fall of 11th grade...

College Board® & ACT Requirements

  • Professional Evaluation: Educational or neuropsych testing.
  • School-Based Plan: IEP, 504, RTI plan, or private service plan.

College Board® (SAT®)

  • Learning differences/ADHD: documentation < 5 years old.
  • Visual impairments: < 2 years old.
  • Medical/psychiatric: < 1 year old.

ACT

  • ADHD/learning differences: < 3 years old.
  • Visual/psychiatric: < 1 year old.
  • Schools must submit a diagnosis plus education plan.

Step 3: Submit Your Request

Timing: Submit requests by December of 11th grade for spring tests.

College Board® (SAT®)

  • School Submission (preferred): Online input by official, faster processing with formal plan.
  • Independent Submission: Families complete form and provide documents; longer processing.

ACT

  • Register online and select Extended Time or Special Testing.
  • Coordinator obtains consent and submits via TAA system.
  • Review: 10–28 days (Extended), longer for Special Testing.
  • Homeschoolers: contact ACT directly for paper form.

Step 4: Respond to Decision Letters

Timing: Expect a decision in 2–7 weeks. Appeals can take longer.

College Board® (SAT®)

  • If Approved: SSD Eligibility Letter provided. Includes code for future registrations.
  • If Denied: Submit additional documentation to appeal.

ACT

  • Extended Time Approved: Print updated ticket. No need to reapply for future exams.
  • Special Testing Approved: Testing arranged by coordinator. Must reapply each time.
  • If Denied: Reconsideration available. May take 6+ weeks.

Step 5: Use Your Accommodations

College Board® (SAT®)

  • Register with SSD code. Bring SSD letter on test day.

ACT

  • Extended Time: Bring printed ticket showing approval.
  • Special Testing: Coordinate date/location with your official.

Need Help? Contact The Krupnick Approach

Still have questions about the SAT® or ACT accommodations process? Unsure if your documentation meets the requirements? Curious about which test fits your learning style best? The Krupnick Approach is here to help. Our expert team stays updated on the latest accommodations guidelines and can assist you with everything from gathering the right paperwork to prepping for your newly approved accommodations on test day.

Feel free to reach out, and let’s ensure you have the support you need for a fair and successful testing experience.

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