How to Get Accommodations on the SAT and ACT: What Students and Families Need to Know

If you’re preparing to take the SAT or ACT and have a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, a learning disability, or a mental health diagnosis, you may qualify for testing accommodations. These supports can make a tremendous difference by helping students demonstrate their true abilities, not just their test-taking stamina.

For many teens, the SAT and ACT play an important role in college admissions and scholarship opportunities. But for students with learning, attention, or emotional differences, the standard test format can create barriers that don’t reflect their actual knowledge or potential. Fortunately, both the College Board (which administers the SAT) and ACT, Inc. have well-established processes for requesting accommodations and a comprehensive psychological evaluation is often the key to securing approval.

Why SAT and ACT Accommodations Require Psychological Testing

Both the College Board and ACT, Inc. require detailed documentation that explains why a student needs accommodations and how their diagnosis impacts test performance. A recent psychological or psychoeducational evaluation is typically the cornerstone of this documentation.

This evaluation provides objective evidence of how a student’s condition, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety, affects their ability to complete standardized tests under typical conditions. The report helps the testing organization determine which accommodations are necessary for equitable access.

Without a current evaluation that meets documentation guidelines, requests are often delayed or denied.

Common Diagnoses That May Qualify Students for SAT or ACT Accommodations

• ADHD or ADD: Challenges with attention, organization, and timing can make it difficult to sustain focus or manage test pacing.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or changes in environment may make standard test settings overwhelming.
• Specific Learning Disorders (e.g., Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia): Reading fluency, written expression, or math processing speed can impact test performance.
• Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, or Other Mental Health Conditions: Symptoms such as panic, fatigue, or concentration issues can interfere with focus and endurance.

These diagnoses don’t reflect a lack of ability. They simply mean that a different testing approach may be needed to show what a student truly knows.

What a Psychological Evaluation for SAT/ACT Accommodations Includes

A psychological, neuropsychological, or psychoeducational evaluation for testing accommodations helps clarify both diagnosis and functional impact. The assessment typically includes:

• A clinical interview covering developmental, academic, and emotional history

• Cognitive testing (e.g., WISC-V, WAIS-IV/5, or similar) to assess reasoning, memory, and processing speed

• Academic achievement testing in reading, writing, and math (e.g., WIAT-4)

• Timed reading or writing assessments to document the impact of speed-based challenges

• Behavioral and emotional inventories to assess ADHD, anxiety, or mood symptoms

• Review of previous evaluations, IEPs, or 504 plans

The final report outlines specific diagnostic findings and recommendations for accommodations that align with College Board and ACT documentation standards.

What Accommodations Can Be Requested for the SAT or ACT?

The specific accommodations approved vary based on the student’s needs and documentation, but common supports include:

• Extended testing time (e.g., 50% or 100%)
• Extra breaks or stop-the-clock breaks
• Small group or private testing environment
• Computer use for the essay section (if applicable)
• Large-print or alternative-format tests
• Use of assistive technology, such as screen readers or text-to-speech software
• Permission to bring snacks, water, or medical supplies

Both organizations have detailed requirements:

• The College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) manages SAT accommodation requests.

• The ACT Accommodations Office handles ACT-related requests.

Each has its own documentation forms, review processes, and timelines, which can take several weeks. Starting early gives families plenty of time to submit paperwork, respond to requests for additional information, and ensure accommodations are in place before the test date.

Why It’s Important to Plan Ahead for SAT and ACT Testing Accommodations

If your teen plans to take the SAT or ACT in the next year, it’s best to start the evaluation process as soon as possible. Here’s why:

• Evaluation appointments fill quickly, especially in spring and summer.

• Testing agencies may take up to seven weeks to review accommodation requests.

• Schools often need time to upload materials through the College Board SSD Online system or ACT’s TAA platform.

Starting early ensures you have plenty of time to gather previous documentation, complete testing, and submit the request without rushing.

Tennessee Psychological Testing for SAT and ACT Accommodations

At Zephyr Care, we provide comprehensive, neurodiversity-affirming evaluations for students seeking accommodations on the SAT and ACT. Our reports meet the documentation standards of both the College Board and ACT, ensuring your child’s application includes the required cognitive, academic, and behavioral data.

We serve families across Nashville, Murfreesboro, and throughout Tennessee, offering a compassionate, professional approach designed to help students feel supported and confident.

Virtual Psychological Testing for SAT and ACT Accommodations Across PSYPACT States

If you live outside Tennessee, Zephyr Care also offers virtual psychological evaluations for students in PSYPACT-participating states. These assessments are tailored to meet national testing documentation standards and include all components necessary for accommodation requests.

Our practice currently provides virtual testing to clients in:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

We also see a limited number of clients each year in California and Massachusetts.

Have Friends Taking the LSAT, Bar Exam, MCAT, COMLEX, or USMLE? We Can Help Them Too

If you have friends in law preparing for the LSAT, Bar Exam, or MPRE, or friends in medicine preparing for the MCAT or USMLE, let them know we provide evaluations for those exams too. At Zephyr Care, we specialize in helping students and professionals across fields access fair testing conditions through high-quality, neurodiversity-affirming psychological testing.

Final Thoughts: Supporting Students Who Need SAT/ACT Testing Accommodations

The SAT and ACT are designed to measure academic readiness, not to disadvantage students who learn or think differently. With the right accommodations, students with ADHD, autism, learning disorders, or mental health conditions can show what they truly know.

If your child may benefit from testing accommodations, a psychological evaluation can be the first step toward equal opportunity and confidence on test day.

Contact Zephyr Care today to schedule an evaluation.

Author: Heather Joppich, PhD

Dr. Joppich is a Licensed Psychologist and owner of Zephyr Care Mental Health. She specializes in neurodiversity-affirming assessments for autism, ADHD, and mental health concerns.