The SAT can be an intimidating test for any high school student. Even more so for a homeschooled student who may not have the same resources as their peers in traditional schools. Fortunately, with careful preparation, it is possible to request accommodations on the SAT that could make the testing process smoother and more accessible to homeschooled students.
This article will answer some of the common questions to provide an overview of what is needed to make accommodations requests for the SAT successful.
How Are SAT Accommodations Determined?
SAT accommodations are determined by The College Board, the university or college that administers the SAT, and can be applied for if certain criteria is met. The College Board looks for evidence of a need to provide a student with Modified Testing, Extra Time, Braille Formats, or other services.
The College Board looks at medical, psychological or learning disability documentation that covers the last three years to determine an SAT accommodation request. Parents will also need to provide proof of homeschooling, such as a letter of intent, to show that the student is being homeschooled.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision on Accommodations?
The amount of time it takes to receive a decision on accommodations can vary depending on the review process. Generally, it can take 6-8 weeks from the time the request is received to hear back from The College Board. It is important to start the request process as early as possible to ensure that accommodations are in place for the student for the desired test date.
What Are Acceptable Forms of Documentation?
When making an accommodations request, The College Board looks for recent, comprehensive evaluations from a licensed healthcare provider that is appropriate for the type of disability. This should include recommendations for testing accommodations, if any.
The College Board encourages parents to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a specialist if one does not already exist. All documentation should be up to date.
Is It Necessary to Submit Documentation Every Time?
If a student has accommodations approved during one school year, they will carry over to subsequent test administrations, assuming they are still relevant. However, if a student’s needs have changed or if the accommodation approved is no longer feasible, then it is necessary to submit updated documentation each time. The College Board reviews all accommodation requests on a case-by-case basis, so the submission of documentation is necessary.
Do Accommodations Cost Money?
The College Board does not charge any additional fees for approved SAT accommodation requests. However, parents may need to pay for an evaluation from a licensed healthcare provider to submit as part of their accommodations request.
The College Board does not compensate these providers or reimburse any costs associated with an evaluation or diagnosis.
What Are the Available Accommodations?
The available accommodations vary depending on the type of disability and the needs of the student. Generally, accommodations can include extended time, Braille formats, modified testing, extra rest breaks, use of a quiet room, and/or the use of assistive technology such as a calculator.
The College Board encourages parents to contact their schools or a local disability services coordinator for more information regarding available accommodations.
Are Accommodations Granted the Same For Everyone?
No, accommodations are not granted the same for every student. The College Board considers each request on an individual basis. The College Board looks for recent, comprehensive documentation and evidence of a need for an accommodation.
Requests are processed according to set policies as outlined by The College Board.
What If My Accommodation Request Is Denied?
If a student’s accommodation request is denied, parents can appeal the decision with The College Board by submitting additional documentation. The College Board looks for comprehensive medical, psychological, or learning disability related documentation in making its decisions. Parents can also contact their local disability services coordinator to discuss options.
Are Accommodations Available For Other Standardized Tests?
Accommodations are also available for other standardized tests such as the ACT. The process of requesting accommodations is similar to that of the SAT in that recent, comprehensive documentation is required to determine eligibility. It is important to note that accommodations from one test administration may not be automatically granted for subsequent administrations.
What Are the Benefits of Accommodations?
Accommodations are important for providing equal access for all students for taking standardized tests. Accommodations help level the playing field for a student with special needs or learning differences and can help reduce test anxiety.
Accommodations also make it possible for a homeschooled student to participate in a standard testing situation, allowing them to show off their knowledge and have their scores be comparable to their peers.
Are Accommodations Required For College Admissions?
Accommodations are not required for college admissions, but they can give homeschooled students a better chance of success. Accommodations can improve a student’s chances of getting accepted into the college of their choice. It’s important to do research on each college and their specific admissions requirements to learn which accommodations will help the student best.
How Do I Request Accommodations For My Homeschooled Child On the SAT?
To request accommodations for your homeschooled child, parents should submit the necessary documentation to The College Board. This includes recent documentation from a healthcare provider, proof of homeschooling such as a letter of intent, and proof of disability related accommodations in the past three years. To get started, parents should create an account on the collegeboard.
org website to begin the process.
Conclusion
Requesting accommodations for your homeschooled child on the SAT can be a daunting task. However, with the right preparation and evidence of need, it is possible to have accommodations granted.
It’s important to be aware of the available accommodations, the process for requesting them, and the time it takes to receive a decision. With the right resources, parents of homeschooled students can ensure that their child is set up for success on the SAT exam.