How Atlanta Students Can Get Testing Accommodations for SAT & ACT
Why Testing Accommodations Matter
College entrance exams, like the SAT and ACT, can add significant pressure on students. For students with learning differences, ADHD, anxiety, medical needs, or other disabilities, testing accommodations can help level the playing field and reflect a student’s true abilities.
Accommodations aren’t about gaining an unfair advantage—they’re about removing barriers so students can demonstrate what they know in a supportive environment
What Kind of Accommodations are Available?
The SAT and ACT offer a range of similar accommodations. These are based on a student’s documented needs and history of receiving support in school. Some common accommodations include:
- Extended time (e.g., time and a half, double time)
- Extra or extended breaks
- Use of a computer for essays
- Reading accommodations (e.g., large print, braille, audio format)
- Small group or individual testing
- Permission to bring medical supplies or snacks
These accommodations aim to reduce fatigue, anxiety, or barriers that may make traditional testing settings challenging.
Who to Talk to at School
The first step is identifying the right contact at your student’s school. These people will guide you through documentation and make sure it gets submitted properly:
- 504 Coordinator or Special Education Teacher
This person often handles testing accommodations for students with IEPs or 504 plans. It’s a great idea to introduce yourself early in the school year and ask questions if you think your student might be testing that year. - School Counselor
Counselors are also key partners—they often collaborate with the coordinator to submit paperwork and can provide guidance on test registration, timelines, and how accommodations fit into the broader college prep process.
Tip: If you’re not sure who to contact, start with your school counselor or special education teacher—they can point you in the right direction.
Timeline and Registration Process for Testing Accommodations
| SAT (College Board) | ACT | |
| How to Register | Through your school’s SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) Coordinator, who submits the request through the College Board’s online SSD system. | Your school coordinator submits the request via the ACT TAA (Test Accessibility and Accommodations) system. |
| Timeline | Request accommodations at least 7–8 weeks before your test date. Earlier is better in case of delays or appeals. | Submit requests 6–8 weeks before the test date. Requests submitted too close to the test may not be processed in time. |
| What You’ll Need | – Documentation of disability (IEP, 504 Plan, or doctor’s letter)- History of school-based accommodations- Parent/guardian consent form | – Recent psychoeducational or medical documentation- History of accommodations (if any)- Signed consent form |
| Role of Coordinator | Submits request, monitors SSD dashboard, receives eligibility decisions | Submits the application, receives decision, schedules testing if needed |
| How to Know You’re Approved | You’ll receive an eligibility letter from the SSD Coordinator and a unique SSD number for use when registering for the SAT. | Your coordinator will notify you of the decision. If approved, your testing site may adjust depending on the accommodations granted. |
Pros and Cons for Requesting Extended Time
While receiving accommodations in the classroom may be most beneficial for your student, testing can feel like a whole different beast. The tests are long and mentally taxing already, and students who receive extended time must sit for the entire length of the test.
| Pros | Cons |
| More time to think and process the questions | Tests are much longer, which can lead to testing fatigue |
| Reduce anxiety and stress in testing environment | Testing may occur over multiple days, keeping test stress present |
| Can help boost scores for some students | Once approved, extended time must be used |
| Separate and usually smaller testing environment | Longer testing time may interfere with focus or energy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are accommodations only for students who currently have a 504 or IEP?
A: No! While many students who receive accommodations in school already have these plans, families can also seek private evaluations outside of school to determine eligibility. The key is having documentation that shows a diagnosed need and educational impact.
Can I appeal if I get denied?
A: Yes—both the College Board and ACT have appeal processes. They may ask for additional documentation. Starting early gives you enough time to respond and still meet your preferred test date.
Will colleges see that I used accommodations?
A: No. Neither SAT nor ACT reports the use of accommodations to colleges. Your results look just like any other test score.
Final Tips and Encouragement
- Start early! The process takes time, and delays can mean missing test dates.
- Talk openly with your school team and tutoring support about what works best for your student.
- Practice with accommodations to build confidence and identify what support truly helps.
- Advocate for yourself or your child—accommodations are a tool, not a crutch.
Testing doesn’t define your future, but having the right support can make a big difference in how you show up on test day.
Need Additional Help?
Our team at Dogwood Tutoring can help guide you through the process or identify the correct person(s) to contact at your school. We provide detailed support and recommendations for your student so they can feel the most successful on their testing day! Reach out today with any questions.