5 steps to secure SAT and ACT accommodations early for students with disabilities

Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT play a major role in college admissions. For students with learning differences or disabilities, these exams can present additional barriers that have little to do with academic ability. Securing testing accommodations is essential to ensure students have a fair opportunity to demonstrate what they know.

This guide outlines a clear, proactive approach for families, students, and educators navigating the SAT and ACT accommodations process (ideally long before test day).

What you’ll learn in this article

• When and how to begin documenting learning differences
• The key differences between SAT and ACT accommodation systems
• Best practices for evaluations and documentation
• What to do if an accommodation request is denied
• How families can advocate effectively and strategically

Begin early with intervention and documentation

Early preparation is one of the most important factors in securing SAT or ACT accommodations. If a student may need testing support, learning differences should be identified and documented as early as possible, ideally before high school. Starting early allows schools and families to gather strong evidence, monitor progress over time, and provide consistent interventions.

Both the SAT (College Board) and ACT require detailed documentation showing a proven history of the disability and its impact on learning. They also expect to see that requested accommodations have been used regularly in school settings, not introduced solely for testing.

Waiting until sophomore or junior year to begin interventions often results in records that are too limited or recent, increasing the risk of delays or denials.

National organizations such as the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities and the National Center for Learning Disabilities consistently recommend early evaluations and ongoing documentation. These steps not only improve academic outcomes but also help students develop self-advocacy skills that are critical in college and beyond.

Families and educators can support students early by:

• Using research-based academic interventions
• Maintaining detailed records of supports and outcomes
• Collaborating regularly when reviewing student progress
• Checking in consistently with teachers and specialists

Early action creates a strong foundation that supports both testing accommodations and long-term educational success.

Understand school and test accommodation systems

Securing accommodations for standardized tests involves more than following school-based procedures. While Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans are important, they do not automatically guarantee approval from SAT or ACT testing organizations.

School accommodations, especially those based on generic or broadly written plans, may not fully reflect a student’s specific needs. Staffing shortages and limited time can also result in vague documentation, as noted by the Government Accountability Office.

Each testing agency has its own process:

• ACT accommodations are generally more flexible and often align closely with well-documented school recommendations.
• SAT accommodations typically require more detailed documentation and may request updated evaluations, even when school accommodations are already in place.

Having an IEP or 504 Plan is an important starting point, but additional paperwork may be required for certain supports, such as extended breaks or specialized testing environments. Students attending private schools or those who have recently transferred schools should be especially cautious, as accommodations are not automatically carried over.

Families should:

• Keep detailed records showing how classroom accommodations support learning
• Review SAT and ACT accommodation guidelines at least a year before testing
• Obtain updated professional evaluations when required

Remaining actively involved, rather than relying solely on school procedures, significantly increases the likelihood of approval.

Evaluation and documentation best practices

High-quality evaluations and thorough documentation form the backbone of a successful accommodations request. Knowing when a formal evaluation is needed is key. If a student continues to struggle despite targeted interventions, a comprehensive assessment is often warranted.

Short-term academic challenges caused by illness or life events may resolve with temporary supports. Persistent difficulties in areas such as reading, writing, math, attention, or processing speed, however, signal the need for deeper evaluation.

Comprehensive psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluations typically include:

• Academic achievement testing
• Cognitive and reasoning assessments
• Behavioral observations and input from parents and teachers

Strong documentation clearly outlines:

• Which interventions were used
• How often were they provided
• What outcomes were observed

This includes setting measurable goals, tracking progress over time, and maintaining open communication with families.

Consistent and up-to-date records:

• Preserve continuity when teachers or staff change
• Help evaluators understand the student’s full learning profile
• Reduce disputes and meet legal documentation standards

Using digital tools to organize evaluations, progress notes, and communication can make records easier to access when accommodation requests arise.

Navigating denials and advocacy

Initial accommodation requests are sometimes denied. While discouraging, a denial often highlights gaps that can be addressed through stronger documentation or clearer requests.

Common reasons for denial

Accommodation requests may be denied due to missing or outdated evaluations, unclear explanations of need, or requests that extend beyond what testing agencies typically approve.

The role of advocacy

Educational advocates, disability services professionals, and community organizations are often well-versed in SAT and ACT policies. They can help families understand requirements, strengthen documentation, and identify alternative accommodations that may be approved.

Take a team approach

Approaching the process collaboratively, rather than adversarially, leads to better outcomes. Clear evidence, specific requests, and respectful communication make it easier for schools and testing agencies to work toward solutions.

Steps families can take include:

• Reviewing all documentation for gaps or outdated information
• Consulting experienced advocates when needed
• Considering reasonable alternative accommodations
• Keeping written records of all communication and decisions

Effective advocacy focuses on partnership, clarity, and problem-solving.

Using a strategic, legal mindset

A structured, evidence-based approach is the most effective way to secure testing accommodations. Families should think of the process as building a case: collecting proof, organizing it carefully, and aligning requests with each testing agency’s requirements.

Key strategies include:

• Gathering evaluations, intervention logs, and communication records
• Keeping dated, chronological records of requests and responses
• Communicating clearly and professionally, focusing on documented needs
• Using checklists and templates from trusted advocacy organizations

While the process can feel emotional, objective and well-organized documentation carries more weight than expressions of frustration. Fact-based communication encourages collaboration and leads to more productive outcomes.

Planning ahead: Key takeaways for SAT and ACT accommodations

Preparing for SAT and ACT accommodations is a long-term process that rewards early action and careful planning. Begin documenting learning differences and interventions as early as middle school, whenever possible. Last-minute efforts rarely meet testing agencies’ documentation standards.

Track interventions consistently, follow the specific requirements of each testing organization, and ensure evaluations remain up to date. While ACT accommodations may be more flexible, neither test guarantees approval without strong evidence.

Families who approach accommodations strategically by staying informed, organized, and proactive position students to receive the supports they need. With preparation and persistence, students can access accommodations that allow them to demonstrate their abilities confidently on test day and beyond.