This article aims to provide a bit more shape around taking the SSAT with accommodations. Information here is incremental to the fee/registration information shared in my 'SSAT components' article. This article is organized into two sections: typical features of taking the test with accommodations; and application/documentation requirements.
For what it's worth, some anecdotal context: we considered applying for accommodations, but ultimately did not. At first, we did not because we were originally intending to take the October SSAT, and thought about this question too late to have applied and registered on time. We ended up taking the November SSAT, but still decided against accommodations. It was a real toss up for us. On the one hand, our daughter is highly distractible, and—during practice tests, did often struggle with losing focus and therefore time. The extra time would definitely have helped our daughter both comfortably complete the test *and* have time to review her answers. We ultimately did not bother with applying for an accommodation because—in discussing the option with our daughter, we were concerned by the overall stamina that she would need to sustain for ~4.5, possibly upward of ~6 hours. Sitting through and remaining focused throughout a ~3 hour test is a test in and of itself; throw in the actual SSAT questions, and then another 1.5 to 3 hours would have likely been more detrimental than helpful.
Typical Features of Taking the Test with Accommodations
Taking the SSAT with accommodations is designed to provide a fair testing environment for students with documented disabilities or learning differences. The specific changes made to the testing environment depend on the student's approved accommodations, but generally involve more time, a quieter setting, and fewer students.
More Time
This is the most common accommodation. Students are usually granted extended time to complete the exam. The specific amount of extra time is based on the student's needs and documentation, but common options include:
- Time and a half (1.5x): the most common extension
- Double time (2x): available for students with more significant needs
- Breaks: extended time also applies to each section break
Environment Changes (Quieter, Fewer Students)
The testing environment is adapted to minimize distractions, which typically means a quieter setting, with fewer people. What this can look like is:
- Smaller group setting: instead of being in a large auditorium or classroom with many other students, accommodated tests are often administered in smaller rooms, with a smaller group of students (e.g., 5-10) or one-on-one with a proctor
- Quieter atmosphere: the smaller group size naturally makes the environment quieter; students with auditory sensitivities might also be approved for a private testing room
- Specific seating/location: accommodations may include specific seating arrangements to help with focus or accessibility needs
Another anecdotal thought—courtesy of our daughter: while she agreed a smaller room and fewer students may create a more conducive testing atmosphere, she was concerned that *everyone* in the room would fidget in some way—which would create a new distraction.
Other Potential Accommodations
Depending on the student's documented needs, other accommodations may include:
- Breaks: more frequent or longer breaks in between sections
- Human reader: a proctor may read the test questions aloud (only for specific sections)
- Scribe/Writer: a person may write down the student's answers as directed
- Alternative formats: the test may be provided in a large print format
- Assisted Devices: permission to use specific tools, like a tracking guide or ruler
The Application Process and Required Documentation
The process for applying for SSAT accommodations is done online through the official SSAT website, and requires documentation to support the student's need.
1. Log in and start the application: Log into your parent account on the official SSAT website, and start an application within the 'Apply for / View My Accommodations' tab
2. Provide information: You will be prompted to indicate the student's disability, select specific accommodations needed, and answer related questions
3. Provide approver's information: You must provide contact information for an 'approver' who can attest that the student needs and regularly receives these accommodations in a school setting; this is usually a school personnel, such as a guidance counselor, special education coordinator, or a licensed professional who has documented the student's needs
4. Approver submits information: After you (parent) submit your application, the designated approver receives an e-mail with a secure link to an online form
- The approver confirms/denies each requested accommodation and verifies that appropriate documentation is on file at the school or with them
- The approver also submits an ID form (often along with a business card or on letterhead)
5. EMA Review and Approval: Once all information (parent application, approver form, approver ID) is received, the Enrollment Management Association (EMA) reviews the application
- If you qualify for 'Direct Access' (e.g., you have a current IEP/504 Plan and use standard accommodations), no additional review is needed and approval can be granted in a few business days once the approver submits their information
- If your request requires a formal review, EMA typically takes up to two weeks to process the request (the process can take longer if documentation is incomplete)
6. Receive notification: You will be notified by e-mail once the accommodations are approved
7. Register for the test: After approval, you can register for an SSAT with accommodations; approved accommodations will be linked to your registration and noted on the admission ticket
Required Documentation
Documentation should be prepared before beginning to apply for SSAT accommodations. To make sure your child's 'approver' is not blindsided by the request, you should also make them aware of your plans, timeline, and their role.
Documentation should be recent (within the last three years), comprehensively describe the disability and need for accommodations, and be completed by a licensed professional(s).
Examples of acceptable documentation include:
- An Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a Section 504 Accommodation(s) Plan
- Private school service plan or similar formal documentation
- Private or school-based evaluation reports
- Documentation of previously approved accommodations on other standardized tests
Coming Back to the Process: More About Step #2
The online form asks for background information to help EMA understand the student's need.
Disability information: You will be asked to make a selection from a provided list of common conditions (e.g., learning disability—like dyslexia, dysgraphia, etc.; ADHD/other attention disorders; Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); physical disabilities—like visual, hearing, mobility impairments; medical or chronic health conditions; psychiatric or emotional disorders; blindness/low vision; other)
Brief statement of need: May be prompted, asking about how the disability affects the student's ability to take the test under standard conditions
Accommodations: May be selected from a list of common ones, including: timing and scheduling (e.g., extended time, frequent/extended breaks); setting (e.g., small-group, private room, preferential seating); presentation and response (e.g., large-print, use of a reader or scribe, a laptop for the essay); and participation/assistive devices (e.g., diabetic/medical supplies access, use of assistive technology like screen readers/magnifiers/text-to-speech software)
As you are considering various accommodations, keep in mind that your requests should be commensurate with accommodations the student already regularly receives.
Also note that certain accommodations will be format-specific; as examples:
- A laptop request is relevant only for paper-based tests
- Most non-standard medical and assistive devices need to be provided by the parent
- If taking a test at a Prometric center, make sure to call and confirm accommodations