ADHD Accommodations: Extended time on SAT
Standardized tests like the SAT are challenging enough for most high school students. But for students with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), the fast-paced, time-pressured environment of the SAT can be especially overwhelming. Fortunately, the College Board, administrator of the SAT, recognizes that disabilities like ADHD can impact test performance and offers accommodations such as extended time.
In this post, we’ll explore how students with ADHD can request extended time on the SAT, what documentation is needed, and how to strengthen the application. If you or your child is navigating this process, this guide is here to help you understand what to expect.
Why Extended Time Matters for ADHD
Students with ADHD often struggle with sustained attention, executive functioning, and processing speed, skills that are heavily taxed during timed exams like the SAT. These challenges can lead to incomplete sections, avoidable errors, and heightened anxiety, ultimately affecting performance.
Extended time can help level the playing field by giving students the space they need to read carefully, plan their answers, and complete tasks at their own pace. However, receiving this accommodation requires careful documentation and a clear explanation of need.
What Does the College Board Need to Approve Extended Time?
When applying for extended time, your request must show three key elements:
The Student Has a Documented Disability
The Disability Specifically Impairs Test-Taking Under Timed Conditions
The Request Includes Strong Evidence and Educational History
Let’s break down what this looks like in practice.
1. Documenting the Disability
The first step in applying for accommodations is establishing that the student has a diagnosed disability, in this case, ADHD. This should be supported with:
A formal diagnosis from a qualified professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, etc.)
A comprehensive evaluation, ideally conducted within the past five years
Documentation showing how ADHD presents in the student’s daily and academic life
For ADHD specifically, it’s especially helpful to submit a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation. This report should include cognitive testing, academic achievement scores, and behavior ratings. It helps demonstrate how ADHD affects the student's ability to function in a timed testing environment.
2. Explaining How ADHD Affects Timed Testing
It’s not enough to prove the student has ADHD, you must also show how the symptoms impact their ability to take timed tests. This part of the request is often where families fall short, but it's crucial.
Here’s what to include:
A detailed description of the ADHD symptoms, including frequency, duration, and intensity.
Specific examples of test-related difficulties, such as:
Trouble finishing exams on time
Increased anxiety under time pressure
Careless mistakes due to rushing
Difficulty focusing throughout a long exam
If the student has previously used extended time on school-based tests or state assessments (e.g., IEP or 504 accommodations), include that history to strengthen your case.
3. Building a Strong Application
To submit a compelling request for extended time, include as much relevant information as possible. Here’s what your application should contain:
A. Comprehensive Psychoeducational Testing
Include both cognitive and achievement testing, with a focus on timed and untimed scores.
Highlight any discrepancies in performance that support the need for extended time.
If the student has low processing speed, explain how this specifically affects timed tasks.
Note: Low processing speed alone does not guarantee accommodations. The key is showing how it affects academic performance during timed assessments.
B. Educational History
Mention any existing IEP or 504 Plans.
Detail any previous use of accommodations such as extended time or small-group testing environments.
Include relevant school records and feedback from teachers or support staff.
C. Teacher Input
A Teacher Survey Form or narrative letter can provide insight into how ADHD affects classroom performance.
Teachers can describe observable difficulties during tests, such as losing focus, slow pace, or stress under time constraints.
How to Submit Your Request
The most efficient way to apply for accommodations is through your school’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinator. This is typically a school counselor or special education administrator.
Steps:
Speak to your SSD Coordinator.
Provide them with all relevant documentation.
They will submit the application through the College Board’s SSD Online system.
If you prefer to submit the request independently, you can follow the How to Request Accommodations guide on the College Board’s website.
How Much Extra Time Is Given?
The amount of extra time varies depending on the student's needs and what the College Board approves. Here are some common scenarios:
50% Extended Time: Most common accommodation; student receives time-and-a-half on each section.
100% Extended Time: Less common; student receives double time but often must test over two days.
Other Accommodations: May include breaks as needed, small-group testing, or use of a computer for the essay.
Your approval letter will specify the exact time and format.
Final Thoughts: Advocate Early, Advocate Effectively
Applying for testing accommodations can feel overwhelming, but with the right documentation and a clear demonstration of need, many students with ADHD are successfully granted extended time and other necessary supports. Starting the process early—ideally several months before your test date—is essential. Be sure to work closely with your school’s SSD Coordinator to ensure all documentation is submitted accurately and on time.
Tampa Pediatric Psychology provides comprehensive ADHD evaluations, complete with a detailed written report that meets the documentation requirements for accommodation applications. Contact us to schedule an evaluation or learn more about how we can support your student through the accommodations process.
Check out this article for more information on testing accommodations: https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/request-accommodations/provide-documentation/frequently-requested