Does Your Child Get SSAT Accommodations? What You Need to Know

Will your child need special accommodations to take the SSAT test? The exam proctors will make every effort to arrange special administrations for students who are unable to take the SSAT under standard conditions because of a documented learning difference or a physical challenge. Read on for instructions on eligibility and how to apply for accommodations.

As far as eligibility, any student with an identified disabling condition or impairment which substantially limits their ability to perform a major life activity. Major life activities include, but are not limited to: seeing, hearing, speaking, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and learning. If you are unsure of your student’s needs, The SSAT Association recommends reaching out to professionals at the current school who are most familiar with your student’s needs. Additionally, if applicable, contact your student’s medical professionals. Lastly, you may choose to contact The Association directly at ta@enrollment.org for consultation regarding the appropriateness of particular testing accommodations for your student.

To apply for special accommodations on the SSAT, first you must log in to your student’s account, click the “View My Tests” button and then the “Apply for /View My Accommodations” tab. Next, indicate your student’s requested testing accommodations, disabilities, and related information before providing contact information for an approver. The approver must be able to attest that the disabilities indicated and testing accommodations requested are reasonable and valid for your student, and that documentation is on file with the current organization/school.

After you submit your request, your approver will receive an email with a link to complete a secure online approval form. This will allow your student’s approver to confirm the requested accommodations and that the documentation is on file. Your approver will also need to send us proof of their identity, such as a business card or letter on letterhead. You will be notified by email when your approver completes the online form, and notified again  when your approver submits identification. Both portions of the approval MUST be completed by the approver before your application will be processed or reviewed.

If your application is approved, you can now register for the SSAT! When doing so, you must indicate that your student requires testing accommodations. For Standard test dates, there is a general two week approval timeframe in advance of the registration deadlines for those students requesting testing accommodations. For example, for the SSAT test on October 14, 2017, the deadline for applying for accommodations and submitting all documentation (including what your approver must provide) is September 16, 2017, and the deadline for registering for the test with accommodations is September 30, 2017.

Your student’s approved testing accommodations will be linked to your student’s test registration and each approved accommodation will be listed on the admission ticket. Approved applications remain valid for one year and expire on July 31st. For more information on special accommodations for the SSAT, including accepted disabilities and forms of documentation, please click here.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services