Testing Accommodations for Admissions Exams

by Allison. Posted in ISEE, MAP, SSAT

When preparing for admissions exams, many students and families have questions about testing accommodations. What are they exactly? How do you know if you’re eligible? What does the application process look like? Testing accommodations are modifications to the standard testing conditions designed to help students with disabilities or medical needs demonstrate their true abilities on admissions exams. These changes don’t alter the content or scoring of the test—they’re simply meant to provide equitable access to the exam environment. Accommodations can make a big difference for students who need extra support during testing, and they do not appear on the student’s score report.

What types of accommodations are available on the SSAT?

The Enrollment Management Association (EMA), which administers the SSAT, offers a wide range of accommodations. Common examples include:

  • Extended time (usually 50% or 1.5x more)
  • Breaks during the test
  • Use of a computer for the writing sample
  • Testing in a separate or small-group setting
  • Access to medical items or activities (e.g., snacks, medication, etc.)

Not all accommodations are available at every test center, so it’s important to plan ahead and select a test site that supports your student’s approved accommodations. If your student will be testing with extended time, Test Innovators practice tests allow for extra time to simulate testing conditions as accurately as possible.

For more information on accommodations for the SSAT, please click here.

What types of accommodations are available on the ISEE? 

ERB, publisher of the ISEE, offers a wide variety of accommodation options for students. Not all testing formats are capable of providing every type of accommodation, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time and register for a testing format that suits your needs. You can see which test formats support each accommodation type on ERB’s website under the Accommodation Availability section.

The most common accommodation is extended time, either 50% more or double time. Other accommodations include:

  • Calculator use
  • Computer use for essay
  • Scribe
  • Reader
  • Large print test

For more information on accommodations for the ISEE, please click here.

What types of accommodations are available on the MAP? 

NWEA is committed to creating assessments that meet the unique learning needs of all students, including those with disabilities. Ensuring that their assessments are accessible, easy to use, and reliable is part of an ongoing initiative to remove barriers and improve accommodations for students with disabilities.

Just a few of the innovative solutions available for use with MAP Growth include:

  • Screen reader
  • Keyboard navigation
  • Refreshable braille
  • Magnification and color contrast
  • Highlighter and eraser

For more information on accommodations for the MAP, please click here.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services