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As standardized testing continues to evolve, significant changes are on the horizon for both the 2025 Digital SAT and ACT, particularly in the realm of accommodations. Extended timing, a crucial accommodation for students with learning disabilities or other documented needs, will play an important role in the digital versions of these tests. Understanding how these accommodations work and what the updates for 2025 entail is essential for students, parents, and educators who want to stay ahead of the changes.
In this article, we'll explore what extended timing accommodations look like for the 2025 Digital SAT and ACT, how to apply for these accommodations, and what students can expect when taking the tests.
What is Extended Timing for the SAT and ACT?
Extended timing is a commonly granted accommodation for students who require additional time to complete their standardized tests due to specific learning disabilities, attention disorders, or physical disabilities. Extended time allows students to take the test at a pace that accommodates their processing speed, reading comprehension, or physical challenges, ensuring that their performance reflects their knowledge and abilities rather than their speed.
For the 2025 Digital SAT and ACT, extended time will be crucial for students who need extra time to manage the demands of the exam. Both tests are moving toward digital formats, which brings about some key updates to how extended time accommodations are provided.
Key Updates for the 2025 Digital SAT: Extended Timing Accommodations
The SAT is a critical college admissions exam used by many institutions across the U.S. In 2025, the SAT will be delivered digitally, which means some changes in how accommodations are handled. Here’s a breakdown of what students can expect with extended timing for the 2025 Digital SAT:
Extended Timing on Sections
For students with extended time, the digital format will still offer additional time on each section of the test. Generally, the accommodations allow for a time-and-a-half extension on test sections:
Reading and Writing: Students will receive 1.5 times the standard time to complete the reading and writing sections. This is especially helpful for students who need more time to process and answer questions.
Math: Extended-time students will also receive 1.5 times the standard time to complete the math sections. The digital format will maintain the pacing for math questions, but with more time allocated for those who require accommodations.
Digital Adaptations for Accommodations
The 2025 Digital SAT will include certain features that can benefit students using extended time accommodations. For example:
Customizable Settings: Digital testing will allow for personalized adjustments, such as font size, screen contrast, or text-to-speech options.
Breaks and Pacing: Extended time accommodations also allow for additional breaks, giving students more time to refresh and focus during the test. The digital platform may even offer breaks between sections to help students manage their energy and focus.
Eligibility for Extended Timing
Students must apply for extended time accommodations through the College Board, which administers the SAT. To qualify, students typically need to submit:
Documentation of a Disability: Students must provide evidence of a disability, such as a learning disability, ADHD, or another condition that requires extended time.
Educational History: Students should demonstrate that they’ve used extended time accommodations in their regular schooling (such as during classroom tests or state assessments) as part of their request.
The College Board reviews these requests thoroughly, and students must meet specific criteria to receive extended time on the 2025 Digital SAT.
Key Updates for the 2025 Digital ACT: Extended Timing Accommodations
The ACT is another major standardized test used for college admissions, and it is also transitioning to a digital format. Just like the SAT, the 2025 Digital ACT will offer extended time for students with disabilities or documented needs. Here's how extended timing will work for the digital ACT:
Extended Timing for ACT Sections
The extended time for the digital ACT will also follow the time-and-a-half model for students with accommodations:
English, Math, Reading, and Science: Students will receive 1.5 times the standard time for each of these sections, which will be crucial for those who struggle with time pressure or need additional processing time.
Writing (Optional): For students who take the optional writing section, extended time will be granted as well.
Digital Adaptations
As the ACT moves to a digital platform, it will incorporate features to support extended timing accommodations:
Customizable Features: Similar to the SAT, the digital ACT will allow students to adjust settings to meet their needs. This might include text size, contrast, or the ability to highlight questions and passages to aid in reading comprehension.
Automatic Breaks: Digital testing platforms like the ACT may automatically pause the timer between sections or allow students to take breaks as needed, which is an important feature for students with extended time accommodations.
How to Apply for Extended Timing on the Digital ACT
To request extended timing for the 2025 Digital ACT, students must go through the ACT’s accommodation request process, which is managed through DRC (Data Recognition Corporation). Students need to submit:
Proof of Disability: Documentation from a licensed professional that explains the student’s need for extended time.
History of Use: Evidence that the student has previously used extended time in their school assessments or during other standardized tests.
Just like with the SAT, the ACT’s accommodation request process requires advanced planning, so it’s crucial to start the application process early.
What to Expect on Test Day with Extended Timing
With both the 2025 Digital SAT and ACT, students who have been granted extended time will notice some logistical differences on test day. Here’s what to expect:
Test Format
Both exams will be taken digitally, which means students will complete their tests on a computer or tablet. For those with extended time, there will be adjustments in the timing for each section, ensuring that the student has the extra time needed to fully engage with each question.
Technical Support
The transition to digital testing is expected to be smooth, but in case of any technical issues, there will be technical support available to ensure the student can continue with minimal disruption. If the student requires additional time due to a technical issue, this will be factored into their extended timing accommodation.
Breaks
Extended time accommodations typically include additional breaks. On digital testing platforms, breaks may be automatically built into the test. Students may also have the flexibility to take breaks as needed, especially if they are completing the test in a longer session due to extended time.
Why This Matters for Students
The updates for extended timing on the 2025 Digital SAT and ACT are significant because they ensure that students with disabilities or learning challenges have a fair chance to demonstrate their academic abilities.
Increased Access to College Admissions: With extended time, students who might have previously struggled with the time constraints of paper-based tests now have a better opportunity to perform at their best, which can make a significant difference in their college admissions process.
More Inclusive Testing: The digital formats and accommodations are designed to provide a more inclusive and supportive testing environment. This is part of a broader trend to create assessments that better reflect the diverse needs of all students.
Long-Term Benefits: By providing the proper accommodations, students have the opportunity to succeed and access higher education, which can positively impact their long-term academic and professional careers.
Preparing for the 2025 Digital SAT and ACT
With the transition to digital testing and the extended time accommodations for the 2025 SAT and ACT, it’s clear that the College Board and ACT are committed to making standardized testing more accessible for all students. If your child requires extended time, it’s crucial to begin the application process early and ensure that all necessary documentation is in place to receive these accommodations.
These changes offer an opportunity for students to showcase their true abilities without being hindered by the pressures of time constraints, making the college admissions process fairer and more inclusive. As always, staying informed about these changes will help ensure a smoother and more successful testing experience.
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