Timing can be a terrible challenge on a timed standardized exam, especially for students whose accommodations allow for 150%, 200%, or even 300% longer testing times. College Board has, over the decades, made the process for requesting and receiving extended time both easier and more successful.
Students who qualify for Time and One-Half on the SAT receive 50% more time per section than usual, for a total of 3 hours, 41 minutes. Bluebook automatically sets the applicable test time for students testing with extended time:
Reading & Writing Module 1 – 48 minutes
< 5 minute break >
Reading & Writing Module 2 – 48 minutes
< 10 minute break >
Math Module 1 – 53 minutes
< 5 minute break >
Math Module 2 – 53 minutes
As of Spring 2025, students testing with Extended Time don’t need to use all of their time:
Beginning in Spring 2025, students with extended time (time and one-half, double time, or more) will have the option of moving to the next part of the test before their full extended time expires, once the standard testing time has passed. While students are encouraged to use all of the time that they need and are approved for, they will not be required to stay for their full extended time if they finish testing or are ready to move on sooner.
Another important distinction is that extended time may not be needed for every section of the SAT. College Board provides the example of a student with a disability impacting math calculations may not need extended time for writing sections. That said, students approved for extended time in reading will be provided extended time for all test sections that require reading.
NOTE: Students who receive extended time should use as much of that time as they need and not try to rush a section. In addition, we strongly recommend taking practice tests with your full accommodations.
Mike Bergin