Feb 8 • Weekly Topic
The Classic Learning Test (CLT): A New Alternative to the SAT and ACT
If you’ve been paying attention to changes in college admissions, you may have heard about a newer standardized test called the Classic Learning Test, or CLT. It’s now accepted by roughly 150–300 colleges and universities, and interest in it continues to grow—especially among homeschoolers, private school families, and students from classical education backgrounds. So what is the CLT, where did it come from, and how does it compare to the SAT and ACT?
❓Where the CLT Came From
The Classic Learning Test was founded in 2015 by Jeremy Tate, a former teacher, tutor, and college counselor. Tate created the exam through an organization called Classic Learning Initiatives, based in Annapolis, Maryland.
The motivation behind the CLT was a growing concern that traditional standardized tests had become narrowly aligned with modern curriculum standards and test-taking strategies, rather than measuring deeper reasoning, literacy, and intellectual engagement. The CLT was designed to offer a different approach—one that reflects a broader tradition of learning.
❓Why the CLT Was Created
The CLT was built around a simple idea: standardized testing should measure a student’s ability to think, not just their ability to master test mechanics. Supporters argue that students should be evaluated on their capacity to read complex texts, reason logically, write clearly, and engage meaningfully with ideas. Rather than focusing on speed or tricks, the CLT emphasizes comprehension and reasoning. This has made the exam particularly appealing to:
- Homeschool families
- Classical and private schools
- Faith-based education communities
- Students looking for a test-optional alternative that still provides measurable data
❓What’s on the CLT
The CLT is a computer-based exam that takes about two hours to complete. It includes three required sections and an optional essay.
💠The Verbal Reasoning section uses passages from classic literature, historical documents, and influential texts, asking students to analyze arguments and meaning.
💠The Grammar and Writing section focuses on language mechanics, clarity, and structure.
💠The Quantitative Reasoning section tests mathematical thinking and logic, with an emphasis on reasoning rather than calculator-heavy computation. Calculator use is limited or not permitted.
💠 An optional essay is available for students who want to demonstrate writing ability, though it does not affect the composite score. CLT scores range from 0 to 120.
❓How the CLT Compares to the SAT and ACT
The SAT and ACT remain the most widely accepted college entrance exams in the U.S., but they differ in structure and emphasis.
💠The SAT focuses on evidence-based reading and writing alongside math problem-solving and is now fully digital.
💠The ACT takes a broader curricular approach, testing English, math, reading, and science reasoning.
💠The CLT is shorter and more tightly focused, emphasizing reading comprehension, logic, and writing. Its use of classical and historical texts sets it apart, and its growth reflects demand for assessments that value depth of thinking over breadth of content.
While the SAT and ACT are accepted nearly everywhere, the CLT is accepted by a growing number of colleges—particularly private liberal arts, faith-based, and classical institutions. Some schools also offer merit scholarships tied directly to CLT scores.
❓ Colleges That Accept the CLT
Colleges accepting CLT scores include institutions such as Baylor University, Hillsdale College, Wheaton College (Illinois), Liberty University, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Benedictine College, Cedarville University, Patrick Henry College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Toccoa Falls College, among many others.
Because acceptance policies can change, families should always confirm directly with admissions offices or consult the CLT’s official college list. https://www.cltexam.com/colleges/
❓Why This Matters
The CLT isn’t replacing the SAT or ACT—but it is expanding the conversation around what college readiness looks like. For students whose education emphasizes deep reading, discussion, and critical thinking, the CLT offers another way to show what they know. As college admissions continue to evolve, having more—not fewer—options benefits students and families navigating the process.
🗒️Final note: In my best assessment, the CLT is very homeschool-friendly and is quickly being adopted by homeschool-friendly colleges. At first glance, it might seem that CLT acceptors are conservative Christian colleges. However, the exam isn’t limited to that group. Several secular public universities and other non-religious colleges also accept the CLT, and its official partner list includes institutions that span educational missions, geographies, and academic profiles. So if you have taken a classical literature approach to homeschooling, you might want to put this test on our college prep list.
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The Classic Learning Test (CLT): A New Alternative to the SAT and ACT
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