What is the Classic Learning Test?

Hello! I recently came across something called the Classic Learning Test (CLT), and I'm curious about what it is. How does it compare to the SAT and ACT? Is it something I should consider taking for college admissions?

Hello! The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a college entrance exam designed as an alternative to established standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. Founded in 2015, the CLT aims to be more closely aligned with classical education standards, emphasizing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and reading and analyzing complex texts.

The CLT is structured differently from the SAT and ACT. It consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar/Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning, and can be completed in two hours. The maximum possible score is 120, with each section accounting for a maximum of 40 points.

One major difference is that the CLT relies heavily on passages from classical literature and texts, emphasizing strong reading and analysis skills. In addition, the CLT is taken completely online and provides same-day results. The SAT and ACT both take more time to administer and score.

Though the number of colleges accepting the CLT is growing, it remains much smaller than the number of colleges that accept the SAT and ACT. If you are interested in pursuing the CLT, I recommend researching your target colleges to check if they accept the CLT as part of their admissions process. In some cases, taking the CLT in addition to the SAT or ACT might be beneficial if the test format and content align well with your strengths and the colleges you're interested in attending accept it.

However, it's important to note that the SAT and ACT are still the most widely recognized and accepted tests for college admissions, so it's generally a safer bet to focus on preparing for one (or both) of those if you are unsure which test to take.