Looking for an alternative to the SAT or ACT? Meet the Classic Learning Test (CLT)—a fresh, values-based assessment that’s rapidly gaining recognition across the U.S. education landscape.
Created in 2015 by Jeremy Tate, the CLT was designed to “reclaim the standard” in college admissions testing by reconnecting knowledge with virtue. The test draws from classic texts and the great Western tradition, offering a more meaningful assessment for students who seek truth, goodness, and beauty in education.
As of 2025, over 250 colleges accept the CLT for both admissions and scholarship consideration.
Why the CLT Stands Out
Unlike the SAT and ACT, which focus on “value-neutral” content, the CLT is rooted in a holistic educational philosophy that shapes both intellect and character. This is reflected in the source material, which includes works by classical authors, philosophers, and thinkers who have shaped modern civilization.
For homeschoolers and traditional students alike, the CLT provides a refreshing alternative—often with less test anxiety since it can be taken at home or at a partnering school with remote proctoring available.
CLT Format at a Glance
Test Length: 2 hours
Sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar/Writing, Quantitative Reasoning
Device: Taken on a student’s own laptop or tablet
Schedule: Offered 14 times per year
Scoring: 120 questions, max score = 120
Super Scoring: Many colleges combine highest section scores from multiple tests
Results: Fast turnaround with an in-depth analytics report
👉 Use Partner ID CPG25 for 25% off CLT registration.
CLT vs SAT vs ACT: Score Conversion
| CLT | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| 120 | 36 | 1600 |
| 85 | 25 | 1220 |
| 70 | 21 | 1080 |
| 60 | 19 | 1000 |
| 50 | 17 | 930 |
| …and so on |
The CLT is norm-referenced and nationally recognized, ensuring its scores are comparable to the SAT and ACT.
CLT10: Sophomore Scholarship Opportunity
Sophomores can take the CLT10, a scholarship-eligible test similar to the PSAT/NMSQT. It’s typically offered five times a year (September, November, February, April, and June), and students can take it multiple times.
Many colleges award scholarships based on the highest score achieved, so repeated testing is encouraged.
CLT Awards Include:
Distinguished Scholar – Top in school
Regional Scholar – Top 5% in geographic area
National Scholar – Top 50 scores nationwide
Younger Student Options: CLT 3–CLT 8
CLT 7–8: Measures progress and can be used for school admissions. Covers reading, writing, grammar, and math.
CLT 3–6: Encourages young students to think critically about great ideas through verbal and quantitative reasoning. These tests are untimed and can be taken online or on paper.
Analytics Report: Your Personalized Feedback
Every CLT test comes with a free analytics report, which includes:
Scores by subject area
Strengths and weaknesses
Percentiles
Detailed answer explanations
Practice question suggestions
Note: The difficulty level of each question is not disclosed, but reports help target areas for improvement.
CLT for End-of-Year Homeschool Testing
The CLT10 is a norm-referenced test that is accepted by many states as an official end-of-year assessment for homeschoolers. It satisfies testing requirements while helping students prepare for scholarships and college admission.
CLT and NCAA Eligibility
Currently, the CLT is not yet fully accepted by the NCAA for Division I or II athletes. However, the CLT team is actively working with the NCAA and NAIA to expand eligibility. Parents are encouraged to contact colleges directly—your voice matters in growing acceptance.
College Prep Genius + CLT: The Ultimate Prep Partnership
College Prep Genius (CPG) is the exclusive test prep partner of the CLT since 2017. It’s the only program built using real CLT exams and includes exclusive strategies for every section—Verbal Reasoning, Grammar, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Students learn to:
Recognize hidden patterns
Master tricky questions
Finish confidently within time limits
👉 Don’t forget to use Partner ID CPG25 to save 25% on your registration.
Final Thoughts
The CLT is more than just a test—it’s a values-based alternative that’s redefining college readiness and academic excellence. It offers students the chance to showcase their critical thinking skills in an environment that respects tradition, character, and intellectual depth.
Whether you’re a homeschooler looking for a meaningful assessment or a college-bound student exploring scholarship options, the CLT may be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
