The Growing Acceptance of the Classic Learning Test: What College Applicants and Parents Should Know

For decades, the SAT and ACT have dominated the college admissions landscape. But in recent years, the Classic Learning Test (CLT) has emerged as a meaningful alternative—especially as more colleges adopt it. If you’re a college applicant or parent trying to understand whether the CLT is worth considering, here’s a clear, practical guide to the exam and its expanding role in admissions.

What Is the Classic Learning Test (CLT)?

The CLT is a standardized exam designed to assess:

•  Reading comprehension
•  Grammar and writing
•  Mathematical reasoning
•  Critical thinking

Unlike the SAT and ACT, the CLT draws heavily from classic literature, historical texts, and philosophical works, emphasizing deep reading and analytical reasoning.

The test is administered online, can be taken from home with remote proctoring, and provides fast score reporting—features many students find appealing.

Why the CLT Is Gaining Acceptance

1. More Colleges Are Adopting the CLT

As of 2025, over 250 colleges and universities accept the CLT for admissions, scholarships, or honors college placement. With roughly 4,000 accredited colleges in the U.S., that means the CLT is now recognized by about 5–6% of institutions.

This includes Hillsdale College, a selective liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and classical education emphasis. Hillsdale’s adoption of the CLT has helped elevate the exam’s credibility among families and educators.

2. Selective Colleges Are Signaling Confidence in the CLT

Hillsdale’s acceptance of the CLT is significant. As a respected liberal arts institution with a strong national reputation, its decision signals that the CLT is not merely a niche alternative but a legitimate assessment tool for academically strong students.

3. Alignment With Classical and Liberal Arts Education

The CLT’s reading passages—from authors like Jane Austen, Frederick Douglass, and C.S. Lewis—align closely with the curriculum at many liberal arts and classical education institutions. Schools with a humanities‑focused mission often view the CLT as a better reflection of their academic values than the SAT or ACT.

4. Flexibility and Convenience

The CLT offers:

•  Online testing
•  Remote proctoring
•  Multiple test dates
•  Quick score turnaround

For students with limited access to testing centers or busy schedules, this flexibility can be a major advantage.

5. A Different Approach to Assessment

Families who prefer a humanities‑based or classical education approach often appreciate that the CLT emphasizes:

•  Deep reading
•  Moral and philosophical reasoning
•  Analytical thinking
•  Engagement with primary texts

Students who excel in literature, history, and philosophy often find the CLT more intuitive than the SAT or ACT.

Is the CLT Right for Every Student?

Not necessarily. While the CLT is growing, it is not accepted by most highly selective national universities. Students applying broadly—especially to top‑tier research institutions—may still need SAT or ACT scores.

However, the CLT can be an excellent option for:

•  Students applying to colleges that explicitly accept the CLT
•  Students who prefer classical or humanities‑based reading
•  Homeschool students
•  Students in classical education programs
•  Students who want a remote testing option

The key is to check each college’s testing policy early in the application process.

How Parents Should Approach the CLT

Parents can support their students by:

•  Reviewing each college’s testing requirements
•  Comparing CLT, SAT, and ACT formats
•  Considering the student’s academic strengths
•  Encouraging practice tests to see which exam feels most natural

The goal isn’t to choose the “best” test—it’s to choose the test that best reflects the student’s abilities and aligns with their college list.

Final Takeaway

The Classic Learning Test is no longer a fringe option. With over 250 colleges—about 5–6% of U.S. institutions—now accepting CLT scores, including the selective Hillsdale College, the exam has become a meaningful alternative for many applicants. While it won’t replace the SAT or ACT for every student, it offers families another pathway to demonstrate academic readiness in an evolving admissions landscape.