The Classic Learning Test (CLT) in 2024: A Rising Opportunity for Students

In just two short years, the Classical Learning Test (CLT) has experienced a meteoric rise, growing tenfold in the number of test-takers since 2022. Now accepted at over 250 colleges, including some public institutions, the CLT has established itself as a compelling alternative to the SAT and ACT for students seeking to differentiate themselves in the college admissions process—particularly those applying to highly selective schools.

What Makes the CLT Different?

The CLT offers a refreshing approach to standardized testing, setting itself apart from the ACT and SAT in several significant ways. At its core, the CLT aligns with a mission to “reconnect knowledge and virtue,” which resonates deeply with families and institutions rooted in classical education and homeschooling traditions.

Content Focused on Great Works

While the SAT and ACT focus heavily on modern, utilitarian content, the CLT centers its reading and language sections around classical texts, drawing from works by authors like Plato, Augustine, Shakespeare, and Jane Austen. This focus on the great works of Western civilization allows students to engage with texts that emphasize deep thought, ethical considerations, and moral reasoning—qualities that the test itself seeks to cultivate in its takers.

A Balanced Test Structure

Unlike the ACT and SAT, which emphasize speed and often favor quick, surface-level responses, the CLT values depth of understanding. Test sections cover grammar, reading, and mathematical reasoning, but the questions often ask students to apply logic, moral reasoning, and ethical judgment in ways that challenge the mind beyond rote memorization.

Shorter and More Accessible Format

One of the significant advantages of the CLT is its shorter test duration. At just two hours, the CLT is more concise than both the ACT and SAT. This shorter format allows students to maintain focus without the burnout that longer tests can create, leading to a more authentic reflection of their abilities.

Opportunities for Homeschool and Classical Education Students

The CLT has become a game-changer, particularly for students from homeschooling or classical education backgrounds. Many of these students thrive on the rigorous, values-based education that the CLT mirrors. Classical education places a heavy emphasis on the Trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric), all of which are tested in the CLT through the lens of literature, philosophy, and ethics. Homeschool families and classical educators have welcomed the CLT as a test that honors their unique approach to learning, finally providing an assessment that aligns with their values and curriculum.

A New Era of College Admissions

The CLT’s rapid growth is no coincidence—its values-based approach to testing speaks to a broader educational movement that’s gaining traction, one that prizes character, virtue, and deep thinking alongside academic achievement. In 2024, the test is now accepted at over 250 colleges, including some public universities. This milestone demonstrates a significant shift in higher education, with more institutions recognizing the unique qualities and capabilities of students who choose the CLT.

For students applying to highly selective schools, the CLT serves as an excellent differentiator. Its classical curriculum and emphasis on ethics and virtue offer a clear contrast to the standard metrics provided by the ACT and SAT, giving students an edge in demonstrating their intellectual depth and moral reasoning.

Conclusion

The CLT in 2024 represents a new era of opportunity for students, especially those from homeschooling and classical education backgrounds. Its growth, reach, and unique mission make it a beacon for families seeking an educational experience rooted in both academic rigor and moral virtue. As more colleges accept the CLT and more students choose it as their preferred test, the CLT is poised to become a lasting part of the educational landscape, giving students a powerful way to showcase their knowledge and character. Clayborne is recommended by the makers of the CLT (as shown on their website) because we have a proven record of helping CLT students and their families navigate the process and achieve desired results.