What is the Classic Learning Test? Everything You Need to Know unisearch

The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a college entrance exam alternative to the SAT and ACT. Accepted by mainly religious private colleges, the CLT has a stronger focus on critical thinking skills compared to other entrance exams. Keep reading to learn what exactly the Classic Learning Test is and everything you need to know about it! 

What is the Classic Learning Test? 

The Classic Learning Test or CLT is an online college entrance exam accepted by some schools. The CLT is comparable to the ACT and SAT with a stronger emphasis on critical thinking skills. The CLT is designed for high school juniors and seniors who are planning on attending college or university. 

The “classic” refers to the use of classical literature and historical texts for the reading sections found on the CLT. Over 250 CLT partner schools recruit and recognize CLT test-takers. 

Don’t miss: What are guaranteed scholarships based on ACT/SAT? 

Why take the CLT? 

There are many reasons why you should take the CLT. First, over 250 colleges accept the CLT allowing students to have a lot of options. The schools that tend to accept the CLT are smaller, religious, private schools so if you want to attend a CLT partner-school it may be beneficial to take the CLT! Additionally, these CLT partner schools offer scholarships specifically for students who have taken the CLT. 

The CLT is a short entrance exam in comparison to other entrance exam options such as the SAT or ACT that only requires a computer. 

Check out: Top colleges for students in 2024

What is the CLT’s structure? 

The CLT is a 2 hour exam that is divided into 3 sections: verbal reasoning, grammar/writing and quantitative reasoning with an optional essay. Each section has 40 questions. Each verbal reasoning and grammar/writing section has 4 reading passages and each passage has 10 questions. 

Section	Time allotted	Number of questions
Verbal Reasoning	40 minutes	40
Grammar/Writing	35 minutes	40
Quantitative Reasoning	45 minutes	40
Optional Essay	30 minutes	1
Total	120 minutes (2 hours) (Without the optional essay ad-on)	120

Verbal Reasoning section breakdown

The verbal reasoning section of the CLT tests a student’s ability to understand and analyze a text. The verbal reasoning section contains 4 reading passages drawn from passages in the Western tradition with 10 questions per passage. The questions found in this section will either be a comprehension or analysis question. 

Comprehension

There are 27 comprehension questions on the CLT. These questions can be broken down into the following categories: 

• Passage as a whole (8 questions) 
• Passage details (11 questions) 
• Passage relationship (8 question) 

Analysis

There are 13 analysis questions found in the verbal reasoning section. These questions can be broken down into the following categories:

• Textual analysis (8 questions)
• Interpretation of evidence (5 questions) 

Related: Top SAT reading tips for 2024

Grammar/Writing section breakdown

The grammar/writing section tests students on their ability to edit and improve a piece of writing. This section contains 4 reading passages drawn from passages in the Western tradition with 10 questions per passage. The questions found in this section will either be a grammar or a writing question. 

Grammar

There are 20 grammar questions in this section. These questions can be broken down into the following categories: 

• Agreement (10 questions)
• Punctuation and sentence structure (10 questions) 

Writing

There are 20 writing questions in this section. These questions can be broken down into the following categories: 

• Structure (8 questions)
• Style (8 questions)
• Word choice (4 questions) 

Also see: Top English scholarships

Reading passages

The CLT focuses on drawing literary, philosophical and scientific reading passages from a wide variety of perspectives. Therefore, the CLT has a specific distribution of subject categories throughout the test. Below is a chart detailing this distribution:  

Passage Type	Number of Passages per test
Modern/Influential Thinkers	12.5% (1 passage)
Historical Profile	12.5% (1 passage)
Historical/Founding Documents	12.5% (1 passage)
Literature	12.5% (1 passage)
Science	25% (2 passages)
Philosophy/Religion	25% (2 passages)

Quantitative Reasoning section breakdown

The quantitative reasoning section tests student’s ability to use and manipulate symbols, understand shapes and think logically. This section has 40 questions that fall into either Algebra I or II, Geometry or Mathematical reasoning category. 

Algebra I and II 

There are 10 questions in the Algebra category. These questions can be broken down into the following categories: 

• Arithmetic and operations
• Algebraic expressions and equations 

Geometry

There are 14 Geometry questions which can be broken down into the following categories: 

• Plane geometry
• Properties of shapes
• Trigonometry 

Mathematical Reasoning 

There are 16 questions in the mathematical reasoning category that can be broken down into the following categories: 

Related: Top SAT math tips in 2024

Optional essay section breakdown

Students who take the exam online have the option of completing an unscored optional essay section. This essay will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their writing with colleges. Students will be given 30 minutes to answer 1 question. 

Don’t miss: How to write a great supplemental essay

Remote proctoring

Students can take the CLT in school with a paper or online version or at home with remote proctoring. Remote proctoring allows students to take the CLT at home with their own computers. 

Scoring

The CLT has 120 questions with a total of 120 possible points. There is no penalty for wrong answers! Therefore, the total score that a student receives on the CLT closely reflects the number of test questions a student got correct. 

CLT vs SAT vs ACT

	CLT	SAT	ACT
College acceptance	Over 250 schools	Most schools	Most schools
Format	Online	Digital	Paper and online
Time	2 hours	2 hours and 14 minutes	2 hours and 55 minutes
Price	$69	$68	$69 ($94 with writing)
Registration/Score Fees	N/A	$14-$55	$19-$116
Scoring	0-120	400-1600	1-36
Multiple attempts allowed	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sending scores	Free	$14 each after the first four	$19 each after the first four

Check out the official CLT’s website for SAT score and ACT score conversion charts. 

What is a “good” CLT score? 

The CLT is scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 120. The CLT score is calculated by the number of correct questions with no penalty for answering a question incorrectly. A score above 70 is typically an above-average score with a score above 100 being above-average! A perfect SAT or ACT score is the equivalent of scoring a 114 on the CLT. 

Don’t miss: What is a high SAT score? 

How much is the CLT? 

The CLT costs $69 and this price includes comprehensive student analytics. 

What colleges accept the CLT? 

Over 250 colleges and universities accept CLT scores! Check the official CLT website for the full list of colleges. 

Additionally, some of the CLT partner colleges offer summer programs for high school students to provide insight into campus life and delve into a variety of academic subjects. These schools include: 

• Abilene Christian University
• Anderson University
• Ashland University
• Ave Maria University
• Belmont Abbey College
• Benedictine College
• Christendom College
• Colorado Christian University
• Covenant College
• Dallas Baptist University
• Faulkner University
• Gordon College
• Gutenberg College
• Huntington University
• Malone University
• Montreat College
• Mount St Mary’s University
• New Saint Andrew’s College
• St. John’s College
• Thales College
• The Catholic University of America
• The Master’s University
• The University of Tulsa
• Thomas Aquinas College
• Thomas More College of Liberal Arts 
• University of Dallas
• Wheaton College
• Wyoming Catholic College

How can I practice for the CLT? 

Once you have registered for a free CLT account, you will have access to free online practice exams that provide answer explanations. The CLT practice tests are timed and formatted like the actual CLT. This is a great way to become familiar with the CLT software and format before the real deal! 

Additionally, students can buy the Classic Learning Test Student Guide which includes 3 full-length practice tests, essay prompts and advice for preparing for the CLT. 

Outside of the CLT resources offered, CLT has partnered with Clayborne Test Prep and College Prep Genius to offer students additional resources and individualized tutoring. 

Related: Top free SAT practice tests and prep resources

What are the CLT test dates? 

2024-2025 CLT test dates

• November 7, 2024 – paper test available for schools
• December 7, 2024 
• January 25, 2025
• February 20, 2025 – paper test available for schools
• March 15, 2025
• April 10, 2025 – paper test available for schools
• May 10, 2025
• June 18, 2025

CLT and Florida

Students in Florida are able to use CLT scores to apply to Florida state universities, earn Bright Futures scholarships, satisfy graduation requirements and earn dual credit! The state of Florida funds all school districts to administer the CLT to Florida 11th graders. 

Check out: Why should I earn college credit in high school? 

BrightFutures Scholarship

Florida students can use CLT scores to satisfy the test score requirements for both of the Florida Bright Futures scholarships: the Florida Academic Scholarship (FAS) and the Florida Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholarship (FMS). For the 2024-2025 academic year the testing requirements are: 

• 2025 graduates
  • FAS award = 96 or above
  • FMS award = 84 or above
• 2026 graduates
  • FAS award = 95 or above
  • FMS award = 82 or above 

Review the CLT’s official website regarding Florida scores and score sharing as well as scoring requirements.  

Also see: Top Florida scholarships

Are scholarships offered for the CLT? 

Yes! The CLT partner colleges have tied over $100 million annually in scholarship dollars connected directly to CLT scores! Additionally, the CLT10 offers National Award Winners a $2,500 scholarship. 

As mentioned above, the CLT also satisfies the test score requirements for both of the Florida BrightFutures scholarship, providing Florida students with a way to fund higher education. 

Additionally, the CLT offers parental choice programs which allows families access to CLT assessments through educational savings accounts and scholarships by state: 

CLT scholarships by college

• Abilene Christian University: Offers $10,000 to $20,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores 
• Adrian College: Offers $13,000 to $20,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Appalachian Bible College: Offers $500 to $1,700 per year based on GPA and CLT scoresAscent College: Offers academic scholarships based on GPA and CLT scores
• Ave Maria University: Offers scholarships up to $7,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Benedictine College: Offers $10,000 to $19,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores. Students who earn at least an 84 are eligible to enter the Presidential Scholars Competition which awards 15 up to full-tuition scholarships. Students who earn a perfect CLT score (120) will be considered for the Premier Scholarship which is worth full-tuition.
• Bethlehem College and Seminary: Offers $10,000 per year for students who meet the GPA requirements and earn at least a 70 on the CLT 
• Blue Mountain College: Offers $3,000 to $10,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Boyce College: Offers the Boyce Academic Excellence Scholarship that is worth up to full tuition for students who earn at least an 86 on the CLT 
• Bryan College: Offers $1,500 to $3,500 per year for students who earn at least a 68 on the CLT and meet GPA requirements 
• Calvin University: Offers $12,000 to $20,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Carolina Christian College: Offers $250 to $8,930 per year based on GPA and for students who earn an 84 on the CLT 
• Cedarville University: Offers $11,000 to $22,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Christendom College: Offers $6,000 to $15,000 per year based on qualifying CLT scores
• College for All: Students who earn at least a 65 on the CLT are offered the High Achiever’s Scholarship which is worth 50% off tuition. Students who earn at least a 75 on the CLT are considered for the Elite Honors Scholarship. 
• Columbia International University: Offers $3,000 to $12,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Covenant College: Offers $10,000 to $20,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores. Students who earn at least a 91 on the CLT are encouraged to compete for the Maclellan Scholarship which is worth full tuition. 
• Dallas Baptist University: Offers $4,000 to $12,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores. 
• Dallas International University: A 72 on the CLT will award a 15% tuition discount, an 86 on the CLT will award a 25% tuition discount, a 104 on the CLT will earn a 50% discount
• East Texas Baptist University: Offers $3,000 to $11,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Emmaus Bible College: Offers scholarships up to $15,000 based on GPA and CLT scores
• Erskine College: Offers scholarships up to full tuition based on GPA and CLT scores
• Faulkner University: Offers $6,000 to $13,000 per year based on CLT scores
• Florida Gulf Coast University: Offers $3,000 to $15,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Florida International University: Offers $1,000 to $24,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Florida State University: Offers scholarships based on GPA and CLT scores
• Franciscan University: Offers $7,000 to $15,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Freed-Hardeman University: Offers $3,000 to $15,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Geneva College: Offers $12,500 to $17,500 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• George Fox University: Offers $6,000 to $20,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Grove City College: Offers $8,000 to full tuition per year for students who earn a strong CLT score
• Hardin-Simmons University: Offers $12,000 to $20,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Harding University: Offers $6,000 to $11,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Hillsdale College: Offers $1,000 to full tuition based on CLT scores
• Houston Christian College: Offers $10,000 to $23,000 per year based on GPA, class rank and CLT scores
• Howard Payne University: Offers $7,000 to $14,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• John Brown University: Offers $5,500 to $12,500 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• John Paul the Great Catholic University: Offers academic scholarships based on GPA and CLT scores
• Lancaster Bible College: Offers bonus scholarships to students who submit their CLT scores
• Liberty University: Offers bonus scholarships to students who submit their CLT scores
• Lincoln Christian University: Offers $1,000 to $6,500 based on GPA and CLT scores
• Lipscomb University: Offers $7,000 to $19,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Lubbock Christian University: Offers $2,000 to $11,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Luther Classical College: Offers scholarships ranging from 5% to 25% off tuition based on GPA and CLT scores
• Lyceum Program at Clemson University: Offers $10,000 per year
• Magdalen College: Offers $1,000 to full-tuition based on GPA and CLT scores
• Malone University: Offers $8,000 to full-tuition based on GPA and CLT scores
• Mid-Atlantic Christian University: Offers $1,000 to full tuition based on GPA and CLT scores
• Mississippi College: Offers $9,500 to $12,500 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Mount St. Mary’s University: Offers $22,000 to $31,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• New College Franklin: Offers 75% off of tuition if students earn at least a 90 on the CLT 
• New Saint Andrews College: Offers $1,000 to full tuition based on GPA and CLT scores
• Oklahoma Christian University: Offers $6,000 to $12,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Palm Beach Atlantic University: Offers scholarships based on GPA and CLT scores
• Patrick Henry College: Offers $2,000 to $14,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Penn View Bible Institute: Offers $875 to $2,280 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Pensacola Christian College: Offers up to $8,120 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Providence Christian College: Offers $1,000 to full-tuition per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Regent University: Offers $2,000 to $9,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Saint Martin’s University: Offers $10,000 to $25,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Saint Vincent College: Offers $17,000 to $26,500 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• St. John’s College: Offers $1,000 to full-tuition per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• St. Olaf College: Offers $21,000 to $29,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Stetson University: Offers scholarships based on GPA and CLT scores
• Taylor University: Offers $10,00 to $20,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Templeton Honors College: Offers scholarships up to full-tuition based on GPA and CLT scores
• The King’s College (NYC): Students who earn a 77-83 will be considered for $10,000 per year, students who earn a 84-91 will be considered for $12,000 per year, students who earn at least a 92 will be considered for $14,000 per year
• The Master’s University: Offers $6,000 to $18,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• The University of Tulsa: Offers CLT10 National Award Winners a full-tuition scholarship
• Thomas More College of the Liberal Arts: Students with a CLT score receive a $1,000 scholarship
• Toccoa Falls College: Offers scholarships based on GPA and CLT scores
• Trinity College of Florida: Offers scholarships based on GPA and CLT scores
• Union University: Offers $10,000 to $16,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• University of Dallas: Offers $1,000 to $30,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• University of Northwestern, St. Paul: Offers $5,000 to $16,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• University of Saint Katherine: Offers $1,000 to $10,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Wheaton College: Offers $12,000 to $20,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• Whitworth University: Offers $16,000 to $30,000 per year based on GPA and CLT scores
• William Carey University: Students who reach certain CLT score ranges will qualify for scholarships
• Wyoming Catholic College: Offers 50% off tuition per year based on GPA and CLT scores

Should I take the CLT? 

The answer to this question depends purely on each student’s individual circumstances and academic goals! The CLT may not be worth your time if you are not aiming to attend any schools that accept the CLT. However, if you plan on attending a CLT partner school, it can be extremely valuable to take the exam in order to obtain scholarship money to help fund your education. 

Read more: Should I take the SAT/ACT? 

Frequently asked questions about the Classic Learning Test (CLT)