U.S. military service academies—including West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy—are now accepting the Classic Learning Test (CLT). The CLT is a standardized test developed in 2015 as a conservative alternative to the SAT and ACT. This move aligns with a broader cultural shift within the military and education sectors, signaling a move toward a more classical educational philosophy that teaches students how to think rather than what to think, which is the opposite of DEI groupthink.
The military academies will begin accepting CLT scores starting with the 2027 admissions cycle, and are already updating their admissions materials accordingly. This marks a significant change in admissions policy and standardized testing options for applicants to these prestigious institutions. West Point has already updated its admissions page to reflect that CLT scores will be accepted beginning February 2026, in preparation for the 2027 admissions cycle.
The classical education approach focuses on original sources, Socratic seminars, and a firm foundation of knowledge. The CLT is distinguished by its emphasis on classic literature, American history, Christian thinkers, and ethical reasoning alongside verbal reasoning, grammar/writing, and quantitative reasoning, while also forbidding calculators on the math section. This focus on classic content means that the CLT is more about testing how students interact with ideas that have shaped our cultural and intellectual heritage.
Historically, the CLT was favored among homeschooled students and those in private or faith-based educational settings, and it’s been steadily gaining more widespread recognition. Supporters state that the CLT helps break the duopoly of the SAT and ACT, offering a different lens for evaluating student aptitude. It’s currently accepted by about 300 colleges, mostly small, private, and religious institutions. Notably, some states, like Florida, have also begun accepting the CLT for admission to public universities.
Just to be clear, the CLT is not replacing anything; it will be a third accepted test. However, it offers an appealing alternative for students seeking a test that aligns closely with a traditional classical education philosophy—whether they’re in public schools, private schools, charter schools, or being homeschooled.
