The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a standardized exam introduced in 2015 by Classic Learning Initiatives. It was designed as an alternative to traditional college entrance tests like the SAT and ACT, for students who were taught a classical educational curriculum. It aims to measure student academic achievement and aptitude through assessments in reading, grammar, writing, and mathematics. It fosters critical and logical thinking, while steering clear of elements like calculator-dependent math or statistics. If you value a classical curriculum that challenges you with age-old literature and historical texts, and you believe this style of testing mirrors the type of analytical thinking that benefits true academic formation, the CLT might resonate with you.
Content
The CLT is built around a classical education model. It incorporates excerpts from influential historical and literary works—such as by Shakespeare, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, C. S. Lewis, and Mark Twain, as well as biblical passages—in an effort to assess not only basic academic skills but also the deeper reasoning and critical thinking skills that stem from engaging with enduring ideas. This focus on classic content means that the CLT is less about memorizing contemporary academic jargon and more about testing how students interact with ideas that have shaped our cultural and intellectual heritage.
Admissions
The standard CLT used in the college admissions process is designed for grades 11-12. The CLT is generally divided into areas like verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and grammar/writing—with an optional essay section. 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. Over 200 colleges and universities, largely private, liberal arts, or faith-based institutions, have accepted CLT scores for admissions or course-placement purposes. Notably, some states, like Florida, have begun accepting the CLT for admission to public universities.
Administration
Beyond its content, the CLT offers flexibility in administration. It’s designed to be taken online, typically in about a two-hour testing window, with a composite scoring system that caps at 120 points. The test offers score concordance tables that allow comparisons between its scoring system and those of the SAT and ACT, making it easier for admissions officers to interpret the results. This structure allows the CLT to serve a wide range of students in many educational settings—whether they’re in public schools, private schools, charter schools, or even being homeschooled. However, the test has faced criticism regarding its alignment with high school math and science standards due to its lack of calculator-based mathematics or scientific reasoning (in the case of the ACT).
Conclusion
Classical education is an ancient learning model that cultivates wisdom, virtue, and the pursuit of truth. It focuses on original sources, Socratic seminars, and a firm foundation of knowledge. The CLT is a practical option that offers an appealing alternative for students seeking a test that aligns closely with a traditional classical education approach. This approach not only evaluates standard academic skills, critical thinking and logic, but also has test-takers review enduring ideas from history and literature, ensuring that the skills assessed are both timeless and transferable.
1 Comment
Add a Comment