A New Standard for Military Aspirants: The Classic Learning Test
A time-honored curriculum is set to redefine how America’s future military leaders are educated and selected. Reports indicate that the five federal U.S. service academies will, starting with the 2027 admissions cycle, officially accept Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores alongside the long-established SAT and ACT. This marks a pivotal moment for these elite institutions, which are responsible for training officers for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
This decision is being celebrated by conservative education advocates as a significant victory for classical education, potentially reshaping the academic preparation journey for thousands of military hopefuls nationwide.
Why the Embrace of the CLT?
For years, conservatives have voiced concerns that the SAT and ACT have moved away from what they consider "timeless" Western traditions, increasingly reflecting more progressive educational philosophies. The CLT, in contrast, is deeply rooted in classical texts and moral philosophy, drawing inspiration from literary giants and historical figures such as Homer, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Shakespeare, and foundational American documents like the Federalist Papers. Proponents argue that this framework fosters values like discipline, duty, and civic virtue, which are perfectly aligned with the core ethos of military service.
Further boosting its standing, several Republican-led states, including Florida and Texas, have already actively promoted the CLT in their schools and for public university admissions. This ideological alignment has now propelled the CLT onto one of the most meritocratic and respected stages in American education: the service academy pipeline.
Impact on Military Academy Applicants
From the 2027 admissions cycle forward, applicants will have the option to submit their CLT scores, either as a standalone submission or in conjunction with their SAT or ACT scores, to the following academies:
- U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
- U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)
- U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy (New London)
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point)
This expansion of accepted tests could particularly benefit students from classical charter schools, faith-based institutions, or homeschooling environments who are already immersed in the types of texts and philosophies assessed by the CLT. It is important to note that other rigorous admission requirements, such as nomination processes, physical fitness tests, and medical clearances, will remain unchanged; only the standardized testing options are being diversified.
A Closer Look at the CLT Exam Structure
The Classic Learning Test is a two-hour, single-paper examination consisting of 120 multiple-choice questions. It is scored out of 120, with the raw score then scaled to a maximum of 1310. The test is conveniently administered entirely online, allowing students to take it either from home or at an authorized test center. One of its key advantages for applicants is the rapid delivery of results, typically in under a week, offering a quicker turnaround compared to many traditional standardized tests.
| Section | Time | Questions | Focus |
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 minutes | 40 | Classical literature, philosophy, historical texts |
| Grammar/Writing | 40 minutes | 40 | English grammar, syntax, editing |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 minutes | 40 | Algebra, geometry, logical word problems |
Current Acceptance Landscape for CLT
Since its inception in 2015, the CLT has experienced consistent growth and is currently accepted by over 250 colleges. These institutions are primarily liberal arts and faith-based schools, including notable names like Hillsdale College, Grove City College, Liberty University, and Patrick Henry College. Additionally, the CLT is recognized for Florida’s prestigious Bright Futures scholarships.
Recent legislative initiatives in states such as Florida and Texas have also pushed some public universities to include the CLT among their accepted admissions tests. Should the Pentagon proceed with these reported changes, the U.S. service academies would become the first federally operated colleges to formally adopt the CLT, thereby granting the examination significant national recognition and prestige.