Texas Public Universities to Accept Classic Learning Test for Admissions

Texas public universities will begin accepting the Classic Learning Test (CLT) for undergraduate admissions starting August 1, following a decision by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) on July 22. This move positions Texas among a growing group of states that recognize the CLT as a valid alternative to the SAT and ACT for public university applicants, reflecting a national debate over standardized testing and the role of alternative assessments in college admissions.

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The THECB's approval came after a study commissioned from the Texas A&M Public Policy Institute. The study found that the CLT meets the "rigor and reliability" standards of the SAT and ACT. According to a July 23 memo from Texas Commissioner of Higher Education Wynn Rosser, the study concluded that all three exams—CLT, SAT, and ACT—met the general readiness benchmark and received acceptable overall scores for admissions consideration. However, the study also noted that there is less available data on the CLT compared to the more established tests, given its more recent introduction and smaller pool of test-takers.

Details of the CLT Decision

The Classic Learning Test was developed as a classical alternative to traditional standardized tests. Unlike the SAT and ACT, the CLT features excerpts from historical and classical texts, aiming to assess students' critical thinking and comprehension through a different lens. Jeremy Tate, co-founder of the CLT, has said the exam was created to "challenge the monopoly" of the College Board, which he described as the "unelected gatekeeper of American education." Tate emphasized that the CLT was intended as a legitimate competitor, not merely a niche option for a small group of students.

Hillsdale College senior Matthew Tolbert, who achieved a perfect CLT score, commented on the significance of the decision. "I am pleased to see that more states are breaking the SAT/ACT duopoly," Tolbert said. He noted that the CLT is particularly well-suited for liberal arts schools, while STEM-focused institutions may still prefer the SAT or ACT due to differences in the math sections. Tolbert also found the CLT more engaging than other standardized tests, citing its use of classical texts and focus on critical analysis.

With Texas joining Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, and Oklahoma in accepting the CLT for public university admissions, the test's reach continues to expand. In total, more than 360 public and private colleges and universities now recognize the CLT as a standardized testing option, according to the CLT’s website. This growing acceptance reflects a broader shift in higher education, as institutions seek to diversify the ways in which they assess student readiness and academic potential.

Broader Context and Reactions

The CLT’s acceptance in Texas comes amid a broader rise in classical education across the United States. Approximately 900 classical schools now operate nationwide, and many parents are choosing to homeschool using classical curricula. These schools emphasize teaching methods rooted in Western civilization and ancient traditions, focusing on the study of classical literature, philosophy, and logic. This educational movement has contributed to the demand for alternative assessments like the CLT, which align more closely with classical curricula than traditional standardized tests.

The decision has also drawn attention from policymakers and educational leaders. Service academies have begun accepting the CLT under Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who called the test the "gold standard." In Congress, Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., has introduced an amendment to the 2027 military budget requiring service academies to accept the CLT, a move intended to make it more difficult for future administrations to reverse the policy. These developments suggest that the CLT's influence may continue to grow, both in civilian and military higher education.

Supporters of the CLT argue that it offers a more intellectually engaging and time-efficient alternative to traditional exams. They contend that the CLT's focus on classical texts and reasoning skills provides a broader measure of student ability, especially for those educated in classical or liberal arts traditions. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the relative lack of long-term data on the CLT, given its shorter history and smaller testing pool. Some question whether the test can be as predictive of college success as the SAT or ACT, which have decades of data and research behind them.

Study Findings and Policy Implications

The Texas A&M Public Policy Institute’s study, cited in the official memo, determined that the CLT, SAT, and ACT all met the state’s readiness benchmarks for admissions. While the report acknowledged the smaller data set for the CLT, it found no evidence that the test was less rigorous or reliable than its counterparts. The study concluded that all three tests are suitable for use in admissions, providing Texas public universities with greater flexibility in evaluating applicants.

Officials from the College Board and ACT did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the Texas decision. As more states and institutions consider adopting the CLT, the debate over the future of standardized testing in college admissions is likely to continue. For now, Texas students applying to public universities will have an additional option for demonstrating their academic readiness, reflecting broader changes in the landscape of higher education assessment.