Do Service Academies Accept the Classical Learning Test (CLT)?
Understanding how the Classical Learning Test (CLT) fits into U.S. Service Academy admissions and what it means for applicants.
Does the Naval Academy or West Point Accept the Classical Learning Test (CLT)?
A major change is on the horizon for students applying to America’s service academies. According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, the Department of Defense is preparing to allow the U.S. Service Academies—including West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and others—to accept the Classical Learning Test (CLT) as an official standardized test score for admissions. West Point has already updated its admissions page to state that CLT scores will be accepted beginning in February 2026. This shift signals a significant broadening of testing options for students seeking appointments to the academies and for ROTC scholarships.
What the Classical Learning Test (CLT) Is and Why It Matters
Founded in 2015, the Classical Learning Test offers a fresh alternative to the long-dominant SAT and ACT. Key features of the CLT include:
Classical Content – Passages feature great thinkers like Thucydides, Maimonides, Kant, Dickens, and Orwell.
Rigorous Reading – Passages are typically 500–750 words, far longer than those on the SAT.
Calculator-Free Math – Emphasizes mental math and problem-solving skills.
More than 300 colleges already accept CLT scores, and entire state systems, such as Florida and Arkansas, have opened their public universities to the exam. With U.S. Service Academies joining that list, the CLT is poised to become a national competitor to the SAT and ACT.
The Plan Moving Forward for Service Academy Applicants
Here’s what students and families can expect:
Acceptance Timeline – West Point explicitly states that the CLT will be accepted starting February 2026. Other academies are expected to follow suit on a similar timeline.
Admissions Strategy – Applicants will soon have three standardized testing options: SAT, ACT, and CLT. This flexibility allows candidates to showcase strengths that might not shine on traditional tests.
Competitive Advantage – The CLT may help students stand out, especially those with strong backgrounds in classical literature, philosophy, and analytical reasoning.
In short, the door is opening for a new way to demonstrate academic readiness to the nation’s top military institutions.
How Service Academy Consulting Helps Students and Families Prepare
At Service Academy Consulting, we stay ahead of these changes so you don’t have to. Our team can help you:
Develop a Customized Testing Strategy – Whether your strengths lean toward the SAT, ACT, or CLT, we help identify the best fit.
Create a Full Application Roadmap – From CFA preparation and leadership profiles to nomination packages, we integrate the CLT option into your larger admissions plan.
Provide Expert Essay and Interview Coaching – Admissions boards will still evaluate leadership, character, and readiness for service. We ensure that every part of your application supports those qualities.
Our goal is to give your family clarity and confidence—from early test selection to final appointment.
Key Takeaway
The Classical Learning Test is becoming an accepted path into the U.S. Service Academies, with West Point already announcing acceptance beginning in 2026 and other academies expected to follow. This change empowers candidates to highlight their unique academic strengths while maintaining the rigorous standards these institutions require.