CLT vs ACT: How to Choose the Right Test for College
As a high school student thinking about college admissions, one big question you’re probably asking is: Should I take the CLT or the ACT?
Both tests are designed to show colleges what you’ve got, but they’re built on very different ideas and test very different skills.
Choosing the right test can make a real difference – not just in your applications, but in how confident you feel walking into test day.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about CLT vs ACT.
We’ll break down the differences, explore the pros and cons, and help you figure out which test fits your strengths and goals best.
What’s on This Page
CLT vs ACT: A Side-by-Side Comparison for Students
| Feature | CLT (Classic Learning Test) | ACT (American College Testing) |
| Purpose | Assesses critical thinking, logic, and comprehension with a classical education focus | Measures college readiness based on the standard high school curriculum |
| Sections | 1. Verbal Reasoning 2. Grammar & Writing 3. Quantitative Reasoning | 1. English 2. Math 3. Reading 4. Science |
| Total Questions | 120 (40 per section) | Approx. 170 questions across all sections |
| Scoring Range | 0 – 120 | 1 – 36 (per section), plus a composite average score |
| Test Duration | 2 hours (+30 mins for optional essay) | 3 hours, 15 minutes (+40 mins for optional writing) |
| Test Format | • Online with remote or in-person proctoring • Paper at partner schools | • Paper-based and digital formats |
| Content Emphasis | Classical texts, logic, liberal arts, and critical reasoning | Grammar, algebra, geometry, science reasoning, and reading comprehension |
| Ideal for | Students in classical education or homeschool programs | Students in public or private schools with broad academic backgrounds |
| College Acceptance | 280+ colleges, mostly classical or liberal arts institutions | Nearly all U.S. colleges and many international schools |
| Test Philosophy | Inspired by classical education | Aligned with mainstream high school learning standards |
| Score Report Timeline | • Online exams: Third Wednesday after the exam • Paper exams: ~30 days after submission | Typically, 2–8 weeks after the test date |
| Optional Essay/Writing | Yes (30 minutes) | Yes (40 minutes) |
| Scholarship Opportunities | Merit-based scholarships are available through CLT partner schools | Scholarships are available at many institutions based on ACT scores |
Understanding the Tests
What is the CLT?
The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a newer option for college admissions, designed with students from classical or liberal arts backgrounds in mind. Instead of just testing what you’ve memorized, the CLT focuses on your critical thinking, reasoning, and comprehension skills – things that really matter in a liberal arts education.
The test is broken into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar & Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section has 40 questions, and your score ranges from 0 to 120. More and more colleges are recognizing its value – over 280 schools now accept CLT scores as part of the admissions process.
Try our Free CLT Practice test with 30 CLT-like practice questions and step-by-step explanations!
(Timed & PDF versions, no registration required)
What is the ACT?
The ACT (American College Testing) is a well-established college entrance exam taken by students across the U.S. It’s meant to show how ready you are for college-level work across a variety of subjects.
The ACT includes four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. You’ll answer 75 questions in English, 60 in Math, and 40 each in Reading and Science—for a total of 215 questions. Your raw scores from each section are converted into scale scores from 1 to 36, with the final composite score being the average of all four.
The ACT is accepted by nearly every college and university in the country and is one of the most trusted and recognized standardized tests for college admissions.
CLT and ACT: Detailed Comparison
Test Format and Content
The CLT
The Classic Learning Test includes three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning – tests reading comprehension and vocabulary
- Grammar & Writing – focuses on grammar rules, punctuation, and writing style
- Quantitative Reasoning – includes logic, algebra, problem-solving, and some trigonometry
Each section has 40 questions, and your total score will fall between 0 and 120.
Timing is tight:
- Verbal Reasoning – 40 minutes
- Grammar & Writing – 35 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning – 45 minutes
- Optional Essay – adds another 30 minutes
The CLT gives you three testing options:
- Online at-home with remote proctoring
- Testing at partner schools
The ACT
The ACT includes four core sections:
- English – editing grammar, sentence structure, and style
- Math – algebra, geometry, and more advanced concepts
- Reading – comprehension, analysis, and information integration
- Science – focuses on interpreting data and solving problems across biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space sciences
As of April 2025, the ACT format has been updated based on student feedback:
- English – 50 questions, 35 minutes
- Math – 45 questions, 50 minutes
- Reading – 36 questions, 40 minutes
- Science – now optional, 40 questions, 40 minutes
- Writing/Essay – also optional, 1 prompt, 40 minutes
The ACT offers the option to take the test the traditional way using paper and pencil, for students who prefer it, or digitally using a computer in testing sites.
Scoring and Results
How the CLT Is Scored
The CLT score report is simple and easy to understand. You’ll see your raw scores for each section, along with your total score out of 120. Generally, a score above 90 is considered strong and competitive for college admissions.
The report also includes a concordance chart, which is a tool that allows you to compare your CLT score to equivalent ACT or SAT scores. This can help you understand how your performance on the CLT translates to other commonly accepted tests.
If you take the CLT online, your scores are usually released on the third Wednesday after test day. However, if you take it at a partner school, results can take up to 30 days after your test is received.
See how to interpret your CLT Scores on our helpful results guide >>
How the ACT Is Scored
The ACT scoring system is more detailed. Your raw score in each section—English, Math, Reading, and Science—is converted to a scale score of 1 to 36. Your composite score is the average score from each section, rounded to the nearest whole number. This means that your composite score is not simply the sum of your section scores, but an average of them.
In addition to your final scores, you’ll also get a score breakdown showing how you performed in each domain. It includes the percentage of correct answers, so you can easily spot your strengths and areas for improvement.
A score concordance table for CLT vs ACT is seen below:
Accessibility and Administration
The CLT is available every month, all year round. Below is the CLT test schedule for 2025:
In School
| Date | Deadline of Registration | Release of Score |
| July 17, 2025 | June 19, 2025 | July 23, 2025 |
| August 16, 2025 | July 17, 2025 | August 20, 2025 |
| September 18, 2025 | August 21, 2025 | September 24, 2025 |
| October 11, 2025 | September 11, 2025 | October 15, 2025 |
| October 22, 2025 | September 25, 2025 | October 29, 2025 |
| November 8, 2025 | October 9, 2025 | November 12, 2025 |
| December 3, 2025 | November 6, 2025 | December 10, 2025 |
Remotely Proctored
| Date | Deadline of Registration | Release of Score |
| July 17, 2025 | July 10, 2025 | August 6, 2025 |
| August 16, 2025 | August 7, 2025 | September 3, 2025 |
| September 18, 2025 | September 11, 2025 | October 8, 2025 |
| October 11, 2025 | October 2, 2025 | October 29, 2025 |
| November 8, 2025 | October 30, 2025 | November 25, 2025 |
| December 3, 2025 | November 20, 2025 | December 19, 2025 |
The ACT, on the other hand, has limited schedules per year, with the following national exam schedule:
| Date | Deadline of Registration |
| July 12, 2025 | June 6, 2025 |
| September 6, 2025 | August 1, 2025 |
| October 18, 2025 | September 12, 2025 |
| December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 |
| February 14, 2026 | January 7, 2026 |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6, 2026 |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 |
| July 11, 2026 | July 11, 2026 |
College Acceptance and Recognition
The CLT is gaining attention, especially among colleges that emphasize classical education or have liberal arts programs. While it’s not as widely accepted as the ACT (yet), it’s becoming a popular choice for students in homeschool or classical learning environments.
In contrast, the ACT is still the go-to test for college admissions. It’s accepted by nearly all colleges and universities in the U.S., as well as many international schools.
Pros and Cons of the CLT and ACT
Pros and Cons of the CLT
Pros:
- Emphasizes critical thinking, logic, and classical literature
- Shorter testing time (about 2 hours)
- Convenient online testing options
Cons:
- Not accepted at all colleges
- Less ideal for students who prefer math and science-heavy content
Pros and Cons of the ACT
Pros:
- Accepted almost everywhere
- Covers a wide range of subjects
- An optional essay section to showcase writing skills
Cons:
- Longer testing time (around 3 hours)
- It might be harder for students who are stronger in verbal and reasoning skills than in math or science.
Choosing the Right Test
Ideal Candidates for Each Test
The CLT is a great fit for students who’ve followed a classical or liberal arts education, including many homeschoolers. If your coursework has leaned heavily on reading original texts, logic, and analytical thinking, the CLT might feel tailor-made for you.
The ACT is ideal for students with a well-rounded academic background, especially if you’ve studied a traditional curriculum or plan to apply to Ivy League or highly competitive schools. It offers broader coverage and aligns closely with public school standards.
Should You Take Both the CLT and the ACT?
Which test to choose? You don’t necessarily have to pick just one. Some students take both the CLT and ACT to keep their options open. Doing so can help highlight different strengths, verbal reasoning on the CLT, math, and science on the ACT.
If you go this route, be smart about your prep and scheduling. You don’t want to burn out trying to juggle both without a plan.
CLT vs ACT: Final Verdict
Deciding between the CLT and ACT isn’t just about picking a test, it’s about finding the one that fits you.
If you’re drawn to classical texts and critical thinking, the CLT might be your best bet.
If you prefer a broader, more widely accepted option, the ACT could be the right move.
Think about your academic strengths, learning style, and the colleges you’re aiming for. Then, take the next step – choose the test that helps you shine on your college journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CLT easier than the ACT?
Not necessarily. The CLT is shorter and focuses more on reasoning and vocabulary, while the ACT tests a broader range of subjects. It depends on your academic strengths.
How do CLT scores compare to ACT scores?
CLT scores range from 0 to 120, while ACT scores range from 1 to 36. You can use concordance tables to compare the two, but it’s best to look at each test’s strengths when making your decision.
Which colleges accept the CLT?
The CLT is accepted by many colleges, especially those that emphasize classical education or a liberal arts curriculum. However, it’s not as widely accepted as the ACT.
Can I take both the CLT and ACT?
Yes, you can take both the CLT and ACT to broaden your college choices.
Are scholarships available for CLT takers?
Yes, CLT partner schools offer merit-based scholarships to students who meet the eligible CLT score.