US Military Academy Considers Alternative Testing Method

The U.S. military academy is reportedly looking into accepting scores from the Classical Learning Test (CLT) as an alternative to the SAT and ACT for the admissions cycle starting in 2027. This move has been gaining traction among conservative groups.

This discussion comes in the wake of efforts by the Trump administration aimed at banning certain publications within the military academy. Concurrently, the Pentagon is rumored to be contemplating this shift towards the CLT.

Supporters argue that the CLT, which was launched in 2015, could provide a necessary alternative to the long-standing SAT and ACT. However, some critics have raised concerns regarding the exam’s rigor and the absence of reliable historical data proving its effectiveness in gauging university preparedness.

Bobby Jones, president of a veterans’ group focused on responsible leadership and a former admissions officer at the Navy Academy, shared his thoughts: “At first glance, it seems like a good way to access a talent pool that might otherwise be ignored. But when it comes to the actual testing, there’s more to consider.”

According to recent reports, starting October 1st, the Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Air Force Academy will accept the CLT as an option for prospective applicants. This aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s earlier comments about the need for military academies to attract top talent.

“We’re doing this for James,” Hegseth posted on social media in May, describing the CLT as “the gold standard” for academic assessments.

A Pentagon spokesperson stated there hasn’t been any new information regarding this potential change.

Jones voiced some apprehensions surrounding the CLT, particularly pointing out the lack of data supporting its ability to assess university preparedness. He noted its for-profit status and how this could introduce biases, suggesting that it might skew the admissions process in favor of politically conservative candidates.

“The association with a for-profit entity raises questions about impartiality and could influence the criteria in ways that aren’t beneficial,” he commented. He also mentioned that the backing of conservative groups for the CLT may lead the academy to act as a “political and ideological filter” for certain applicants, attributing this shift to influences from the Trump administration.

The CLT saw its first significant breakthrough in Florida in 2023, when it was accepted for admissions across all public universities by a state committee.

Jeremy Tate, founder of the CLT, expressed a desire to expand its acceptance into more universities, noting that Ivy League institutions are among those least likely to recognize it. He criticized the existing tests, describing them as monopolistic and shallow, while emphasizing that the CLT incorporates “traditional” values and classic texts aimed at preparing students for higher education.

“The SAT and ACT include many shallow materials that don’t merit a student’s time. It’s vital that we expose students to the timeless literature that has shaped Western thought,” Tate asserted. “I believe that Western civilization is commendable, though it seems to clash with many elite institutions in America.”

However, not every state pursuing the CLT has moved forward with its adoption. A review by the Iowa Board of Directors in 2024 highlighted a lack of peer-reviewed studies substantiating its predictive capabilities regarding student success, leading to hesitations in adopting the exam.

The board has urged students, parents, and educators to thoroughly evaluate the tests they consider, ensuring they are widely acknowledged as reliable measures of college readiness. They noted that traditional tests like the SAT are recognized globally, including at prestigious universities.

Priscilla Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of University Preparation Assessment at the College Board, emphasized the long-standing history and reliability of the SAT and ACT, citing various studies and analyses that have consistently validated their effectiveness in predicting academic success.

Supporters of the CLT argue that it brings necessary discussions regarding educational focus and future success metrics to the forefront.

“It’s not merely about what the college board thinks necessary; it’s about understanding what students aspire to do. For instance, are they learning Latin or engaging with certain classical texts?”

“The CLT promotes a curriculum grounded in classical learning, centering around classical literature as essential for student preparation,” he concluded. “We must now consider what we genuinely want from education and ensure students are being equipped to achieve those goals.”