US Service Academy to Accept CLT Scores for 2027 Admissions

Next month, the US Service Academy is anticipated to announce that it will start accepting Classical Learning Test (CLT) scores for the 2027 admission cycle. This was reported by Politico on Monday.

Created in 2015, the CLT assesses skills in reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics, similar to the more commonly known SAT and ACT. However, the CLT distinguishes itself by incorporating elements from classical literature, American history, and ethical reasoning, among other unique topics.

According to a content brief from Classic Learning Initiatives, which oversees the CLT, the exam includes three sections: verbal reasoning, grammar/writing, and quantitative reasoning. The verbal reasoning and grammar/writing sections feature texts from various subjects, including classical literature, genetics, astronomy, physics, and notable biographies like those of Joan of Arc and William Shakespeare.

Politico noted that the Service Academy aims to update its website by October 1st to reflect that CLT will be an option for admissions. There are five military service academies in the United States: the Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Air Force Academy.

The Pentagon did not respond immediately to a request for comment from The Hill.

In a May post on X, War Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed his commitment to this change, stating, “We’re going to make this happen” regarding the acceptance of CLT scores for admissions.

“CLT is the gold standard, and our academy needs to attract the best,” Hegseth added.

Shortly after, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced legislation mandating that military academies accept CLT scores during admissions. He emphasized, “The Classical Learning Test is a standard of academic excellence and our service academies should accept no less. My bill ensures that we recruit the brightest, most balanced young Americans to lead and defend our country,” as reported by Breitbart at that time.