CLT for U.S. Service Academies

The Classic Learning Test will officially be accepted for admissions by U.S. Service Academies, beginning with the 2027 Admissions Cycle.

Students who apply for U.S. Service Academies can begin submitting their test scores in February of 2026.

U.S. Naval Academy

Apply to USNA

U.S. Military Academy West Point

Apply to West Point

U.S. Air Force Academy

Apply to USAFA

CLT Considered the Gold Standard

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth tweeted earlier in 2025, “The CLT is the gold standard, and our academies need to attract the very best.”

“By allowing young Americans to apply to the U.S. Service Academies with the CLT, these institutions will have the opportunity to welcome students who have taken a standardized test rooted in rigor, logical thinking, and a deep understanding of the classic and historical texts that made America great,” CEO of CLT Jeremy Tate said in a statement to POLITICO.

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Demonstrate Your Readiness to Be a Leader

The CLT stands unique among college entrance exams as offering the most comprehensive picture of a student’s intellectual capacity, rewarding students who demonstrate strong critical thinking skills and rigorous educational formation. The high standards of the CLT reflect those of our nation’s service academies, allowing test takers to more fully demonstrate their academic and personal readiness for military service.

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“I am delighted by the news that my alma mater, the United States Naval Academy (along with America’s other service academies), will now accept the CLT. America’s service academies are meant to educate those who will lead warriors. Because warfare places heavy moral and material burdens on society, these leaders must possess a deep understanding of human nature within a historical context – a context classically educated candidates understand intuitively. Having experienced life at Annapolis myself, I know that classically educated midshipmen – especially those who do well on the CLT – will enrich the experience and effectiveness of a Naval Academy education in ways that will ultimately benefit every American.”

Jeff Brown | U.S. Naval Academy Class of ’84 & CLT Academic Board Member

“As both a US Air Force Academy grad and former faculty member, I am deeply encouraged to see the service academies’ accept CLT scores for admissions consideration. Beyond the great benefits the academies gain from CLT’s critical thinking assessment excellence, this decision also allows the academies to find and connect with outstanding student leaders across the nation who didn’t have an Academy on their college radar until now.”

Matt Van Hook | U.S. Air Force Academy Class of ’99 & CLT Academic Board Member

CLT for U.S. Service Academies