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CLT EXAM PREP

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You know what score you need to apply to your dream school. Achievable is the only CLT prep course created in partnership with the CLT's official exclusive test preparation provider: Clayborne Education. Achievable is also the only CLT prep course that uses memory science-enhanced practice to ensure you reach your goal.
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Hours studied
This is a good subscription, really enjoyed the prep. would definitely suggest to a friend
Fabe
Been studying for this for a week and this helped me more than the 300-page textbook I read. Thank you. I've been studying for these exams for almost 6 months and have been SO confused. Now I understand! Wow! you made it so clear! Thank you so much!
Emma
This is great it has everything I need and everything is so intuitive and helpful it's just so so so so great.
Jack
Achievable is the best resource I've found. More so than with [competitor], or [competitor] I find the material "sticks" with Achievable's system of introducing new material, followed by review quizzes to master previous readings. It's incredibly easy to use, anywhere you are (at home on a desktop, laptop, or away with your mobile device) and actually interesting to read. Every other guide I've tried reads like stereo instructions.
Stephen
Very simple to grasp concepts with well laid out formatting. Definitely makes getting through topics easy and efficient.
Steven
I am pleasantly surprised at the quantity and quality of information supplied by achievable. I was skeptical at first, but after spending time with them I i highly recommend using them. If you are looking for more detailed information I would suggest looking somewhere else, but honestly all you need are the basics.
John
system is sleek and easy to navigate so far. seems like all sections are broken down well and there is a lot of features to be used.
Jill
I sit very soon for the exam and loved it! The material is much better to follow than any other program I've tried!
Marissa
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Achievable CLT includes everything you need
Easy-to-understand online textbook
Full practice exams
Adaptive study planner
No complicated package tiers to compare or worry if a few months will be enough
Full year of access
$199
One-time payment
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Endless math practice

Continually reviewing the material you've learned while studying is essential, but you need more than simple CLT math flashcards. Study with an endless amount of CLT math practice exam questions. Unlike other CLT prep courses, we don't have a fixed-size bank of CLT math practice questions. Our system generates millions of unique quiz questions with randomized text and variables from 250+ CLT math question templates, ensuring you're learning the core concepts instead of simply recalling answers. After answering a question, you can review a step-by-step walkthrough of the math, formulas, and logic involved.
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Comprehensive grammar & writing

With our high-quality, hand-crafted CLT Grammar & Writing questions, you get a comprehensive overview of how to master the CLT Grammar & Writing section. Our CLT Grammar & Writing questions include all of the types of questions that you'll see on the exam: punctuation, grammar and usage, sentence structure, writing strategy, organization, and writing style.
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Smart verbal reasoning

The CLT Verbal Reasoning section is different from reading comprehension tests you've taken in school. Our thoughtful, expert-written CLT Verbal Reasoning practice questions will teach you the tips and insights you need to get a top score. We teach you how to approach each of the four passages - literature, science, philosophy/religion, and historical/founding documents - with specific strategies for each.
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Modern platform

Whether you're studying on the web or a smartphone, the Achievable CLT exam prep platform UX is clean and responsive. Progress charts highlight your journey through the CLT course content and your current strength in each section.
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Easy-to-understand online textbook

Learn how to answer hard CLT questions in less time using proven strategies and pro tips from our expert author team with 30+ years of experience. Achievable's CLT course is easy to understand, mobile friendly, and includes detailed walkthroughs of practice questions. Achievable is the easiest way to learn the CLT.
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Advanced personalization

Achievable CLT exam prep uses adaptive learning techniques to create and update a personalized model of your memory, individually tracking your retention and mastery of each CLT exam learning objective. Our learning engine monitors your study progress and continually adjusts your quiz questions to ensure you're focusing on the topics that matter most for you, improving study effectiveness while reducing overall study time.
Screenshot of Achievable CLT memory progress
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Adaptive study planner

Use our study planner tool to create a personalized day-by-day study plan and ensure you get through all your CLT content by exam day. All you need to do is focus on studying and our system will help you stay on track.
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Reach your target score
No credit card required
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Proven success

With Achievable, you will reach your target score. The effectiveness of our courses is empirically validated with 2,000,000+ hours studied and 50,000,000+ quiz questions answered.
We stand behind the quality of our materials with the best score improvement guarantees in the industry.
+15
for "before" scores < 60
+10
for "before" scores < 80
+5
for "before" scores < 100
Improve your score, or your money back
It's that simple. No study time requirements or study progress thresholds are needed to qualify.
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Why take the CLT?

The CLT test is a nationally recognized college admissions test, just like the SAT and ACT exams. It is accepted by over 250 four-year colleges and universities in the US. In addition to being a college admissions test, the CLT can count for college course placement, and a good CLT score can increase your chances of getting scholarships. Furthermore, the CLT has been approved by the Florida Department of Education to qualify students for the Bright Futures scholarship.
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How does the CLT exam differ from the SAT and ACT?

CLT diverges from the SAT and ACT by testing critical thinking skills through engagement with classic texts, emphasizing historical and philosophical perspectives alongside traditional reading comprehension. This resonates with schools seeking students who can analyze complex ideas and engage with diverse viewpoints, valuing critical thinking over solely technical skills. The CLT's focus on timeless literature and argumentation complements a well-rounded education, aligning well with institutions seeking students with strong foundational knowledge and a love of learning.
Schools like this approach for many reasons. First, it goes beyond memorizing facts and formulas. The CLT encourages students to grapple with complex concepts, analyze arguments, and develop their own perspectives. Second, it exposes students to diverse literature, history, and philosophy, enriching their understanding of the world and themselves. Third, CLT's focus on critical thinking and communication skills builds a solid foundation for success in all aspects of life, not just in college.
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How does the content of the CLT differ from the SAT and ACT?

While the SAT and ACT prioritize math skills and science knowledge, the CLT tests on classical literature and Western philosophy. Critical reading is tested on all three exams, but unlike the SAT and ACT, the CLT critical reading questions focus on thoughtful analysis of thought-provoking texts from authors like Plato, Dante, and similar authors. Grammar and logic are also a big part of the CLT exam, requiring students to analyze sentences and build connections between ideas. And lastly, the Quantitative Reasoning section of the CLT focuses more on logic and problem solving. Whereas the SAT and ACT often focus on memorization, rapid calculation and test-taking tactics, the CLT tests critical thinking and encourages students to build a strong intellectual foundation.
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How does the CLT scoring system differ from the SAT and ACT?

CLT uses a scale from 40 to 120, with 118 roughly equivalent to a perfect score. This composite score combines the three section scores that each use a scale from 1 to 40: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar & Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning.
SAT uses a scale from 400 to 1600. This composite score is a combination of two section scores that each use a scale from 200 to 800: Evidence-based Reading and Writing, and Math.
ACT uses a scale from 1 to 36. This composite score is an average of the four section scores that each use a scale from 1 to 36: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
CLT has released a CLT / SAT / ACT score concordance chart that shows the relationship between the exam scores:
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CLT's Concordance Report
CLTSATACT
120160036
115157036
110152034
105146033
100139031
95133029
90127027
85122025
80117024
75113023
70108021
65104020
60100019
5596018
5092017
4587015
4083015
3578014
3074013
2569012
2066011
1562010
105909
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Is the ACT, SAT, or CLT more difficult?

While the ACT, SAT, and CLT are similar in difficulty, the CLT is sometimes more challenging for test takers because of its focus on classical texts and logical reasoning, which are not always covered thoroughly in public schools in the United States. That said, those that familiarize themselves with the nuances of the CLT should expect to do similarly well to the SAT and ACT, or perhaps better if they like the types of questions and content in the CLT.
In terms of scoring, it is harder to get a perfect score (120) on the CLT than it is to get a perfect score on the SAT (1600) or ACT (36). This is by design - the CLT organization believes that too many students are now able to get perfect scores on the SAT and ACT, which makes that score less valuable for students applying to top colleges. You can dive deeper in CLT's Concordance Report.
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Do colleges prefer the SAT, ACT, or CLT?

While the CLT is new, it is already accepted at over 250 colleges and universities in the US and more are being added at a significant rate. The SAT and ACT are accepted by almost all major colleges and universities, but the CLT is catching up quickly.
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CLT exam details

The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a standardized college admissions test that serves as an alternative to the SAT and ACT. Established in 2015, the CLT is designed to assess students' reasoning, critical thinking, and reading skills through a focus on classical texts, philosophy, literature, and history. Unlike the SAT and ACT, which emphasize contemporary educational content, the CLT draws heavily on the Western intellectual tradition, using passages from influential thinkers like Aristotle, Augustine, C.S. Lewis, and Shakespeare.
The CLT exam is hosted by CLT and costs $69 to register. Participants have 2 hours 20 minutes to answer 120 multiple-choice questions.

Time

2 hours 20 minutes

Format

120 questions
1 essay (optional)

Exam fee

$69

Details

The Classic Learning Test (CLT) lasts approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, with 20 minutes of pre-test instructions and 2 hours of testing time. The test is divided into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar/Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning.
    Verbal Reasoning: 40 minutes
    Grammar/Writing: 35 minutes
    Quantitative Reasoning: 45 minutes
An additional 30 minutes is allotted for in-school testers who choose to complete the optional essay.
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Reach your target score
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Classic Learning Initiatives' CLT exam summary

Verbal Reasoning
40 minutes
40 questions
The Verbal Reasoning section of the CLT tests your ability to analyze and synthesize diverse texts through comprehension, contextual vocabulary, author's intent, structure, and logical inference.
This section (40 questions) assesses your ability to analyze and synthesize diverse texts (Literature, Science, Philosophy/Religion, History/Documents) through comprehension, vocabulary, author's intent, structure, and inference. Expect 27 comprehension questions and 13 analysis questions.
Comprehension questions test you on passage structure, main ideas, and supporting details, demanding attentive reading and inference skills.
Analysis questions test you on rhetorical devices, authorial intent, and relationships between texts, evaluating your ability to think critically about what you read.
Grammar & Writing
35 minutes
40 questions
The Grammar & Writing section evaluates their ability to identify and correct grammatical errors, compose well-structured sentences and paragraphs, and effectively communicate their ideas.
This section (40 questions) assesses your ability to refine and enhance written text. 20 questions focus on grammar, covering areas like agreement, punctuation, and structure, while 20 focus on writing, evaluating clarity, flow, and word choice. Passages cover diverse topics across philosophy/religion, historical profiles, and science,ensuring well-rounded skill assessment.
Grammar questions test you on spotting punctuation errors, subject-verb agreement issues, and sentence structure mistakes, showcasing your knowledge of proper grammar.
Writing questions test your ability to improve clarity of a sentence, conciseness, and word choice in provided passages, revealing your aptitude for effective written communication.
Quantitative Reasoning
45 minutes
40 questions
Finally, the Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your logical thinking, symbol manipulation, and spatial awareness. This section has three type of questions:
  • Algebra: Arithmetic & Operations, Algebraic Expressions & Equations (10 questions)
  • Geometry: Coordinate Geometry, Properties of Shapes, Trigonometry (14 questions)
  • Mathematical Reasoning: Logic, Word Problems (16 questions)
Algebra & geometry questions test you on equations, inequalities, and geometric figures, confirming your grasp of algebraic and geometric concepts. Mathematical reasoning questions test you on logic puzzles, word problems, and data analysis, evaluating your ability to apply math skills to real-world scenarios.
Essay (optional)
30 minutes
Prompted essay
The CLT includes an optional essay section, which is not scored but may be submitted to colleges as a writing sample. This essay allows test-takers to demonstrate their ability to construct a well-reasoned, coherent argument based on a given prompt.
The essay prompt is typically drawn from classical or philosophical texts. The prompts often involve a thought-provoking idea or quote, asking students to reflect on a philosophical or ethical issue.
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Achievable CLT content outline

1
Math Reasoning
The CLT emphasizes critical thinking and a deep understanding of mathematical foundations rather than rote memorization. We cover core mathematical topics in detail: number properties; factors and multiples; percents; sequences; logic; average (arithmetic mean); two conditions questions.
2
Geometry
The CLT evaluates a student's understanding of geometric concepts, including shapes, angles, properties, and theorems. It emphasizes problem-solving skills and the practical application of geometry in various contexts. We'll learn the fundamentals of these topics in detail: angles; triangles; quadrilaterals and polygons; circles; 3-D figures and volume; right triangle trigonometry; unit circle trigonometry.
3
Algebra
The CLT tests a student's grasp of algebraic concepts, including equations, inequalities, functions, and polynomials. It focuses on problem-solving and applying algebraic principles to real-world scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on learning linear equations; inequalities; multivariable equations; systems of equations; quadratics; exponents; ratios and proportions.
4
Verbal Reasoning
The CLT Verbal Reasoning section assesses a student's ability to analyze and interpret complex texts. It focuses on comprehension, logical reasoning, and the evaluation of arguments across various literary and philosophical works. We'll explore the "Journey Method" for maximizing comprehension and retention and its application to scientific, philosophical, literary, and historical passages.
5
Grammar & Writing
The CLT Grammar and Writing section evaluates a student's proficiency in English grammar, syntax, and usage. It emphasizes clarity, structure, and effective communication, testing the ability to write and edit well-constructed sentences and passages. We'll cover the "DIRECT Method" for improving efficiency and accuracy in analyzing writing structure and syntax.
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Learn from the best

Clayborne Education - Achievable CLT experts
The team at Clayborne Education has been preparing students for college and graduate school for 15 years. Founder and lead content writer Clay Daniel has taken way too many standardized tests but survived to tell the story, in many cases with perfect scores. He is particularly excited to produce content for the Classic Learning Test, a promising new player in the college admissions testing world. Consulting with Clay on Achievable content projects are Clayborne's CEO, Lee Elberson, whose journey through military service, groundbreaking fusion energy research, and a brief stint in professional poker led him to an unexpected niche: mastering and teaching the art of acing standardized tests; and ACT/SAT program director Scott Webster, who is agile and adept at both training students and guiding families through the maze of college admissions.
The Clayborne owners hope their work will help ensure a better future for thousands of students, especially those with limited resources for test preparation. We are excited to put more than 40 years of test preparation and tutoring experience to work in this venture!
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Achievable is the best online CLT exam prep course: effective, personalized, and convenient. With Achievable, you'll spend less time studying and hit your target score with confidence.
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