The CLT10: Everything you need to know

Many families with high school-aged children are likely aware of the Classical Learning Test (CLT), an alternative to the ACT and SAT that emphasizes classical texts and learning methods. But did you know that the CLT also has its own version of the PSAT/PreACT?

The CLT10 is the organization’s college-preparatory exam, taken by 9th and 10th-graders to identify top-performing students and provide scholarships for college admission. Knowing the CLT10’s functions and how to prepare can help students from diverse backgrounds access valuable financial resources and academic recognition.

Reasons to take the CLT10

Adding the CLT10 to your or your child’s college admissions checklist during the first two years of high school offers several advantages, including strong test preparation and access to scholarship opportunities.

Preparation for the college exams

One of the primary reasons to take the CLT10 is that it provides valuable experience with college admissions-style tests. The CLT10 practice test allows students to develop essential test-taking skills and identify areas for improvement before attempting the official CLT test, which serves as a college entrance exam for over 300 participating schools.

The CLT10 is designed to mirror the actual CLT exam, with three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar & Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning. The CLT10, like the CLT, features passages from classical texts written by esteemed writers, philosophers, and other important historical figures, requiring rigorous analysis from test-takers. With a two-hour format that mirrors other high-stakes college admissions tests, the CLT10 prepares students for the demands of future standardized exams. By sharing their CLT10 scores for free, students can connect early with colleges of interest, opening doors and building relationships with potential schools.

Institutional recognition

With the list of schools accepting the CLT growing, taking the CLT10 puts a foot in the door of admissions to partner schools across the country. Several private Christian colleges, large public universities in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and other states, and elite U.S. military academies accept the CLT. Taking the CLT10 signals a commitment to attending a CLT partner institution and helps put you in the running for generous scholarships.

Accessing scholarships

Perhaps the biggest reason to take the CLT10 is the opportunity it provides for significant scholarships. Strong CLT10 scores and impressive CLT scores are used to identify academically exceptional students nationwide. Each year, the top 50 CLT10 scorers are recognized as National Award recipients and receive $2,500 scholarships, which can be applied toward tuition, room, and board at any institution within the expanding CLT college network.

In addition, CLT10 scores are considered by several universities when awarding scholarships. Institutions such as Christendom College and Grove City College offer substantial benefits, including full-ride tuition, to students with outstanding CLT10 and CLT scores who excel academically.

Fulfilling homeschool testing requirements

The CLT has become a popular alternative for home-schooled students and others from non-traditional educational backgrounds. The CLT10 can be used to fulfill high school homeschool testing requirements, making it a great alternative for those who excel at textual analysis and appreciate the great texts of the past.

How do I sign up for the CLT10?

The CLT10 can be taken either at home or at a participating school. At-home CLT10 registration is completed through an online account, where those registering can choose their preferred date, complete a brief student profile, and securely pay online:

1. Visit the account registration page to create an account (or sign in to an existing account).
2. Once logged in, select “Register for a Test” and choose the test type you would like (CLT or CLT10).
3. Pick a test date from the drop-down menu and click “Register for Selected Test Date.”
4. Complete your student profile, or finish it later and skip ahead to payment.
5. Make your payment within the online portal.

The exam is offered year-round, costs $69, and can be taken as many times as needed (unlike the PSAT or PreACT, which are only offered during select times of the year).

Frequently asked questions

When do students take the CLT10?

The CLT10 is designed for 9th and 10th graders, though younger students are welcome to take the exam for early exposure and practice.

How much does the CLT10 cost?

The CLT10 costs $69 to take, whether at home or in school. This charge includes unlimited score shares to colleges, which is unique to the CLT suite of exams.

Where is the CLT10 administered?

The CLT10 can be taken at select participating schools and testing centers, but it is commonly taken at home through remote proctoring. Read our guide on at-home CLT testing for more information on proper setup.

My school doesn’t offer the CLT10; can I still take it?

Yes, the CLT offers a flexible, at-home testing option through remote proctoring, detailed above.

Can I take the CLT10 and the PSAT?

Yes, you can take both the CLT10 and the PSAT, as both exams are separate assessments used for different scholarship competitions. Taking both exams allows you to be considered for both the CLT10 National Awards and the National Merit Scholarship, which is administered based on PSAT scores.

How much scholarship money can I be awarded based on my CLT10 scores?

The top 50 CLT10 scorers are named National Award recipients and receive $2,500 scholarships that may be applied toward tuition, room, and board at any partner college in CLT’s growing network of institutions. In addition, high CLT10 and overall CLT scores may make students eligible for further scholarships at select schools, with awards ranging from several thousand dollars to full tuition.

What other exams does the CLT offer?

Younger students can also consider taking the CLT3-8, which is structured similarly to the CLT10 but geared toward students of varying grade levels.

Bonus: the CLT3-8 examinations can all be used to meet testing requirements for homeschooled students in several states.

Preparing for the CLT10

The CLT10 is an excellent diagnostic tool for the full CLT, but students should still devote time to preparation to improve their scores. Here are a few effective study strategies:

• Start with a diagnostic CLT10 exam to establish your baseline performance
• Review each section carefully to identify areas of weakness
• Practice challenging concepts with targeted question drills
• Take additional full-length practice tests to build familiarity and confidence with the exam format
• Read actively and consistently, both in school and independently, especially from classical and academic texts

Keep in mind that both the CLT10 and CLT emphasize canonical literature, philosophical writing, academic prose, and essay-based passages, even in quantitative sections. Students should explore the CLT reading list, which includes authors and thinkers such as Aristotle, Jane Austen, and Friedrich Hayek, to become more comfortable with the style and rigor of advanced reading often encountered later in college.

Final thoughts

The CLT10 provides students with an outstanding, rigorous opportunity to prepare for their official college assessments while increasing their chances of earning valuable scholarship funds. Whether your goal is to attend a leading state university, a religious liberal arts college, or an esteemed institution like the U.S. Naval Academy, the CLT suite of exams is a strategic option to consider. As recognition of the CLT exam continues to grow, so too do the opportunities and advantages available to students who take these assessments.