Classic Learning Test offers several benefits for students
LCU is excited to accept another college entrance exam option, the Classic Learning Test, for students to receive TOPS scholarship funds. Especially for students who attend private or Christian high schools, or students who are homeschooled, this test provides them with a more equitable opportunity to excel in the literature portion, which focuses on the classics of Western literature.
While similar to the ACT and SAT in many ways—all include sections that test reading, verbal, math and logic skills—the CLT focuses on classical literature, moral philosophy and history.
Christian schools and homeschooled students often focus more on a classical education in historical texts and classic works of literature, rather than more modern and sometimes controversial works of fiction.
Another significant difference is the length of time and where the student takes the exam.
The CLT takes about two hours to complete compared to the ACT, which lasts a minimum of three hours. The ACT and SAT must be taken at an official testing center. Whereas, the CLT is taken online in a student’s own home and is proctored electronically.
This can be a huge factor for students, according to LCU’s Director of Counseling Services Amy Dufrene.
“Current research suggests that 10% to 30% of secondary education students experience test anxiety at some point in their educational experience,” Dufrene said. “High-stakes tests, such as the SAT or ACT, can be triggering for those who experience this type of anxiety, due to the unfamiliarity of testing sites and/or time constraints associated with the exam.”
Shortened testing time and the ability to access the examination at home with remote proctoring can be significant for these students, she said.
“When test anxiety is mitigated,” Dufrene said, “the student who experiences it will perform better academically.”
The Louisiana State Legislature approved the CLT in the 2025 legislative session, which allows it to be accepted for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) funds with a qualifying score. LCU is currently the only college or university in the state to accept the CLT.
“We are honored to embrace the Classic Learning Test as another pathway for students pursuing higher education,” said LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson. “Opening doors of access and opportunity for the next generation of qualified prospective students is not just an initiative but a responsibility.”
The CLT is accepted by about 300 colleges and universities nationwide, according to its website, including public universities in Florida and Arkansas.
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Media Release | Oct. 1, 2025 | Pineville, Louisiana
Contact: Dr. Elizabeth B. Clarke, Director of University Communications | Elizabeth.clarke@lcuniversity.edu