Florida's DeSantis-backed college admissions test has some questioning its merits

The new test has been met with skepticism by the SAT and the ACT

The entrance to Florida State University
Floridians may attempt to enter Florida State University and other state colleges using the new Classic Learning Test
(Image credit: Education Images / Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

For decades, the ACT and SAT have stood as the predominant college admissions tests in the United States. In Florida, though, a new alternative is being introduced — a conservative-backed exam rooted in Christian values called the Classic Learning Test, or CLT. 

Developed in 2015, the CLT describes itself as a test that "exists to reconnect knowledge and virtue by providing meaningful assessments and connections to seekers of truth, goodness and beauty." Offered from 3rd through 12th grade, the CLT has been widely praised by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). This is likely why Florida's state university system board recently approved the exam for college admissions, the first state to do so. 

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.