Texas moves to let Classic Learning Test count for university admissions by 2028

In a Thursday letter, Texas higher-education commissioner Wynn Rosser told university leaders that Classic Learning Test (CL Test) scores may be used for applicants who fall outside the top-10% automatic admission threshold, even though state policy still lists only the SAT and ACT as recognized tests. The move follows a recent vote by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to forward one outlet's review of the three exams to legislators, a review that gave the CL Test a low predictive-performance rating compared with the SAT and ACT.

The commissioner’s note did not amend existing statewide rules but indicated the state intends to formally approve the CL Test by the 2028 admissions cycle. A rulemaking panel of university officials and testing experts will be tasked with drafting the specific criteria needed for the CL Test to qualify for guaranteed admission. Advocates argue the exam aligns with Texas’ new social-studies standards, while critics point to limited Texas-specific data supporting its validity.