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SAT, ACT, or CLT? Choosing the Best College Entrance Exam for Florida Students



Choosing the right college entrance exam can significantly impact college applications, scholarships, and admissions outcomes. Here's a breakdown of your options.


Comparison of Tests

Test

Content

Length

Scoring

Widely Accepted?

Florida Bright Futures Eligibility

SAT

Reading, Writing, Math

~3 hours

400–1600

Yes

Yes*

ACT

English, Math, Reading, Science

~3 hours

1–36

Yes

Yes*

CLT

Reading, Writing, Math

~2 hours

0–120

Accepted by some private/religious colleges

Yes*

*Minimum score requirements apply


Pros and Cons for Florida Students


  • SAT: Widely used and accepted, especially helpful for Bright Futures scholarship eligibility.

  • ACT: Includes a science section; preferred by students strong in data interpretation.

  • CLT: Shorter and offered remotely; best for students applying to partner schools.


Each test has its advantages depending on the student’s strengths and future college plans. Consider doing a practice test for each before choosing.


👉 Stay tuned for Part Two of the series, where we'll dive into testing strategies, prep resources, and how to stay calm under pressure!


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