{"id":16725,"date":"2025-10-21T14:44:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T20:44:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/?p=16725"},"modified":"2026-03-11T10:42:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T16:42:33","slug":"paths-to-scholarships-for-high-school-sophomores-national-merit-and-the-clt10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/paths-to-scholarships-for-high-school-sophomores-national-merit-and-the-clt10\/","title":{"rendered":"Paths to Scholarships for High School Sophomores\u200b: National Merit & the CLT10"},"content":{"rendered":"

A New Path to Academic Recognition<\/b><\/h3>\n

Navigating high school can feel like a maze, and sophomore year is a key intersection. It’s that moment when college feels both impossibly far away and terrifyingly close. Every class, every test, every activity starts to feel like a step on an uncertain path.<\/span><\/p>\n

What if there is a way to take control of that path? A way to gain a significant advantage in the race for college scholarships and stand out to admissions officers, all before junior year even begins?<\/span><\/p>\n

The CLT10 is an emerging, two-hour, online alternative to the PSAT\/NMSQT, crafted especially for students in classical education environments. The CLT10 is not an official qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. However, students can still receive college scholarships through the Florida Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholarship (FAS) or the Florida Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholarship (FMS). Let\u2019s dive deeper into this!<\/span><\/p>\n

CLT vs CLT10: Similarities and Differences<\/b><\/h3>\n

The CLT test is gaining ground\u2014so, what is the CLT10, and how is it distinct? The CLT10 is for sophomores and freshmen, while the CLT is for juniors and seniors. The CLT10 is a preparatory version of the CLT test. Some may wonder, \u201cIs it good to take the CLT10?\u201d The answer is a resounding yes! It can only increase the chances of getting a scholarship and prep students for the CLT, should they take it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The CLT10 and the National Merit Scholarship Program<\/b><\/h3>\n

So, what\u2019s the connection between the CLT10 and the National Merit Scholarship Program? CLT10 test scores cannot be submitted to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for Commended Student recognition, as this body\u2019s qualifying test is the PSAT\/NMSQT. However, the CLT10 can put a student on the map as a National Merit Scholarship Program, which is a significant resume builder and can unlock other scholarship opportunities. According to <\/span>CLT<\/span><\/a>, \u201cCLT10 National Award winners score at the top 0%-1% of PSAT\/NMSQT test takers who are one grade above them.\u201d A high PSAT\/NMSQT score is required to become a Semifinalist. However, the CLT10 can still be a valuable stepping stone that demonstrates a student\u2019s academic aptitude early on, given the challenging nature of CLT exams. Determine what is a good CLT10 score for the schools students are planning to apply to, and help students get there with <\/span>CLT Test Prep<\/span><\/a> from <\/span>Peterson\u2019s Prep Advantage<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Sophomores Should Consider Taking the CLT10 \ud83d\udcda<\/b><\/h3>\n

There are specific benefits for sophomores.<\/span><\/p>\n