Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about applying to UT and some tips to help you with the application process.
Remember, our team is always here to help if you have further questions. Give us a call at 865-974-1111 or email us at admissions@utk.edu.
Can I apply to UT through the Common App?Yes! Once you’ve created your account, you will search for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in the College Search tab within CommonApp.
Does UT participate in the Academic Common Market?UT is a member of the Academic Common Market, which enables out-of-state students to pursue college degrees at discounted, in-state tuition rates. You can view and search the complete list of ACM programs here.
What is holistic review?UT has a competitive but holistic admissions process. We consider your experience and preparation in academic areas as well as other factors including:
UT calculates a weighted core GPA based on your grades in the courses listed below. Completion of all sixteen core courses is not required for admission but strongly encouraged.
In the core academic subjects, your GPA will be weighted by UT to reflect honors courses (0.5 quality points added), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge AS and A Level, International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment courses (1.0 quality points added). UT calculates your GPA on a 4-point scale. UT will use unweighted high school course grades as the basis for adding these weightings for the UT core GPA calculation. If you attend a high school that does not weigh courses, UT will also not weigh them. However, the academic rigor of your curriculum is important and will be valued by our admissions review team.
Core Academic Subjects
Please see the State of Tennessee’s Department of Education website for graduation requirements.
What’s the difference between early action and regular decision?Early Action applicants who apply by the November 1 priority deadline and complete their application by November 15 will receive their admissions decision in mid-December. All applicants who meet these deadlines are considered for the most scholarship dollars and may be invited to apply for University Honors programs, if eligible. Tennessee students who meet these deadlines are considered for the university’s guaranteed admission policy.
Regular Decision applicants who apply by the December 15 priority deadline and complete their application by January 19 will receive their admissions decision in late February. Students who meet these deadlines are under consideration for institutional scholarships.
Why do I have to self-report my grades and test scores?UT wants to make it as easy as possible to apply for admission and allows applicants to self-report grades and test scores to make it quicker and easier. Students are required to verify their grades and test scores upon acceptance and confirming enrollment to UT.
Does UT need my official high school transcript or verified standardized test scores as part of my application for admission?
Students do not need to submit their official documents during the application process—but we ask all applicants to self-report their grades and standardized test scores. UT will need official high school transcripts and verified test scores by July 1 from all admitted students who confirm enrollment at UT.
How do I complete my application?Students are required to submit supplemental materials in addition to their application, including a completed Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) and standardized test scores. UT provides a list of missing items in applicants’ Go Vols Portal. To have a completed application and be eligible for review, UT needs items listed in the missing items checklist.
I have a question about residency. Who can I contact?Please send residency questions to the Office of University Registrar at residency@utk.edu.
How much does it cost to apply to UT?The application fee is $75 dollars and is nonrefundable.
Does UT offer any application fee waivers?Students are able to receive a fee waiver on a case-by-case basis. Students attending designated Flagship schools can always apply for free.
Am I required to provide standardized test scores on my application for admission?Yes, all applicants are required to provide standardized test scores on their application per UT’s test score policy. Students may self-report their scores in their Go Vols Portal.
Are letters of recommendation required? How does UT use them when reviewing my application?Students are not required to submit letters of recommendation; however, they will be reviewed in our holistic review process if submitted.
Does UT offer early decision?No. UT reviews applicants holistically. Tennessee Early Action will be released December 4. Out-of-State Early Action will be December 17. Regular Decision will be March 4.
Does UT have a guaranteed admissions policy? If so, what is the criteria?Tennessee high school residents attending a high school in Tennessee who apply by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s early action deadlines and meet the following criteria will be offered guaranteed admission to UT:
The highest subscore in each subject area for any tests received or self-reported will be used in application review.
Visit the guaranteed admission page for more information.
We are aware of the policy updates passed by the UT Board of Trustees on Tuesday, June 25. Our team is working on updates and will provide information and guidance soon.
How do I know if I qualify for guaranteed admission?Tennessee high school residents attending a high school in Tennessee who apply by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s early action deadlines and meet the following criteria will be offered guaranteed admission to UT:
The highest subscore in each subject area for any tests received or self-reported will be used in application review.
Visit the guaranteed admission page for more information.
How do I know if I am in the top 10 percent of my class?We encourage you to talk with your high school counselor. UT will provide resources to schools to assist school partners with providing this information.
What if I do not qualify for guaranteed admission and/or am just outside the top 10% of my class?Students who do not meet guaranteed admission criteria or miss UT’s early action deadlines will be reviewed holistically by our admissions team.
What is holistic review?UT has a competitive but holistic admissions process. We consider your experience and preparation in academic areas as well as other factors including:
Will I need to indicate on my Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) that I am in the top ten percent of my class, or do I need to send in official documents?
UT will work directly with your high school to determine if you are among the top 10% of your graduating class.
If I’m admitted through the guaranteed admission policy, do I need to complete essays, letters of recommendation, and submit test scores?
Yes. In order to complete your application to UT, all students are required to complete essays and self-report standardized test scores by November 15. Letters of recommendation are optional but encouraged.
What can students do if they do not meet guaranteed admissions criteria?UT will review students holistically if they do not qualify for guaranteed admission and evaluate every part of the admissions application by considering experience and preparation in academic areas as well as other factors. If students do not meet the requirements for the Guaranteed Admission program, we encourage students to complete their application highlighting academic performance, community involvement, and leadership abilities.
How will schools be able to indicate who is in the top 10% of their class?UT will work directly with your high school to determine if you are among the top 10% of your graduating class.
What semesters will UT look at to determine the top 10 percent? If UT is using 6th semester grades, what happens if grades drop or increase during the 7th and 8th semesters?
UT will use 6th semester grades (through the spring semester of Junior year) when determining guaranteed admission eligibility. Students who fall below or rise to the top 10% of their class during their Senior year will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
How will UT’s guaranteed admission policy impact admission for out-of-state students?As the public land-grant flagship institution of Tennessee, we are committed to making higher education more accessible to in-state students and families. In addition, many out-of-state students are successful on Rocky Top and greatly enhance our Volunteer community, deepening connections outside of Tennessee.
Non-resident applicants will be holistically reviewed and notified of their admission status as part of UT’s standard admission release dates:
We look forward to welcoming new out-of-state students as part of our Volunteer Family.
We can’t wait to review your application for admission! Create a Go Vols account to start your application, or choose the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on your Common Application!
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Your admissions counselor will be with you every step of the way on your journey to Rocky Top! They’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have and help you through the application process.
