Requirements for Admission
The University of Tennessee has a competitive admissions process. Students are considered for admission based largely on their academic performance and credentials, together with additional factors that demonstrate the likelihood of success in college.
Our freshman admissions decisions are based on the following:
1. Completion of core academic subjects comprising the 14 units required for college admission (Fall 2011 and Fall 2012)*
- 4 units of English;
- 2 units of algebra;
- 1 unit of geometry, trigonometry, advanced math, or calculus;
- 2 units of natural science, including at least one unit of biology, chemistry, or physics;
- 1 unit of American history
- 1 unit of European history, world history, or world geography
- 2 units of a single foreign language; and
- 1 unit of visual or performing arts.
* Beginning with the entering summer and fall 2013 freshman classes, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville will require completion of 17 core academic subjects by entering freshman students.
» Read more about this requirement.
2. Core GPA
In the core academic subjects listed above, your GPA will be weighted by UT to reflect honors courses (.5 quality points added), and Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment courses (1.0 quality points added). UT will use unweighted high school course grades as the basis for adding these weightings for the UT core GPA calculation.
3. Standardized test scores
Either ACT or SAT (UT does not require the essay). We use the "super scoring" method of combining test scores into a new composite score. For example:
| Subject | Your 1st ACT | Your 2nd ACT | Your Best Scores | Your "Super Score" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 22 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Math | 24 | 22 | 24 | 24 |
| Reading | 24 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Science | 27 | 25 | 27 | 27 |
| Composite | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 |
Note: Super scores are rounded up.
4. Other relevant factors
Relevant factors include the following:
- Rigor of the applicant’s curriculum
- Difficulty of senior-level coursework
- Extracurricular or leadership activities
- Special talents or skills
- The Optional Personal Statement
- Optional recommendations from teachers and counselors
» How competitive is our admissions process?
The middle 50 percent of the fall 2010 admitted class had score ranges of 1110 – 1300 (SAT CR + M) or 24-29 ACT and a core high school GPA range of 3.42-4.0.
» Did you take placement exams?
Placement exams include tests taken for AP, CLEP, and IB Credit. Find out how much credit UT offers when you score well on a placement exam.
» The University of Tennessee seeks to admit a freshman class that:
- Reflects its mission as the state's leading public teaching and research university;
- Represents the diversity of the state of Tennessee; and
- Incorporates enrollment guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.










