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

Spring 2013 Applicants

• 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.

Summer and Fall 2013 Applicants

These courses align with the graduation requirements of the Tennessee Diploma Project of the State of Tennessee. The 16 core course requirements are indicated below. Allowed courses are indicated for some areas, and links to Tennessee curriculum requirements are provided for those.

4 units – English

• 1 unit each of English I, II, III or AP Language & Composition, IV or AP Literature & Composition

4 units – Mathematics

• 1 unit of Algebra I (may be fulfilled by Algebra I taken in 8th grade)
• 1 unit of Algebra II
• 1 unit of Geometry
• 1 unit of Higher Math – courses accepted: Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry, Discrete Mathematics with Statistics & Probability, Precalculus, Statistics (or AP), Calculus (or AP – AB, BC), Bridge Math, Senior Finite Math.

3 units – Science

• 1 unit of Biology or AP
• 1 unit of Chemistry or AP or Physics or AP-B, C
• 1 unit of Additional Science – Physical Science, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Physical World Concepts, Scientific Research. Biology II or AP Biology may count as the 3rd science, following completion of the 1 required Biology course. Chemistry or Physics (or AP) may also count as the 3rd science, following completion of one of those courses to meet the second unit requirement.

2 units – Social Studies

• 1 unit of US History or AP
• 1 unit of World Geography or AP, World History or AP, Ancient History, Modern History, European History or AP

2 units – the same Foreign Language

1 unit – Arts

• Dance, Theatre, Music (instrumental, vocal, history, or theory), Visual Art (studio art or art history)

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:

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
• The personal statement
• Recommendations from teachers and counselors
• Special talents or skills