Test Scores
All first-year undergraduate students are required to self-report their ACT or SAT scores as part of their application for admission by January 15, 2026. Only tests taken through December 2025 will be accepted for admission and institutional merit scholarship consideration. Official scores must be sent to UT from the testing agency and received by April 1, 2026.
We Superscore!
UT uses the superscoring method, meaning we take your highest section scores of each test taken to determine your new composite score for application review. This usually yields a higher composite score, making your application more competitive.
You can take these tests as many times as you want—but UT will only accept scores taken through December 2025 for admission and institutional merit scholarship consideration. Send us your updated scores in the GPA & Test tab of your Go Vols Portal, and we will recalculate your overall composite score and update your application. You can also upload your test scores as part of your Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)!
Note: In our admission process, all scores are expressed as ACT or ACT equivalents, based on concordance tables (2008, 2016) developed by the College Board for SAT scores.
ACT
If you took the ACT more than one time, a superscore is calculated based on the highest score achieved in each of the four test areas. We do not use the optional essay.
The University of Tennessee does not require the ACT Science section for Fall 2026 admission or institutional merit scholarship consideration.
UT calculates your best possible composite superscore using your highest individual section scores across all ACT and SAT tests taken. If you submit an ACT Science score and it helps your superscore, we’ll include it. If not, it won’t hurt you — there’s no penalty for choosing whether or not to submit an ACT Science score.
To make sure we’re using your best scores, we strongly recommend self-reporting all ACT scores from every test date you’ve taken.
Our code is 4026 for ACT.
SAT
For the SAT, we superscore using only the Evidence-based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math (M) scores. We do not use the optional essay.
Our code is 1843 for SAT.
Decisions
UT will only use the highest ACT or SAT superscore when making admissions decisions and reviewing students for institutional merit scholarships.
After being admitted to and confirming your enrollment at UT, we will need to receive your official ACT or SAT scores from the testing company. In order to be fully considered for institutional merit scholarships, official scores must be received by April 1 at the end of your senior year.
Math Placement
We use ACT and equivalent math SAT scores to determine eligibility to take math classes at UT. Visit the Department of Math’s website for requirements.
Test Score Policy
The University of Tennessee System has decided that all campuses, including UT Knoxville, will now require standardized tests (ACT/SAT) for first-year applicants applying to attend UT.
All applicants will be considered for University Honors Programs and many scholarships if their application is submitted and completed by the appropriate deadlines. Visit the One Stop website for details on the requirements for a wide range of UT academic scholarships.
Ready to Apply?
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!
Request Information
Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on the latest information and events happening on campus. It’s the best way to add a little orange to your mailbox!
Find My Counselor
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.