Students who receive a waitlist decision are encouraged to opt-in to join the waitlist for Fall 2025 while also choosing to participate in one of three programs: Rocky Top Transfer, UT Access Collaborative, or Verto Vols. We will continue to check in with students on the waitlist to see if they are still interested, or if their plans for Fall 2025 have changed. If capacity becomes available in the Fall 2025 first-year class, students who opt-in to join the waitlist will be notified via email and phone call.
Watch Fall 2025 Pathway Programs Video
Rocky Top Transfer: A Community College Experience
The Rocky Top Transfer Program allows students to start their academic journey in a community college environment at Pellissippi State Community College (Pellissippi State CC) and seamlessly transition to UT the following year. Students complete their first year at Pellissippi State CC, with guaranteed admission to UT upon meeting program requirements. This clear path offers you peace of mind as you focus on your studies and prepare for a smooth transition to Rocky Top.
According to Sienna Angelone, a program participant, “The Rocky Top Transfer Program has been a life-changing experience for me. It has taught me perseverance, organization, and time management. I have never been prouder of the person I have become.”
Sienna’s experience reflects the powerful personal growth many students experience through the program. Pellissippi State’s supportive environment ensures that students not only succeed academically but also thrive personally. With smaller class sizes and a close-knit community, the program prepares students for success both at Pellissippi State and as they transition to UT.
UT Access Collaborative: Your Guaranteed Path to UT Knoxville
UT Access Collaborative offers students a more traditional university experience before transferring from another University of Tennessee System campus—UT Chattanooga, UT Martin, or UT Southern—directly to UT Knoxville the following year. Students who meet the program requirements are guaranteed transfer admission to UT Knoxville.
UT Access Collaborative helps students build a strong foundation for future success. Starting out at a smaller traditional university campus, you’ll have all the benefits of a 4-year school but on a more personalized, tailored scale. “My end game is to go to The University of Tennessee. I chose this program because I knew at the end of the day I would end up there; it’s just a little step in the process to get where I want to be,” shared Abbie Ball, a current participant in UT Access Collaborative.
Our other UT System campuses offer an environment where you can form meaningful connections with professors and peers, receive personalized attention, and gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed on Rocky Top.
Verto Vol: An Exciting First Year Abroad Experience
With five incredible destinations to choose from—London, Florence, Prague, Seville, or Buenos Aires—the Verto Vols program allows select students the rare opportunity to start their college experience abroad in flexible, hands-on learning environments to grow personally and academically. The program’s unique approach allows students to explore new academic fields and gain valuable international experience before transferring to Rocky Top upon meeting program requirements.
Verto Vols offers far more than just an academic experience—it’s an opportunity to grow, explore, and connect with the world in ways that few other programs can provide. Alison McKeithan, a participant who studied in Spain, describes her experience as transformative, granting her a broader global perspective and enriching her academic journey in ways she never imagined.
“This experience has truly changed my life,” Alison shares. “I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself, learned to appreciate things I once took for granted, and developed an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything I have. I’m also incredibly grateful to have had the chance to explore multiple countries and experience so many different ways of life.”
Alison continues, “The classes here have exceeded my expectations. They’re unlike anything I experienced in high school, or what I imagined college would be like. The professors are incredibly welcoming, and every class feels unique and engaging.”
Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Florence, the energy of Buenos Aires, or the history of Prague, Verto Vols ensures you’re earning more than just college credit—you’re gaining a global perspective that will enhance your life!