The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has a competitive and academically selective admissions process. Due to the limited space available on campus, not all applicants will be offered admission. Each applicant is important to us and is reviewed at least twice by the admissions committee using a holistic review process. It is unlikely for the admission appeal committee to grant an admissions appeal because of the thorough application review process, however you may be able to appeal to participate in a Pathway Program. UT only considers granting an appeal if new and compelling information is provided. For more information about our Fall 2026 admissions decision release, click here.
To Appeal
Please contact your UT Admissions Counselor for more information on the appeal process. You will need to summarize any new and compelling information that you feel positively impacts your admissions decision. This could be one of the following:
- A large increase in GPA (provided via submitting an updated STARS)
- Increase in ACT/SAT scores
- Other information academic in nature
Appeals will not be reviewed unless new information is provided. Information we will NOT consider:
- Appeal letter written by anyone other than the student
- ACT and SAT scores from exams taken after December 2025
- An increase in extracurricular and/or non-school-related activities
- An in-person interview
Based on the conversation with your UT Admissions Counselor, you will be given access to submit the official appeal form in your Go Vols Portal under the Resources tab.
You are required to complete the appeal form and attach ALL additional documentation not considered in your initial admission application.
Timeline
Students who are granted the opportunity to appeal the decision they received during our early-action releases in December must submit the appeal form and additional documentation by January 30, 2026. All early-action students will receive a final appeal decision by March 5, 2026.
Information for students who wish to appeal decisions received in the regular decision release in March will be provided at a later date.
All decisions for the appeal made to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions are final.
Submitting the Appeal Form
When submitting the Appeal Form, you should have the documentation listed below ready to submit with the Appeals Form. Information provided after the appeal form is submitted will not be considered.
- Letter requesting the appeal and stating the new information you feel will affect the admissions decision
- Unofficial Score report which shows the complete test score you are adding to your file (ACT and/or SAT; we will not consider tests taken after December 2025 for admission or scholarship decisions)
- Unofficial transcripts which show your high school record in addition to the new grades (mid-year grade reports or report cards are not accepted)
- Documentation of information not considered in the initial decision