Congratulations on taking the next step in your academic journey by applying to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville! As we release our admissions decisions for Fall 2026, we want to ensure you understand what each decision means and the next steps you can take. Regardless of your admission status, whether admitted, waitlisted, or denied, there are important details and opportunities for your review. Keep reading to find out what’s next and how Rocky Top fits into your journey!
Admitted
Students who receive an admissions decision of “Admitted” are offered enrollment in the Fall 2026 entering class. Admitted students should confirm enrollment in order to reserve their place in the incoming class and complete next steps, like submitting an on-campus housing application and registering for New Vol Orientation.
Waitlisted
Students who receive a waitlist decision may opt-in to join the Fall 2026 waitlist and participate in one of three pathway programs —UT Access Collaborative, Verto Vols or Rocky Top Transfer. Our waitlist is not ranked, and we review students holistically when determining which students will be admitted from the waitlist. Students who opt-in to join the waitlist will be contacted if capacity becomes available. Students who choose to participate in a pathway program (see below for more information) will not be negatively impacted and still be considered admission from the waitlist. For more information about the Fall 2026 waitlist and pathway programs, please visit admissions.utk.edu/waitlist.
Pathway Programs
Based on academic criteria, select applicants not offered first-year admission will be invited to participate in one of our pathway programs—UT Access Collaborative, Rocky Top Transfer, or Verto Vols. All programs allow students to enroll as first-year students at another institution of their choosing or study abroad to begin their college careers. Students who participate in one of these programs, meet the required 3.0 GPA criteria and earn the minimum number of transferable credit hours will have a guaranteed transfer pathway to UT Knoxville in any non-competitive program for Spring 2027 (Verto Vols only) or Fall 2027. For more information about our pathway programs, please visit our website.
Deferred (Early Action Only)
This is not a final admissions decision—students whose decision is deferred will receive a final admissions decision on March 9, 2026. Our admissions staff just needs to learn a little more information about you before making a final decision. To provide more information, like your high school grades from the Fall 2025 semester, updated test scores taken through December 2025, or academic letters of recommendation, please do so in your Go Vols Portal by February 15, 2026.
Denied
Students with a denied decision are not offered admission to UT at this time. Although students may be denied admission, we encourage applicants to consider a transfer pathway at a later date. More information about programs, opportunities, and scholarships available for transfer students can be found at transfer.utk.edu.