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. Whether you’ve been admitted, invited to join a pathway program, or denied, there are important details and opportunities available to you. Keep reading to find out what your next steps are.
Admitted
Students who receive an admissions decision of “Admitted” are admitted to the entering class of Fall 2026. 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 Experience when it opens in March.
Deferred
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.
Pathway Programs
Select applicants will receive Pathway Programs invitations that enable guaranteed UT Knoxville admission in Fall 2027 upon successful program completion. Pathway invitations are determined based on academic preparation.
There are two possible types of Pathway invitations:
Pathways + Verto Vol Year Abroad
Students in this group will be invited to participate in UT Access Collaborative, Rocky Top Transfer, or begin their experience abroad through the Verto Vol Year Abroad program.
Pathways Only
Students in this group will be invited to participate in UT Access Collaborative or Rocky Top Transfer but will not have the opportunity to pursue the Verto Vol Year Abroad option.
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 Fall 2027. For more information about our pathway programs, please visit our website.
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.