It’s time—whether you knew you bled orange from the day you were born or just heard about the amazing things happening at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (aka Rocky Top)—our Fall 2026 application is now OPEN!
Ready to apply but not sure where to start? We’ve broken down the process below into easy-to-follow steps so you know exactly what to do, when, and how to make the most of your application. There are two ways to start your college application journey, and we’re here to help you figure out which option suits you best.
1. Choose how to apply and submit your application.
First, choose between the Common Application or UT’s Go Vols application platform to fill out and submit your application—we accept either!
- The Common App is great for students applying for admission to multiple universities. It’s a one-stop shop for college applications, with a database containing information from thousands of schools. The best part is that it standardizes questions from each institution, saving you time while you apply for admission to as many colleges as your heart desires!
- If you’re interested in applying to ONLY UT, we recommend applying via our direct institutional application! To submit the Go Vols application, you must first create an account as a “First Time User” or log in as a “Returning User” if you already have an account from a previous program. Then, fill out the application form, and hit “Submit.”
In addition to filling out the application itself, you will need to submit a required essay and pay the application fee (or request a fee waiver).
It’s as simple and straightforward as that! Once you choose how you want to apply and click submit, you’re done with the first step.
What’s the Go Vols Portal?
Our Go Vols Portal is your key resource for anything and everything to do with your application for admission. Here, you’ll find checklists that outline your next steps, missing items we need from you and the ability to upload supporting documents, resources to complete your Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record (STARS), applications to student programs (including University Honors), and registration for all our events & campus tours!
- If you applied through the Common App, you’ll need to create a Go Vols account to access your Go Vols Portal. We’ve provided more details and information here to help you out! If you submit your Common App in early to mid-August, it may take 2-3 weeks for us to receive your application and send you next steps. If you apply after mid-August, it will take 3 business days for us to receive your application. Regardless of when you apply, always keep an eye on your email inbox for steps on how to create your portal, as well as important next steps just for Common App applicants.
- If you applied through the Go Vols application, good news—you already have a Go Vols Portal account!
2. Submit required materials.
Now that you’ve submitted your application, you can now provide additional required materials—like linking your STARS to your UT application, providing an unofficial high school transcript, and self-reporting all your standardized test scores (remember—we superscore)!
After you hit “submit” on either the Go Vols app or Common App, you will need to submit your STARS to UT to be reviewed for admission. You can self-report ACT or SAT scores and unofficial transcripts to the STARS itself, and additional materials needed including recommendation letters, supporting statements, or major specific additional requirements via the Go Vols Portal.
3. Sweet—I’ve completed my application! What’s next?
The application review process at UT is competitive, but some applications are viewed holistically. We keep the following items in mind when reviewing your application:
- Rigor of your high school curriculum
- Difficulty of senior-level coursework
- Standardized test scores
- AP, CLEP, IB, Cambridge, and Statewide Dual Credit
We also review these optional items when reviewing your application:
- Extracurricular or leadership activities
- Job experience
- Awards
- Special talents or skills
- Supporting statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Students also have the opportunity to submit an optional supporting statement. If applicable, please share any circumstance(s) that would have had an adverse impact on your academic performance. This can offer crucial insights to the admissions staff as they review you for admission.
For more information, visit our Application Checklist.
How do I check my application status?
After completing your application, you can check the status by visiting your Go Vols Portal. Check your portal frequently to stay updated on any important communications from UT and to submit any necessary materials to complete your application.
When will I get a decision?
UT typically releases decisions three times a year, then releases decisions on a rolling basis.
Early Action Releases: Students must have submitted their application by Saturday, November 1 and provided required materials to complete their application by Saturday, November 15 to be considered an early-action applicant.
- In-State Early Action Release: Monday, December 8
- Out-of-State Early Action Release: Monday, December 15
Regular Decision Release: Monday, March 9
Students must have submitted their application by Monday, December 15 and provided required materials to complete their application by Thursday, January 15 to be considered a regular decision applicant.
After March 9, UT will release admissions decisions on a rolling basis.
If you are an in-state student and apply by our early-action deadlines, you will receive a decision on December 4; if you apply early-action and are an out-of-state student, you’ll get your decision on December 17. All regular decision applicants regardless of residency will receive a decision on March 4. After March 4, UT will release ad
We hope to review you for admission soon!
Now that you have a better understanding of how to submit your application, we hope to review you for admission soon! We are so excited to see you take this next step and are eager to review your application once submitted. We can’t wait to help you start your journey to Rocky Top!
What if I have additional questions?
We’re happy to help! Your admissions counselor is ready to answer any questions you may have about the application process.