Your Guide to This Year’s Admissions Cycle
What’s New on Rocky Top?
Thank you for the important role you play in helping students navigate the college search. As you prepare for the Fall 2027 admissions cycle, here are a few updates and reminders to help you support future Volunteers.
Introducing Nate Crozier
We’re excited to welcome Nate Crozier as UT’s new Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions. With more than 20 years of enrollment leadership experience, Nate is passionate about expanding access, supporting students, and building meaningful partnerships with schools and counselors. We’re excited for this next chapter and look forward to the experience and perspective he’ll bring to our admissions team!
Financial Aid Updates
Federal financial aid policies are changing due to recent legislation, with updates taking effect for enrollment periods beginning July 1, 2026. As federal guidance continues to evolve, we will share our current understanding of the changes and what they may mean for your students’ financial aid eligibility and planning.
Important Deadlines
We’ve slightly adjusted admissions deadlines, including moving the Regular Decision application deadline from December 15 to January 5. Based on your feedback, this should help give students time after Winter Break to submit their application.
In addition, also renamed what was previously called the “Completion Date” to the “Materials Deadline.” It may seem like a small change, but it’s much clearer for students and families—and clarity matters.
Test Score Policy
All first-year undergraduate students are required to self-report their ACT or SAT scores as part of their application for admission by January 20, 2027. Only tests taken through December 2026 will be accepted for admission and institutional merit scholarship consideration. Official scores must be sent to UT from the testing agency and received by May 15, 2027.
Removal of Optional Supplemental Essay
We’ve removed UT’s optional institutional supplemental essay. Since this information is already collected on the Common Application, students no longer need to complete an additional essay for UT.
Final Transcript Reminder
Official final high school transcripts for confirmed students are due by July 1, 2027. Schools may submit transcripts electronically through several approved services or mail official transcripts directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
University Honors
Help your highest-achieving students take the next step by encouraging them to explore UT’s Chancellor’s Honors Program, Haslam Leadership Scholars, and Haslam 50. These selective programs offer enhanced academics, leadership experiences, and a close-knit community of scholars.
Interested students should adhere to early action application deadlines and apply to University Honors programs by November 18, 2026 to be considered.
Eligible students interested in the Haslam Leadership Scholars program should apply by November 20, 2026.
Ready to Apply?
We can’t wait to review your application for admission! Create a Go Vols account to start your application, or choose the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on your Common Application!
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Find My Counselor
Your admissions counselor will be with you every step of the way on your journey to Rocky Top! They’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have and help you through the application process.