The University of Tennessee: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 79%. To apply, students can use the Common Application or The University of Tennessee application. UT Knoxville ranks among the top Tennessee colleges and the top South Central colleges and universities.

Considering applying to UT Knoxville? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, the University of Tennessee had an acceptance rate of 79%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 79 students were admitted, making UT's admissions process somewhat selective.

SAT Scores and Requirements

UT Knoxville requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 23% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

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This admissions data tells us that most of UT Knoxville's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to the University of Tennessee scored between 580 and 660, while 25% scored below 580 and 25% scored above 660. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 570 and 670, while 25% scored below 570 and 25% scored above 670. Applicants with a composite ACT score of 1330 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at UT Knoxville.

Requirements

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville does not require the SAT writing section. Note that UT Knoxville participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.

ACT Scores and Requirements

The University of Tennessee requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 88% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of UT Knoxville's admitted students fall within the top 26% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to UT Knoxville received a composite ACT score between 24 and 30, while 25% scored above 30 and 25% scored below 24.

Requirements

UT Knoxville does not require the ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, the University of Tennessee superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.

GPA

In 2019, the middle 50% of the University of Tennessee's incoming class had high school GPAs between 3.0 and 4.0. 25% had a GPA above 4.0, and 25% had a GPA below 3.0. These results suggest that most successful applicants to UT Knoxville have primarily A and B grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, which accepts over three-quarters of applicants, has a somewhat selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's average ranges, you have a strong chance of being accepted. However, UT Knoxville also has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and meaningful extracurricular activities can strengthen your application, as can a rigorous course schedule. Some applicants may also benefit from submitting an optional supporting personal statement and optional letters of recommendation.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that the majority of accepted students had high school GPAs of 3.0 or higher, ACT composite scores of 20 or higher, and combined SAT scores of 1000 or better (ERW+M). Higher grades and scores significantly increase your chances acceptance.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Undergraduate Admissions Office.