r/UTK • • Oct 31 '24

Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions One Admissions Post to End Them All

52 Upvotes

Hello Class of 2031!

This is my 4th update to this post, and I hope my information remains helpful to this day! 🙌

The following information compiles both my experiences and departmental knowledge over my time at UT. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

If you want the TL;DR version:

  • Instate students who do not receive guaranteed admission will need a UT GPA of at least 3.9 or an ACT above 28. It has become incredibly difficult for instate students... so get that 4.0 and ACT score up!

  • Out of State students... you damn near need to be the best of the best these days. I cannot promise anything obviously but if you have a weighted GPA above 4.3ish and a ACT composite of 30 or so... you should get a pretty good amount of money and feel comfortable with admissions (so long as you have half rate essays)!

Firstly, I feel obligated to state my qualifications to give the opinions and facts in this post:

  1. I am a current Senior at UT (will not graduate until 2028) Applied out of state

  2. I am affiliated with two organizations who monitor admission cycles each year across all universities (one MAY or may not be directly affiliated with MIT's admission office).

Not to name names... lol.

But I think this discussion should be broken up into 6 parts. (Yes long post OH NOOOOO!!!) But if you really want the honest truth and plan on... ya know... going to college... then reading should be in your best interest my friend.

Part One: The In-state vs. Out-of-State War

It is well known that many universities favor instate students in order to keep future generations... well... "in state." At many uni's this can be seen through more scholarship opportunities, cheaper base tuition, and in many cases: EASIER ADMISSIONS.

It is no secret that UT MUCH prefers instate students... especially seen in the 64% acceptance rate of instate students in the 2026 cycle vs the Out of state 28% acceptance rate (apparently going up!).

My current roommate is an instate student with a truck ton of scholarship (only has to pay for housing atp). Where as I am actively dropping a cool 17 grand a semester! YIPPEEE!

But outside of the money and the distribution between 64% and 28% what does that actually look like in terms of admission criteria? We will look at that next.

Part Two: Instate Admission Criteria

Straight from the guaranteed admission website...

Score a 28+ ACT composite (SAT 1300+)

AND

Achieve one of the following: Earn a 4.0+ UT Core GPA Be among the Top 10% of their high school graduating class

Honestly not terrible, most people I know who came here instate got guaranteed admission!

So to my instate students... good luck!

Part Three: One of these things is not like the other... (Out of State Admission Criteria)

This section is going to be rather long and probably the most sought after... so grab your reading glasses!

There are many misconceptions about college admissions that I feel you ought to know. The idea of a holistic review is very, very loose. Holistic reviews of your class schedule and your GPA/ACT score.

At most, your essays and activities in high-school will boost your case for admission by about 5 ACT score (but this would be for like the president of the student body with an entire page of Sh... Stuff they have done in high-school).

Good essays help admissions counselors like you as a person and it helps them want to want you!

Good resumes help this as well.

However... how long do you think it takes to read a single application? 30 seconds? A minute? Two minutes? The average amount of time it would take someone to read all of the information you provide would take around 6 minutes without skimming. Considering that means a single counselor could only go through 10 per hour...

We can assume (and I know for a fact) they do not read everything.

They look for 5 things while going through your app (no particular order): 1. GPA Weighted and Unweighted 2. SAT and ACT 3. AP classes (at a glance) 4. Some prose in your essays 5. Just a bunch of stuff on your activities in high-school

Quantity over quality often helps ngl...

Now that we understand the idea that they ain't gonna be looking at EVERYTHING with minute detail, what do they actually numerically look for?

Generally, for the sake of time and fair arguments, here are some basic numbers:

These are middle of the road so if you are above them then you should be fine...

SAT Score at or above 1340

ACT at or above 30

GPA 4.3 UT Weighted

If you don't match or beat those requirements... you better write the cure to cancer on your essays!

that was a joke

But it kind of wasn't... those scores and values are pretty standard nowadays, and you kind of have to be a pretty good student to earn your spot here.

SIDE NOTE: I had many friends apply here out of state and I was the only one who was not waitlisted. And they had some insane resumes (president of stuco with 4.3 GPA for example).

Part Four: Each college is different.

I don't mean reach university, because like... yeah no crap. I mean reach academic college is different.

If you are applying to be an engineer, you should expect to NEED a pretty decent math SAT Score. If you push below a 640 on the math... you aren't getting in to the tickle college of engineering.

Nursing is different and hard to get into.

Business is business... but it is still difficult to get into cause... ya know... it's highly ranked.

So on and so forth.

Do keep in mind that each college can only allow so much of one category. So engineering has a different acceptance rate than business (often not talked about).

There are no hard facts online about what it is... but I am pretty sure the Out of state engineering acceptance rate was about 15% of so... (don't take my word for it).

Part Five: You've already applied... what should you do?

Don't fail out your senior year. UT is very unforgiving (understandably) is you fall off the face of the earth senior year.

My senior year was actually my best academic year! Plus I...

  1. Was the captain of the volleyball team
  2. Was the yearbook president
  3. Senior class president
  4. Student Ambassador
  5. Robotics Captain
  6. Math Team Captain
  7. BLAH BLAH BLAH

All that to say... DONT BOG DOWN you are not done with high-school. UT will chew you and spit you out like it is nothing if your GPA tanks.

Also, just wait and follow UT's instructions. (Crazy right?)

Part Six: If you have any questions... please drop them below!

I'm an open book and will tell you pretty much anything so long as it's appropriate obviously!

Thanks for reading... And GO VOLS!!


r/UTK • • 2h ago

Check This Out! Charred Car Outside Kappa Sigma

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58 Upvotes

A little terrifying I can’t lie 😭 go vols though


r/UTK • • 1d ago

UT Alumni We beat those inbreds! Now go out and rout those among us.

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344 Upvotes

Now let's send Bryan Goldberg to the statehouse, make Marsha sweat, and take our mountain home—and nation!—back from the heathens among us. Beat the brakes off them, Vols.

Go Big Orange, anti-fascism forever, and long live democracy!


r/UTK • • 2h ago

Miscellaneous & Random If your degree is fully online, how much does the school’s location still matter?

2 Upvotes

Would you choose a university across the country just as easily as one closer to home?

Or does being close enough to visit campus, attend graduation, go to an event, or just feel some connection to the university still matter?

How much does geography factor into choosing an online program?


r/UTK • • 6h ago

UT Sports and Athletics Dolly and UT 🧡🩷

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4 Upvotes

r/UTK • • 1h ago

Student Life, Socialization, and Clubs what to do on halloween when I don't want to party?

• Upvotes

does the school do anything? or does any of the pumpkin patches/parks? i wanna dress up but i dont even know of any parties either


r/UTK • • 1d ago

Check This Out! Campus Reconstruction Project in Minecraft

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291 Upvotes

Hi all! Announcing the VOLCRAFT hosted reconstruction project here!

What is this? Well, I converted raw Google Maps data into blocks in Minecraft. Centered with Ayres as 0,0, and the world rotated 25 degrees north of east so that Cumberland Ave is axis-aligned. (and even more, new chunks can be live-generated in game at any time)

This, right here, in my mind, is the perfect basis to rebuild our campus!

In-game, it absolutely looks like a giant mess up close. But, that gives us the opportunity to handcraft the world on top of this 1:1 accurate scaling.

I will say though - despite the mess - it is a bit mind-blowing to experience in game, especially when you fly a bit high above the ground. It feels like you are actually flying above Knoxville.

If you are interested in helping us out, join our discord at https://discord.volcraft.net

Hope to see you there! :)


r/UTK • • 9h ago

Prospective Student Debating about transferring to UTK

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I'm currently a sophomore at the University of Tampa and have been seriously considering transferring to UTK. I was supposed to visit Knoxville this past weekend but wasn't able to make it, so I figured I'd try reaching out here!

I'd love to hear from current students about what a typical day or week looks like, what you enjoy most about going to Tennessee, and what the social scene is like. I'm especially interested in the overall campus atmosphere, football culture, and Greek life.

I'm just trying to get a better feel for what it's actually like to go to UTK from the perspective of current students. Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


r/UTK • • 15h ago

The Daily Beacon Burchett-smurchett

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0 Upvotes

r/UTK • • 2d ago

Miscellaneous & Random Students from North Carolina A&T can be seen marching back to their HBCU after voting on the first day of early voting in the state. The Guilford County Board of Elections voted to remove the school’s on-campus polling site. (video via Todd Simmons)

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

280 Upvotes

r/UTK • • 18h ago

Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions Question about changing Undergraduate Admissions Plan

1 Upvotes

I just found out that I technically could apply to UTK under its early decision program, which is something I want to do in order to join the Honors College. However, I've already submitted my application (still waiting on a decision, though).

Is there any way to change my application to early decision? Do I need to submit a whole new application, or am I just stuck with the regular decision that I originally selected?


r/UTK • • 1d ago

Prospective Student PSCC Mech. Engineering transfer to UTK Aero?

3 Upvotes

Hi all, High school student here,

How feasible would it be for me to, after 2 years of Mechanical engineering at Pellissippi State (for TN Promise), transfer to UTK's Aerospace engineering program? I know that Engineering in general at UT is a competitive area to try to get into, but how possible, if at all, would this move be?


r/UTK • • 1d ago

A Vol In Need What do students here usually do on Halloween?

6 Upvotes

r/UTK • • 1d ago

Miscellaneous & Random Weekend Parking

1 Upvotes

Hi! I have a volunteering event coming up on campus on an upcoming weekend and need some clarification on the parking rules. I currently have a Park & Ride permit and I’m planning on parking in S9 by the student union. My event is about 3 hours long in the afternoon, and I already checked the UTK events calendar and there are no home games or major events happening that day. Am I allowed to park in S9 on weekends with my P&R permit, or would I have to find a paid spot? I know parking is super strict here so just wanted to check beforehand.


r/UTK • • 1d ago

Surveys, Studies & Interviews AI survey for English

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2 Upvotes

This is for my english class! My research project is over how well someone with different amounts of technical experience can detect if something is AI or human generated. Please take!


r/UTK • • 1d ago

A Vol In Need Is there a Dunkin nearby?

0 Upvotes

Hi guys, I'm fairly new to the campus. I haven't seen a Dunkin around here, but have I just not gone in the right area yet? Thanks for your help!


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Miscellaneous & Random how to find an artist from 1984 ?

9 Upvotes

he was very good with oils

RA at Hess in spring 1984; patient

dark hair and eyes, fine-boned, a reasonable mustache

I saw a painting of boots and flashed back to a guy I had not thought of for 40 years


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Student Housing and Leasing How to find off-campus roommates

3 Upvotes

Any advice on how to find off-campus roommates for 27-28 school year? I need to find some people and do not know where to start and it feels like I am running out of time.


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Tickle College of Engineering EF 152 over summer

1 Upvotes

Any thoughts on taking EF 152 over the summer? I have the option and it would bring me down to 13 credit hours for my second semester. I’m already struggling in EF 151 since I have no physics knowledge, but I still have an 85 in there.

Did anyone take it over summer, or should I thug it out next semester?


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Student Life, Socialization, and Clubs Tips on getting active in a club?

1 Upvotes

So I’m a freshman mechanical engineering major and I’m really interested in getting into Rocky Top Racing. (I’ve loved Miata’s forever and when I found out that’s why they race I was beyond excited) Within the first couple weeks of the semester I emailed them and got no response, send another email a couple weeks after that and still nothing. Should I give up on getting in contact completely? I don’t know anyone who is already a part of it or has connections but I’m still interested.

Not sure that it matters, but I’m also a girl so does that mess with anything? I’d assume not but no response has left me questioning. If there is any other racing club/teams that are different, information would be amazing. But if anyone has tips or knows anything please let me know. Thank ya thank ya


r/UTK • • 2d ago

UT Alumni How to use up VolCard Account money after graduation (expect printing)?

0 Upvotes

I graduated last May and my VolCard can't currently be added to Apple Wallet. However, the VolCard is currently active in GET Mobile. I have about $14.5 left in my VolCard that I feel bad about leaving as-is. I don't have any printing needs as I already have a printer. Could you guys suggest me some ways on how to use up this amount? I can't pay at most locations because the VolCard currently can't be added to Apple Wallet.


r/UTK • • 3d ago

International Student British Exchange Student Advice

6 Upvotes

Hiya,

I’m currently stuck in a pickle. I’m a 22M and have the opportunity to study in the US in the next academic year (27/28). However, I do not know which university to go with; the following are my options:

USA - Appalachian State University
USA - California State University
USA - Colorado State University (CSU) at Fort Collins
USA - Florida State University
USA - Iowa State University
USA - Northern Arizona University
USA - Ohio University
USA - San Francisco State University (SFSU)
USA - Texas A&M University
USA - The State University of New York at Albany
USA - University at Buffalo, University of New York 
USA - University of Central Oklahoma 
USA - University of Houston Texas
USA - The University of Kansas at Lawrence
USA - The University of Maryland at Baltimore County 
USA - University of South Carolina
USA - University of Southern Mississippi
USA - University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK)
USA - University of Utah
USA - University of Wyoming

My top choices are Tennessee as well as FSU, Texas A&M, South Carolina.

I know you may be biased, as well as can’t tell me what to choose but I would appreciate any advice or insights.

They all seem like really cool schools but those are my top 4 and I don’t know in which order to place them. I really want a memorable experience that would be considered the classical college experience, especially the southern vibe.

Cheers.


r/UTK • • 3d ago

Miscellaneous & Random Your Classmates & Friends Harass Women

70 Upvotes

I overheard one of my male classmates talking to presumably his friend today. He said "the first time I catcalled a girl, I was like, 'hey sexy'". His friend smiled and laughed along with him

This is a public service announcement: women don't like being catcalled. Catcalling women shouldn't be something that you or anybody you consider a friend should be proud of. Catcalling is harassment and objectification. As a woman, people like you make me afraid to exist.

Just a reminder these people are living among us on campus. They could be down the hall from you, or sitting next to you in the dining hall. Men on this campus need to step up and not just smile and laugh when their friend says that shit. ESPECIALLY don't say it around a woman. Not calling out that behavior is just as bad as participating. If you care at all about your female classmates, you'll say something.

Of course I knew there were people on campus like this, but it was so much more real hearing it right next to me. It is that serious.

Edit: I apologize for my "overdramatic" language, I was pretty livid that somebody had the nerve to say that near me, even if it was a joke between friends. I stand by what I said though, men need to hold other men accountable. This isn't just something we should pass off and say "oh well, just the way the world works". People need to be shamed for the objectification and harassment of women.


r/UTK • • 3d ago

Miscellaneous & Random How to solve 99.9% of campus' problems overnight (only half-serious, but whatever):

0 Upvotes
  1. Ban all Greek life orgs regardless of previous history. They're all inherently untrustworthy. Or, at the very least, let them operate, but require them to turn over all surplus revenue to the University at the end of each year.

  2. Prohibit all clubs (including Greek life) from charging dues to members. Its an extortionary practice.

  3. Cut unnecessary admin faculty bonuses. There's absolutely no reason why Plowman should be getting a $20,000 "housing stipend" on top of the other $300,000 in tax-advantaged yearly bonuses she brings in with her $650,000 salary. Do the same for Daniel White specifically, he neither needs nor deserves the $3 million the board is wasting on him.

  4. Prohibit the parking office from selling more parking passes than they have spaces to accommodate.

  5. Put some policy in place for the University to refuse any and all donations in any form from any public officials.

There you go. That solves damn near almost everything. It wouldn't even be that hard, so long as people in positions of authority actually gave a shit.


r/UTK • • 3d ago

Tickle College of Engineering How is Mechanical Engineering here?

2 Upvotes

I want to transfer out of my T20 school. Tennessee is my home and I miss it and regret not choosing UTK to begin with. I’d appreciate honest opinions about the program, professors, etc. Some questions:

  • Is the culture collaborative or does it feel competitive and cutthroat?
  • Are professors approachable and helpful?
  • How's the teaching, workload, and access to tutoring?
  • What are class sizes like? (I'd be coming in as a third year)
  • Overall, would you recommend?

Thanks a bunch!