r/UTK • • Oct 31 '24

Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions One Admissions Post to End Them All

50 Upvotes

Hello Class of 2031!

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

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 • • 8h 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

187 Upvotes

r/UTK • • 4h ago

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

6 Upvotes

r/UTK • • 6h ago

Surveys, Studies & Interviews AI survey for English

Thumbnail utk.co1.qualtrics.com
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 • • 6h 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 • • 22h ago

Miscellaneous & Random how to find an artist from 1984 ?

10 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 • • 19h ago

Student Housing and Leasing How to find off-campus roommates

2 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 • • 1d 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 • • 1d 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 • • 1d 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 • • 1d ago

International Student British Exchange Student Advice

5 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 -Ā Ohio University
USA - San Francisco State University (SFSU)
USA - Texas A&M University
USAĀ - The State University of New York at Albany
USA - University at Buffalo, University of New YorkĀ 
USA - University of Central OklahomaĀ 
USA -Ā University of Houston Texas
USA - The University of Kansas at Lawrence
USA -Ā The University of Maryland at Baltimore CountyĀ 
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 • • 2d 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 • • 1d 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 • • 1d 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!


r/UTK • • 2d ago

A Vol In Need going from full time to part time

3 Upvotes

I’m currently a full time student. I’m not enjoying my major and want to take a break but don’t want to drop out. I just want to go down to one class for a semester or two to figure out my life. Is there something I have to do to transfer. I don’t receive financial aid so I’m not worried about losing anything!


r/UTK • • 1d ago

BIG ORANGE SCREW So I guess points don’t matter?

0 Upvotes

I understand it’s the Bama game. It’s huge. Whatever. But I have 16 T-Credits as a Junior, and I get nosebleeds? I call the ticket office to make sure, since the Student Section is D-K, and ā€œyeah… you’re in MMā€¦ā€ like, yeah. I know. I shouldn’t be. This is my only time I’m going to get to see us play bama as a student here and it’s gonna be from orbit…


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Tickle College of Engineering Physics 252

3 Upvotes

Looking for some people's input on taking Physics 252. How is the online course (taught by Irene Datskou) versus taking it in person (Katherine Jones)?


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Miscellaneous & Random Is there a writing club/group on campus

2 Upvotes

I’ve been getting back into creative writing and I was wondering if there was some kind of creative writing group or club on campus?


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Professor/TA/Class Course Looking for a fun 2027 Winter Mini-term class? Check out REST 202, "Religion and Film." Fulfills Volcore AH requirement.

Post image
1 Upvotes

REST 202, "Religion and Film," will explore themes of modern culture and religious thought through films. Topics explored will include depictions of Jesus Christ in film, messianic figures and film, religious cosmology and film, and world religions and film. The class runs from January 4-15, 2027, and is a great way to get your Vol Core AH credit in while also having some fun learning about film and religion. For more information contact Dr. David Kline at [Dkline@utk.edu](mailto:Dkline@utk.edu)


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Professor/TA/Class Course Easy GCI classes

1 Upvotes

It is my senior year and I need my GCI for the spring. I’d like to take a mythology but only if it’s a low stress class. Are CLAS 201, 221, or 222 easy A’s? If not, what are some easy but interesting GCI’s?


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Undergraduate Student Restrictions on classes

1 Upvotes

I am looking at the timetable to plan out next semester’s schedule and a few classes I need to take are restricted. Is there a way I can contact my college to put me in the class?


r/UTK • • 3d ago

Check This Out! Blackburn vs. Green: where they stand on the Issues

46 Upvotes

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https://tngovcompare.org/

TNGovCompare.org is an independent voter-information resource. It is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by any candidate, campaign, political party or government agency, and it makes no endorsements. Positions are summarized from the sources cited and may change; check the original source.Ā 


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Surveys, Studies & Interviews [looking for interviewees] Hi guys! I need some student interviews for my class group project! It’s regarding on and off campus housing. It would be great to have some commenters especially! I can send you a link to the form! Please reply here.

0 Upvotes

basically what the title says!


r/UTK • • 2d ago

Haslam College of Business Haslam Econ Majors!!!

0 Upvotes

I am a senior planning my final semester. Thoughts on these classes:
Econ 381: Econometrics
Econ 362: Environmental and Natural Resource Policy
Econ 474: Applied Economic Analysis
Econ 421: International Economics


r/UTK • • 3d ago

BIG ORANGE SCREW The mail process is atrocious.

4 Upvotes

I ordered two packages. One arrived on 10/9 and the other on 10/11. The one that arrived on 10/11 was ready for pickup yesterday, but the one that arrived 10/9 did not. Ok, fine, I give it a few days until today and I go to the main mail building and ask about the pacakge. Employee there says that the package was processed and already dropped off to my dorm, tells me to ask front desk staff to look again.

Ok, I go to the front desk, explain, ask, and the employee asks if I got an email, I say no, not for that one, but it should be there because it was dropepd off friday, 10/9. Employee basically hits me with the too bad so sad we have so many packages we cannot look through them all, fair I guess. Told me just to wait.

It's frustrating when you have something important that is relatively time-sensitive, and UT's mail system screws things up...