University of Tennessee SAT & ACT Score Requirements: What You Need to Get In (2026)

Last Updated: October 1, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Among UT Knoxville's fall 2025 enrolled first-year students, the SAT middle 50 is 1280 to 1380 and the ACT middle 50 is 26 to 31, per UT's 2025-26 Common Data Set. The average admitted GPA is approximately 3.97 unweighted (4.07 to 4.50 weighted).
• UT requires the SAT or ACT for all first-year applicants. Test-optional is not an option, even though many SEC peers still are.
• UT superscores both the SAT and ACT and accepts self-reported scores via the Common App or Go Vols Application.
• For fall 2025, UT admitted 43.6 percent of first-year applicants (23,464 admits from 53,841 applications), per its 2025-26 Common Data Set. The pool splits sharply by residency: about 73 percent in-state and 35 percent out-of-state.
• Tennessee residents have a guaranteed admission path: a 24+ ACT (1160+ SAT) with 19+ Math and 19+ English subscores, plus either a 4.0 UT Core GPA or top 10 percent class rank, applied by November 1.

What SAT or ACT Score Do You Need for UT Knoxville?

UT does not publish a competitive minimum and uses a holistic review for non-guaranteed admits. The middle 50 ranges for fall 2025 enrolled first-year students, from UT's 2025-26 Common Data Set:

Half of UT's enrolled first-year students who submitted scores landed inside 1280 to 1380 on the SAT and 26 to 31 on the ACT. Practical target: aim for a 1330 SAT or a 29 ACT to land in the middle of that group. A 1280 or 26 keeps you competitive. A 1380 or 31 puts you at the 75th percentile of that group.

Out-of-state applicants should treat the upper end of the middle 50 as the practical floor. With out-of-state admit rates running around 35 percent (versus 73 percent in-state), non-Tennessee applicants benefit from clearly above-average scores plus strong rigor and essays.

UT Knoxville Requires the SAT or ACT

UT is one of a small group of SEC flagships that did not stay test-optional after the pandemic. UT's test score policy for fall 2027 applicants: "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."

• You must submit either an SAT or ACT score. No score, no review. There is no test-optional pathway for first-year applicants.
• Self-report through the Common Application or Go Vols Application. Official scores sent from the testing agency must be received by May 15, 2027, after admission decisions.
• Only tests through December 2026 count. UT only accepts test scores from test dates through December 2026 for admission and institutional merit scholarship review. Plan your final test date accordingly.
• The ACT writing section and SAT optional essay are not used. UT explicitly states it does "not use the optional essay" for either test.

UT Superscores Both the SAT and the ACT

UT uses one of the more applicant-friendly super-scoring policies among public flagships. From the test policy page:

"UT uses the superscoring method, meaning we take your highest section scores of each test taken to determine your new composite score for application review."

• SAT super-score: Highest Reading and Writing across all dates plus highest Math across all dates form a new composite.
• ACT super-score: Highest English, Math, Reading, and (optionally) Science subscores across dates form a new composite. Science is included if it helps your composite; omitting it does not hurt your file.
• Used for admission and merit scholarships. Super-scoring applies to both the admission decision and Chancellor's Scholarship review, so multiple attempts can only help.
• Self-reported scores are accepted at application. You do not need to send official score reports during the application phase.

The combination of test-required admission plus generous super-scoring means a focused two- or three-test strategy almost always pays off. Identify your weakest section and concentrate prep there between test dates.

The In-State Guaranteed Admission Path

Tennessee residents have an unusual benefit: guaranteed admission if they meet specific academic thresholds and apply by Early Action. UT's published criteria require ALL of the following:

Three things to know about guaranteed admission:

• The UT Core GPA is calculated through end of junior year. Senior coursework is not yet completed by the November 1 EA deadline, so junior-year grades carry the day for guaranteed-admission review.
• You must be a U.S. citizen domiciled in Tennessee and graduating from a Tennessee high school. Public, private, charter, or home school all qualify. Out-of-state Tennessee residents (those at boarding schools elsewhere) need to verify domicile carefully.
• Missing guaranteed admission does not mean rejection. Tennessee residents who do not meet the guaranteed criteria are still reviewed holistically. Most are admitted; the in-state admit rate was about 73 percent for fall 2025.

UT Knoxville Application Deadlines

UT runs an Early Action and Regular Decision schedule with hard cutoffs for both the application submission and the supporting documents (transcript, scores, essay):

Two practical implications:

• EA is the strategic default. EA is required for in-state guaranteed admission and for the most competitive merit scholarships. Out-of-state applicants without scholarship needs can still apply RD without penalty, but in-state applicants almost always benefit from EA.
• Completion deadlines are firm. Submitting the application by November 1 is not enough; transcripts, test scores, and essays must arrive by November 15 for EA review. Missing the completion deadline rolls your file into RD review.

UT Knoxville GPA and Course Rigor

UT calculates a UT Core GPA from required core academic courses. This is the GPA used for admission and scholarship decisions, not your school's reported GPA. The UT Core curriculum requires:

• English: 4 units.
• Math: 4 units (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, plus a fourth math beyond Algebra II such as pre-calculus, calculus, or statistics).
• Science: 3 units (with at least one lab science).
• Social science: 3 units (1 must be U.S. history).
• Foreign language: 2 units of the same language.
• Visual or performing arts: 1 unit.

Average admitted UT Core GPA runs near 4.0 unweighted, with weighted averages of 4.07 to 4.50. Course rigor (AP, IB, dual enrollment, honors) is weighted in the holistic review for non-guaranteed-admission files. The UT Core GPA does not include weighting bumps from your high school's scale; UT recalculates from the core courses listed above.

Scholarships and the Test Score Premium

UT's merit aid is unusually score-driven. The biggest awards are pinned to specific ACT and SAT thresholds, which makes test prep a direct route to scholarship dollars for both in-state and out-of-state applicants:

• Volunteer Scholarship: $3,000 to $9,000 per year for in-state students and $3,000 to $18,000 per year for out-of-state students, per UT's One Stop. The listed deadline is January 5, and self-reported test scores for merit scholarship consideration are due by January 20.
• Chancellor's Scholarship (competitive): Competitive, and UT does not publish a minimum score for it. Check One Stop for the current criteria and deadline. Separate application required by the Early Action deadline.
• Tennessee Scholars (Tennessee residents): $5,000 per year for four years, available to admitted Tennessee residents with strong academic profiles.
• UT Promise (Tennessee residents): Last-dollar scholarship covering tuition and mandatory fees for HOPE-eligible Tennessee residents with adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less and total assets under $75,000. Requires FAFSA, eight community service hours per semester, and ongoing mentoring.
• National Merit Finalist Scholarship: Available to admitted National Merit Finalists who designate UT Knoxville as their first-choice institution.

For out-of-state applicants, the Volunteer Scholarship is the single largest lever. A 31 ACT or 1390 SAT moves your effective Volunteer Scholarship into the upper range and strengthens a Chancellor's Scholarship application. Pushing your super-score from 28 to 31 is one of the highest-ROI prep targets at UT.

What UT Weighs Beyond Test Scores

UT's holistic review for non-guaranteed-admission files reads the full application. In rough order of weight:

1. UT Core GPA and course rigor. The recalculated GPA from required core courses, plus AP, IB, dual enrollment, or honors level.
2. Standardized test scores. Required, used in admission and pinned to specific scholarship thresholds.
3. Essay. One required essay with seven prompt options. Genuine, specific responses outperform polished generalities.
4. Class rank, where reported. Top 10 percent rank also serves as one of the two paths to in-state guaranteed admission.
5. Activities. Depth and impact rather than breadth. Volunteer service, leadership, and major-aligned activities all count.
6. Recommendations. Letters of recommendation are not required for the standard application but can strengthen borderline files.

UT does not require interviews, demonstrated interest, or supplemental writing for most applicants. The single essay plus the activities list and transcript carry the file.

A Realistic Prep Plan for UT-Level Scores

If UT is your target and your current practice ACT is 22, here is a workable pathway to the enrolled middle 50 (and merit-scholarship territory):

1. Sophomore spring to junior summer. Take one timed official ACT and one Bluebook SAT. Pick the higher percentile test. ACT tends to favor strong readers and quick problem-solvers; SAT favors students with a deep math foundation and consistent reading pace.
2. Junior fall. Begin structured prep, two to three hours per week, with full timed tests every two to three weeks. UT super-scores, so identify your weakest section first.
3. Junior spring. First official test date. Lock in your strongest section. Tennessee residents targeting guaranteed admission should aim for at least a 24 ACT or 1160 SAT here.
4. Summer before senior year. Heavy prep window. Out-of-state applicants and merit-scholarship candidates should target 29+ ACT or 1330+ SAT.
5. September or October of senior year. Second attempt before the November 1 EA deadline. A third attempt in November or December is allowed for RD review (only tests through December 2026 count).

Score targets to anchor on: 24 ACT or 1160 SAT for in-state guaranteed admission (with 19 Math and 19 English), 29 ACT or 1330 SAT for the enrolled median, and 31 ACT or 1390 SAT to be competitive for the top merit awards. Push to 33+ ACT or 1450+ SAT for the upper end of admitted profiles and strongest merit packages.

For adaptive practice, try the Larry Learns SAT platform or the Larry Learns ACT platform. If you are still deciding which test fits you, see our SAT vs ACT guide, and use the SAT score calculator to convert raw practice scores. For section-specific prep, our SAT math topics and ACT math topics guides break down what each test covers.

Frequently Asked Questions About UT Knoxville SAT and ACT Scores

What is the average SAT score for UT Knoxville?

The median is 1330, based on a middle 50 of 1280 to 1380 among fall 2025 enrolled first-year students (UT's 2025-26 Common Data Set). The 25th percentile is 1280 and the 75th percentile is 1380.

What is the average ACT score for UT Knoxville?

The median is 29 composite, with a middle 50 of 26 to 31 among fall 2025 enrolled first-year students (UT's 2025-26 Common Data Set). A 31 puts you at the 75th percentile.

What are UT Knoxville's SAT requirements?

UT requires the SAT or ACT for all first-year applicants. There is no published minimum, but the enrolled middle 50 SAT range is 1280 to 1380. UT super-scores the SAT and accepts self-reported scores at application. Tennessee residents qualify for guaranteed admission with a 1160 SAT (plus 510 Math, 500 English subscores) and a 4.0 UT Core GPA or top 10 percent class rank.

What are UT Knoxville's ACT requirements?

UT requires the ACT or SAT for all first-year applicants. The enrolled middle 50 ACT composite is 26 to 31. UT super-scores the ACT, including the Science section. The ACT writing section is not required and not used in review. Tennessee residents qualify for guaranteed admission with a 24 ACT (plus 19 Math and 19 English) and a 4.0 UT Core GPA or top 10 percent class rank.

Is UT Knoxville test-optional?

No. UT requires the SAT or ACT for all first-year applicants; the University of Tennessee System requires the ACT or SAT at all of its campuses. Self-reported scores are accepted at the application stage; official scores must be received by May 15, 2027.

Does UT Knoxville super-score the SAT and ACT?

Yes, both. UT combines the highest section scores across all your test dates into a new composite for both admission and merit scholarship review. Multiple attempts can only help. The ACT Science section is included in UT's ACT super-score if it improves your composite, but it is not required and there is no penalty for omitting it.

What GPA do I need for UT Knoxville?

UT does not publish a minimum GPA. The average admitted UT Core GPA is approximately 3.97 unweighted, with weighted averages of 4.07 to 4.50. Tennessee residents need a 4.0 UT Core GPA (or top 10 percent class rank) to qualify for in-state guaranteed admission. Course rigor (AP, IB, dual enrollment) is weighted heavily in non-guaranteed holistic review.

What is UT Knoxville's acceptance rate?

For fall 2025 (the Class of 2029), UT admitted 43.6 percent of first-year applicants: 23,464 admits from 53,841 applicants, with 7,143 enrolled, per its 2025-26 Common Data Set. The admit rate splits sharply by residency: about 73 percent in-state (8,725 of 11,980) and 35 percent out-of-state (14,526 of 41,408).

How does in-state guaranteed admission work at UT?

Tennessee residents who graduate from a Tennessee high school qualify for guaranteed admission if they meet ALL of: a 24 ACT (1160 SAT) composite, 19 Math and 19 English subscores, AND either a 4.0 UT Core GPA or top 10 percent class rank. Applications must be submitted by November 1 and completed by November 15 (Early Action timing). Tennessee residents who miss guaranteed-admission criteria are still reviewed holistically; the overall in-state admit rate was about 73 percent for fall 2025.

Is it harder to get into UT Knoxville as an out-of-state student?

Yes. UT's in-state admit rate was approximately 73 percent versus 35 percent for out-of-state applicants for fall 2025. Out-of-state applicants should target the upper half of the enrolled middle 50 (29+ ACT or 1330+ SAT) plus strong rigor and a sharp essay. The Volunteer Scholarship and Chancellor's Scholarship are open to out-of-state admits and can offset the higher non-resident tuition meaningfully.

What scholarships does UT Knoxville offer?

UT's merit aid is unusually score-pinned. The Volunteer Scholarship awards $3,000 to $9,000 per year for in-state students and $3,000 to $18,000 per year for out-of-state students. The Chancellor's Scholarship is competitive and UT does not publish a minimum score for it. Tennessee residents may also qualify for the Tennessee Scholars award ($5,000 per year for four years) and UT Promise (last-dollar tuition scholarship for HOPE-eligible Tennessee residents with AGI under $75,000).

What is UT Promise?

UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that covers tuition and mandatory fees at any UT campus for Tennessee residents who qualify for the HOPE Scholarship and have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less with total assets under $75,000. It guarantees a minimum $500 per semester and requires the FAFSA, full-time continuous enrollment, eight volunteer service hours per semester, and ongoing mentoring participation.

When is the UT Knoxville application deadline?

Early Action submission is November 1 with a completion deadline of November 15. Regular Decision submission is January 5, 2027 with a materials deadline of January 20, 2027. Self-reported test scores are due by January 20, 2027, and official scores must be received by May 15, 2027. Only tests taken through December 2026 are accepted for admission and merit scholarship review.

How does UT Knoxville compare to other SEC flagships?

UT Knoxville sits at the more selective end of the SEC. Its enrolled SAT middle 50 (1280 to 1380) is comparable to LSU and slightly above Auburn or Mississippi State, but below Florida and Georgia. UT requires the SAT or ACT, while peers like Alabama and South Carolina remain test-optional or test-flexible. Auburn requires the SAT or ACT starting with fall 2027 applicants. The combination of test-required admission, generous super-scoring, and score-pinned merit aid makes UT a clear value play for in-state applicants and a strong target for out-of-state applicants who can hit the merit thresholds.