Changes to 2021 Admissions Application Process
Dear colleagues,
Next week, prospective students can begin submitting applications to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for fall 2021. In an effort to make the process easier during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will make submitting standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) optional for the fall 2021 admissions cycle.
Testing companies and centers have suspended testing during the pandemic, making it more difficult for many students to submit a complete application. Universities across the country are increasingly making standardized test scores optional, particularly for the fall 2021 admissions cycle.
As Volunteers, we want to extend to our future Vols the same compassion, creativity, and flexibility that have been evident across our campus over the past several months. No one should have to put off a UT education or choose another university because they lack access to standardized testing.
UT has long valued student achievements beyond a singular measure such as test scores. This year’s process will continue to incorporate factors like leadership, community engagement, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and resilience. We will review the results of this year’s process and make a determination about extending it beyond the 2021 admissions cycle.
Students can still choose to submit ACT or SAT test scores if they were able to take the test and believe their scores adequately reflect their academic achievements and college preparedness. All applicants, including those who apply without test scores, will be eligible for Honors and Scholars programs and for institutional scholarships and aid.
More details about this and other changes to the admissions process are available on the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website.
Donde Plowman
Chancellor
John Zomchick
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor