Ready to be a Vol and learn every word to Rocky Top? Good news—our Fall 2025 application is now OPEN! We’ve broken down the process below into easy-to-follow steps so you know exactly what to do and when to do it to make the most of your application. There are two ways to start your college application journey, and we’re here to help you figure out which option suits you best.
1. Choose how to apply & submit your application.
First, decide whether the Common Application or UT’s Go Vols application platform suits your needs best. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville accepts applications from both the Common Application (or Common App for short), and from our Go Vols application—the choice is yours! Regardless of which application platform you pick, you will need to submit a required essay, self-report your test scores, pay the application fee, and submit your application before completing your final step of the SRAR.
- The Common App is an awesome tool for students applying for college admission to multiple universities. It’s a one-stop shop for college applications, with a database containing information from thousands of schools. The best part is that it standardizes questions from each institution, saving you time while you apply for admission to as many colleges as your heart desires!
- If you’re interested in applying to ONLY UT, we recommend applying via our direct institutional application on the Go Vols Portal! To submit the Go Vols application, first, create an account as a “First Time User” or log in as a “Returning User” if you already have an account from a previous program, fill out the application form, and hit “Submit.”
It’s as simple and straightforward as that! Once you choose how you want to apply and click submit, you’re done with the first step. Now you’re ready to complete the next thing—creating your Go Vols account to add additional materials to complete your application.
2. What’s the Go Vols Portal?
Our Go Vols Portal is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know to apply for admission and join the Volunteer family! Here, you’ll find your next steps checklist that outlines missing items we need from you, the ability to complete your SRAR, programs that are just for you, and all of our events & campus tours! You can also upload supporting documents in your portal.
- If you applied through the Common App, you’ll need to create a Go Vols account to access your Go Vols Portal. We’ve provided more details and information here to help you out! It may take 3 business days for us to receive your application so keep an eye on your email inbox for steps on how to create your portal, as well for important next steps just for Common App applicants.
- If you applied through the Go Vols application, good news—you already have a Go Vols Portal account!
3. Submit the required additional materials.
After you hit “submit” on either the Go Vols app or Common App, you will need to submit your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) to UT in order to be reviewed. You can self-report ACT or SAT scores and unofficial transcripts to the SRAR itself and additional materials needed including recommendation letters, supporting statements, or major specific additional requirements via the Go Vols Portal.
4. Sweet—I’ve completed my application! What’s next?
The application review process at UT is competitive, but some applications are viewed holistically. We keep the following items in mind when reviewing your application:
- Rigor of your high school curriculum
- Difficulty of senior-level coursework
- Standardized test scores
- AP, CLEP, IB, Cambridge, and Statewide Dual Credit
We also review these optional items when reviewing your application:
- Extracurricular or leadership activities
- Job experience
- Awards
- Special talents or skills
- Supporting statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Students also have the opportunity to submit an optional supporting statement. If applicable, please share any circumstance(s) that would have had an adverse impact on your academic performance. This can offer crucial insights to the admissions staff as they review you for admission.
For more information, visit our Application Checklist.
How do I check my application status?
After completing your application, you can check the status by visiting your Go Vols Portal. Check your portal frequently to stay updated on any important communications from UT and to submit any necessary materials to complete your application.
When will I get a decision?
UT typically releases decisions during two times of the year, then releases decisions on a rolling basis.
If you are an in-state student and apply by our early-action deadlines, you will receive a decision on December 4; if you apply early-action and are an out-of-state student, you’ll get your decision on December 17. All regular decision applicants regardless of residency will receive a decision on March 4. After March 4, UT will release admissions decisions on a rolling basis.
See our full list of important dates & deadlines here!
Now that you have a better understanding of how to submit your application, we hope to review you for admission soon! We are so excited to see you take this next step and are eager to review your application once submitted. We can’t wait to help you start your journey to Rocky Top!
What if I have additional questions?
We’re happy to help! Your admissions counselor is ready to answer any questions you may have about the application process.