Undergraduate Admission Requirements
High School Preparation
High school students interested in studying engineering at UT are encouraged to take courses in physics, mathematics and chemistry to prepare for the engineering curriculum. Successful engineering students are not only proficient in mathematics, they also communicate well both orally and in writing, work effectively in groups and have the discipline to stay organized and focused on challenging assignments.
Here are the courses you will need to complete in high school to be eligible for admission:
- 4 units of English
- 3 1/2 units of mathematics including algebra, trigonometry and geometry
- 2 units of natural science (physics and chemistry recommended)
- 2 units of a single foreign language
- 1 unit of American history
- 1 unit of European history, world history or world geography
- 1 unit of visual or performing arts
Note: The University of Tennessee offers very few non-credit courses for correction of math deficiencies. Since you may not take any engineering courses until these deficiencies are corrected, you should make every effort to fulfill these requirements before arriving at the university. Foreign language deficiencies may be corrected by taking courses at the University of Tennessee, but those courses may not be used to satisfy university graduation requirements and must be taken during the first two years at the university.
Admissions Criteria
The College of Engineering has established admissions criteria for incoming freshmen based on several performance criteria, including completion of core academic subjects, GPA scores on these subjects and standardized test (SAT or ACT) scores. In addition to these requirements, a Success Prediction Indicator (SPI) number is used for admission to the College of Engineering. The SPI is calculated by adding an individual's ACT mathematics score to 10 times their core high school GPA (based on a 4.0 scale). For information on what constitutes core high school courses, please consult admission website http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate/apply/requirements.shtml.
The following indicates the minimum required SPI for the corresponding academic year:
- Academic Year 2008-09 Minimum SPI of 58
- Academic Year 2009-10 Minimum SPI of 59
- Academic Year 2010-11 Minimum SPI of 60
SPI EXAMPLE: A student with a high school core GPA of 3.5 and an ACT mathematics score of 28 would have an SPI of 63 using the formula (3.5 X 10) + 28 = 63. SAT scores are converted to an equivalent ACT score to perform this calculation.
Students who wish to pursue a degree in the College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville but do not meet the SPI criterion may enroll as University Undecided students and complete appropriate mathematics, science and other courses before applying for admission to the College of Engineering.
Admissions Checklist
Follow these steps to achieve your goal of admission for fall semester at the University of Tennessee. Most freshmen enter in the fall, although you may choose to enter in the spring or summer semester depending on your circumstances.
High School Junior and Senior Years -- Collect as much information about careers as you can and decide what you want to study. Don't worry too much about making the wrong decision because you can always change majors.
October 1 -- Decide if the College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee is one of the institutions you would like to attend.
November 1 -- Priority Scholarship Consideration Deadline. Complete the Freshman Academic Scholarship Application located in the Admissions Viewbook and application. Also, check out the College of Engineering's merit-based scholarship information page.
November 1 -- Early Admisisons Application Deadline. For freshman applicants who desire early notification of their admission status, UT will offer admission to the students with the highest ability in early December with the remainder considered after January 15.
January 1 -- Apply for housing. Freshmen who are not married or living with a parent or guardian must live in university housing. A separate form is required for housing, but is generally provided along with an application for admission.
February 1 -- Admissions and Freshman Scholarship Application Deadline. This is the final postmark date for completed applications for all freshman students applying for summer and fall terms.
April 15 -- Notifications of merit-based scholarships for freshmen are made.
May 1 -- Response Deadline. All admitted students must respond to offers of admission. After this date, applicants from the waiting list will be offered admission to UT on a space available basis.
June-July -- Attend on-campus orientation (your parents are encouraged to come too). Students learn what to do when they arrive for the fall semester, how to register for fall classes, and meet with advisors who can help with individual issues.
August -- Arrive at UT full of enthusiasm and ready to embark on an important and exciting life experience.