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Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

University of Tennessee System will guarantee admission to top high school graduates starting next fall

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Dakota Hodges, admissions counselor, speaks to students at Bradley Central High School about the University of Tennessee on Wednesday.
Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Dakota Hodges, admissions counselor, speaks to students at Bradley Central High School about the University of Tennessee on Wednesday.


Top seniors at public and private high schools in Tennessee will be guaranteed a spot at any University of Tennessee System campus they apply to under a new policy approved by the UT board of trustees Friday.

Under the policy, which goes into effect for students applying to start school in fall 2024, applicants will need to meet admissions deadlines and one of three criteria:

— Finish in the top 10% of their graduating class.

— Achieve a 4.0 or higher GPA.