Which are the hardest colleges to get into in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University stands as Tennessee's most selective institution, with an acceptance rate hovering around 7%, making it exceptionally difficult to gain admission. Your academic record typically needs to include a GPA above 3.8, top standardized test scores, and compelling extracurricular achievements to be competitive at Vanderbilt.

Rhodes College in Memphis represents the second most competitive college in Tennessee, accepting approximately 45% of applicants. As a prestigious liberal arts institution, Rhodes seeks students with strong academic credentials, typically looking for GPAs above 3.5 and meaningful involvement in leadership activities.

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, while less selective than Vanderbilt and Rhodes, has become increasingly competitive in recent years. The flagship state university maintains an acceptance rate around 65%, but admission to certain programs, particularly engineering and business, proves substantially more challenging. Competitive applicants usually present GPAs above 3.3 and strong standardized test scores.

Sewanee: The University of the South rounds out Tennessee's most selective institutions, with an acceptance rate near 65%. Known for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and beautiful campus, Sewanee carefully evaluates academic achievement, writing ability, and character in its admissions process. Students typically need a GPA above 3.4 for serious consideration.

While these institutions maintain the highest selectivity in Tennessee, remember that admission difficulty often varies by program and major within each school. Engineering, nursing, and business programs typically enforce stricter requirements than other majors, even at less selective institutions. Focus on building a balanced college list that includes schools across different selectivity levels to maximize your opportunities for admission.