By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Tucson seniors are starting their applications to the University of Arizona amid new admissions policies.
Read more Goodyear family faces cremation delay after wife’s murder; husband charged
The university changed its admissions policy last year, which surprised some students and guidance counselors.
Student chooses U of A
Carolina Gutierrez Leon, a Desert View High graduate, decided to stay in-state for college.
“Tuition and money – it was a big deal – so I decided to apply here. It was much easier and closer to family,” Gutierrez Leon said.
Gutierrez Leon said she carries the weight of her family’s expectations as a first-generation student.
“Not doing it for myself but also doing it for my parents as well,” Gutierrez Leon said.
Admissions process changes
Tens of thousands of Arizona seniors applied to the University of Arizona last year. Many did not know the process had changed.
“Most of our local schools do not operate that way, so it was a big learning process for everyone – kids and us,” said Kelsi Redding-Vega, Sunnyside High college & career counselor.
The university switched to the Common App, an application used by universities across the country. The Common App takes more time to complete.
Students can apply by Nov. 1 for a better chance of winning merit scholarships. Instead of hearing back throughout the fall, all applicants will hear back on the same day, Jan. 15. Some students were deferred for the first time under the new process, including Gutierrez Leon.
Read more Border Patrol arrests 95 commercially licensed drivers in Yuma operation
“That’s what kind of made me upset. Looking at the deferred, it was like what am I supposed to say, like I didn’t have a backup plan,” Gutierrez Leon said.
The university said in a statement that the new process is designed to build a stronger incoming class and boost retention rates.
More than 60 students deferred
More than 60 Sunnyside High students were deferred last year. The majority were later accepted, but some were not.
“March came up, and that’s when I got accepted, and it was a really good feeling for me,” Gutierrez Leon said.
Guidance counselors are preparing students for this fall’s application process.
“It is a big application, but we know that our students who want to go to college, they’re going to power through and they’re going to get it done,” Redding-Vega said.
Isabela Lisco is aReport for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and theArizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app, which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
Read more ‘Most heartless thing:’ Family reacts to Chandler grandmother’s neglect-related death
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.