SE Valley Times

Arizona State University (ASU) has initiated a program to increase college enrollment among high school students in Arizona. The Personalized Admissions Project, which began in 2021, aims to simplify the college application process by sending personalized acceptance letters to seniors who meet admission standards. These letters also waive the application fee.

Currently, 27 public school districts are involved, representing half of Arizona's high school students. The University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University have joined the initiative, allowing some students to receive acceptance letters from all three state universities.

Thea Andrade, superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District, highlighted that these letters help dispel myths about college accessibility and affordability. "If we can debunk those two myths, that’s the difference of whether a kid can go to college or not," she said.

Angelina Baca, now a first-year history major at ASU, received her letter during her senior year at Betty Fairfax High School. Initially planning on attending community college due to financial concerns, she found the letter motivating. "There are so many opportunities I didn’t know about," Baca stated.

The project addresses Arizona's workforce needs as many jobs require postsecondary education while graduation rates lag behind national averages. Joseph O’Reilly from ASU emphasized targeting students who qualify but might not apply: "That was really our motivation."

Luke Tate from ASU's Office of Applied Innovation described it as an equity issue: "We haven’t made it possible for our kids to fully participate in that success." He noted that personalized letters reach younger students too, guiding them towards necessary courses for university admission.

Counselor Diego Guerrero observed increased engagement among sophomores receiving these letters: "It really does help with self-esteem and gets them engaged in the college-going process."

Students like Alexis Alba and Ariana Romayor shared how receiving their acceptance letters influenced their decisions and boosted confidence. Alba appreciated the fee waiver as a significant aid while Romayor felt guided through subsequent steps like FAFSA applications.

The program continues expanding its reach across more districts each year with plans for further growth.