CHARLOTTESVILLE Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The University of Virginia announced it is making some changes to its application after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month. 

This fall, admissions officers will no longer see an applicant’s race or ethnicity in a “checkbox” on applications, but prospective students will have an essay opportunity to explain their backgrounds and upbringing and how those experiences will allow them to contribute to UVA.

That will allow applicants to tell any story that has shaped their lives or their fitness to come and study at UVA or prepared them, including their race or ethnicity,” UVA Spokesperson, Brian Coy, said.  

These changes come one month after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the use of racial or ethnic status in admissions decisions.

Incoming first-year Tina Yao says this addition to the university’s application can have a positive impact on applicants.

“I think it is a great opportunity for students to further explain how their ethnicity has affected them or shaped their lives, but it also allows colleges to see students aren't just an ethnicity but there is a story behind who they are,” Yao said.  

President Jim Ryan and Provost Ian Baucom said in a statement “the university committed to welcoming, ‘talented students from all walks of life,’ and will continue to do our best to be a welcoming and inclusive community.”

Class of 2026 President, Keoni Vega has been working to continue to support the university’s diversity and inclusion initiatives after the Supreme Court decision. 

“So, this coming year we want to continue to express our support for diversity and bolstering diversity in the university community as that only makes us stronger and better,” Vega said.

The revised application is implemented into this year’s Common App, which was released on Tuesday.