Counselor’s Corner

October 10, 2011

“Make the U” Scholarship Program

The Colgate-Palmolive Company and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund are offering the “Make the U” scholarship. Interested students will need to log on to and follow the application process. Applications are being accepted from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31. For more information on the program call 877.473.4636 or visit

New Mexico Lottery Success Scholarship

The Lottery Success Scholarship covers tuition at any public higher education institution in New Mexico beginning with the student's second semester. This scholarship covers the cost of tuition only. If a student maintain a 2.5 GPA or better and complete 12 or more credit hours per semester, they can receive the scholarship for up to eight semesters. There is no application process or paperwork. The award will be granted automatically to those who meet the requirements.

Funding comes from the profits of the New Mexico Lottery, authorized by the New Mexico State Legislature. The Scholarship is issued by the State of New Mexico, Commission on Higher Education. For further information, call 1-800-279-9777.

To qualify students must:

  • Be U.S. citizen and New Mexico resident
  • Have graduated from a New Mexico high school OR earned a New Mexico GED.
  • Enroll immediately in any New Mexico public college or university the first semester following graduation or completion of New Mexico GED and earn a 2.5 GPA with 12 graded credits.
  • Success scholarship will automatically begin with student's second semester. The scholarship does not cover summer session. However, cumulative GPA will calculate summer courses.

Discover NMJC: October 21, 2011

NMJC invites seniors to experience their campus!The event will beheld from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 21. Seniors who would like to attend must sign up in the counseling office by October 18.

Prospective students will have the chance to tour the campus;meet faculty, staff, and current students; check out housing;receive a free NMJC t-shirt; and learn about admissions, registration, academics, student life, financial aid, payment options, and more!

Formore information, pleasecall 575-492-2587 or 1-800-657-6260.

ENMU Senior Day

EasternNew MexicoUniversity will host Senior Preview Day on Sat, Nov 12 in the Campus Union Building Ballroom. Not only will seniors get to see Eastern but they will also have the opportunity to meet the students, faculty, and staff who make the university unique. Registration in online at The registration deadline is Wed, Nov 9. Students needing overnight accommodations are welcome to use the complementary housing in a residence hall. Reservations must be made by calling 1-575-562-2985 or by e-mail to .

What Colleges Look For

Many parents and students are convinced that colleges rely solely on the grade point average for admission and scholarships. While the G.P.A. is important, it may come as a surprise to many that it is not the most important or only thing that colleges are interested in. The following are the top 5 things that colleges look for in an application.

1.Colleges look at the courses that students have taken. The more advanced placement (AP), pre-advanced placement (P-AP), and honors courses that a student takes, the more prepared they are for college.

2.The ACT or SAT scores are very important. Many top colleges require an ACT score of 25+ or an SAT score of 1130+ to be considered for admission or academic scholarships. It is difficult to obtain higher ACT/SAT scores if a student does not challenge himself/herself in the classroom.

3.Class rank is considered to be 3rd on the list. In some states, being in the top 10% of the graduating class is automatic admission. At HobbsHigh School, students receive a 10% bonus for grades 70+ in an AP, and a 7% bonus for grades 70+ in P-AP, or Honors course, thus adding to their G.P.A. and class rank.

4.The fourth thing that colleges look for in an application is grades. While having a 4.0 is the ultimate goal for any student, having a high G.P.A. and not taking challenging classes will not hold as much weight with admissions directors as a student who has a lower G.P.A, but has taken a rigorous schedule.

5.The fifth most important thing that colleges look for are extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, community involvement, leadership positions, job experience, etc. These are most important when applying for scholarships but some colleges look at these activities for admission purposes. Remember to get involved at school. There are many organizations you can join and volunteer opportunities that you can do to add to your college application.

Colleges may vary in their admissions requirements. When considering a college, it is best to contact the admissions office for more information. If done early, the student’s schedule can be planned in advanced to meet the particular college’s admission requirements.

HHS Reminders

  • PSAT Oct. 12
  • Discover NMJC Fri., Oct. 21 9-11:30 am.

October tasks for high school seniors

  • Take the SAT and/or ACT.
  • Work on your admissions essays.
  • If you haven't already done so, attend college planning and/or financial aid information nights and college fairs.
  • Visit your top school choices. If possible, make appointments with faculty, staff, and students.
  • Complete applications for every scholarship for which you may be eligible.
  • Meet with your guidance counselor to develop a college admission and financial aid application plan.
  • Make a folder for each of your college choices.
  • Contact the schools' financial aid offices to determine which forms they require. Some schools may require special forms.
  • Finalize portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talent if required for admission.

Scholarships/ Deadlines

For more information on these scholarships, visit the Guidance Office at HobbsHigh School. You may also visit the counseling office web page at

Scholarship / Web Address / Due Date
QuestBridge Scholarship / / Sept. 30
Merit Scholarships / / Various
General Hispanic Scholarships / / Dec. 15
General Hispanic Scholarships / / Various
Sussman-Miller Ed. Assist Pro. / / June
All-Inc.comCollege Scholarship / / Dec. 10
American Legion Legacy / / April 15
AXA Achievement Scholarship / / Oct. 17
AXA Achievement Scholarship / / Dec. 1
AngeloStateUniversity Carr /
Barbara Trenchard Foundation / / April 10
Betty Montoya Gift of Life /
Burger King Scholar Program /
Coca-cola Scholars Foundation /
Congressional Hispanic Caucus / / April 16
Daniel’s Fund Scholarship /
Elks National Foundation Schol. / / Feb
ENMU Sci, Tech, Eng & Math /
National FFA Organization / / Feb
Gates Millennium Scholars / / Jan. 11
Finis Heidel Trust /
Horatio Alger NM Scholarship /
Intertribal Timber Council Schol. /
KFC Colonel’s Scholarship /
LEACO Rural Tele. Foundation /
LeaCounty Women’s Network /
LLave Scholarship /
J.F. Maddox Foundation /
MENSA Ed. & Research Found. /
Mary Lou Fletcher Scholarship /
NM Association of School Bus. /
National Achievement Scholar. /
NM Federation of Rep. Women / / Feb. 20
NM Federation of Rep. Women / / June 1
NM Mayflower Society / / March 1
NMJC Foundation / / April 1
National Restaurant Association /
OU Club of NM /
PermianBasin Area Foundation /
Robert C Byrd Honors Scholar. /
Rocky Mountain Water Env Ass. /
Ronald McDonald House Char. / / Jan. 27
Wal-Mart Foundation Scholar /
Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache /
Sparx & Lorenzo Antonio Scho / / March 9
SunCalNM /
Turkish Coalition of America /
Texas Tech: Koh Family Schol. /
VFW Scholarships /
Washington Tru Solutions /
Young Entrepreneur Awards / / Oct
SeattleUniv. Sullivan Leader. /
US Senate Youth Program /
JFK Profile in Courage Essay / / Jan. 7
Prudential Spirit of Community / / Nov. 1
CAPPEX / / Various
Make the U Scholarship Program / / Dec. 31
Christian Connector / / Various
Fastweb / / Various