I'm a junior in high school trying to get a head start on the college application process, and I'm particularly interested in looking at schools and scholarships in New Mexico. I've heard there are specific scholarships available for students planning to attend college there.
Does anyone have any tips or resources on how to find and apply for these scholarships? Are there certain criteria I should be aware of or specific organizations I should reach out to? Anything that would give me a leg up would be much appreciated!
There’s a lot to think about when preparing to apply for scholarships, and it’s great to hear you’re thinking ahead!
The first step is to research and make a list of scholarships specific to New Mexico. Some scholarships are tied to specific institutions within the state. For example, the UNM Regents’ Scholars Program is a merit-based, full-ride scholarship at the University of New Mexico for in-state high school students. Similarly, New Mexico State University has the Regents Success Scholarship and the Conroy Scholarship, which are both awarded based on academic merit.
Aside from institutional scholarships, the state of New Mexico itself has funds available. One notable one is the Lottery Scholarship, which is funded by the New Mexico state lottery and is available for students attending public or tribal in-state colleges.
You should also look into scholarships offered by local community organizations or businesses in New Mexico, as these are less likely to have as many applicants as national scholarships, giving you better odds of earning them. You can usually find these types of scholarships by contacting local businesses, checking community bulletin boards, or speaking with the financial aid offices at prospective schools.
As for criteria, each scholarship will have its specific requirements. Some might be needs-based, some might be for students with specific intended majors, and others might be for first-generation students. Make sure to read the scholarship info carefully to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
Prepare your materials in advance, such as keeping your resume updated, soliciting letters of recommendation, and working on your statement. You could potentially even recycle components of your college admissions essays for scholarship applications.
Good luck in your search. Remember that each scholarship, no matter how small, can add up and ease the financial strain of college!
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