Counselor’s Corner

September 28, 2015

Daniels Fund Scholarship Program

The Daniels Scholarship Program offers a four-year college scholarship to any nonprofit accredited college or university in the United States to high school seniors from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and a commitment to serving their communities.

The online application will open on September 14, 2015. The deadline to apply is November 13. To apply, please visit

College Bound Help Night

On Monday, September 28 and October 5 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Parks will be available in the 200 wing computer lab to offer students the opportunity to get help with scholarship applications. Students who are going to attend, need to sign up in the counseling office.

University of the Southwest

USW would like to announce their new University Grants specifically for Lea County residents. University grants are academic scholarships awarded by the Admissions Office. For more information, please visit

Eastern New Mexico University

A representative from ENMU will be on campus to meet with seniors on October 6th at 10. Students interested in meeting with ENMU will need to sign up in the counseling office.

MENSA Scholarship

To apply for one of the scholarships sponsored by Mensa, please go to the Internet and type in mensa scholarship (no www is needed). Then clock on US scholarship application and enter your zip code. Next, please click on find available scholarships. Then click on Paso del Norte Mensa-scholarship application. Please read and follow all rules.

2015 National College Match

Are you a low-income student who has succeeded academically, but feels that the nation’s best colleges are financially out of reach? The QuestBridge National College Match was created for students like you. Through the National College Match, you can get admitted to a top college with a full four-year scholarship, including tuition, room and board, and additional expenses. For more information and to apply, please visit

ENMU Senior Preview Day

Hey seniors! Get the ENMU Green and Silver View. ENMU will host senior preview day on Saturday, November 7. Please register at enmu.edu/SrPreviewDay.

Tuition Funding Sources (TFS)

TFS is a private website designed to help students gain access to over 7 million scholarships totaling more than $41 billion. For more information please visit

UNM Senior Day

The University of New Mexico will host Senior Day on October 3. This is the same day as the NMSU/UNM football game, and the start of the Balloon Fiesta. This is a great time to visit UNM. Seniors, reserve your spot at

UNM School of Architecture

You are invited to an open house on Saturday, October 3, at the UNM School of Architecture+Planning. The event is timed to align with the UNM Senior Day organized by the UNM Admissions Office. Prospective freshman as well as prospective transfer students are welcome. For more information, please visit

Ithaca College Open House

Whatever you want to be, Ithaca College will make you ready. Want to know more, come to an open house this fall. To sign up, log on to my.ithaca.edu or call 1-800-429-4274.

The 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Award

Attention students, if you have taken part in community service activities over the past year, please fill out an online application form at or By doing so, you could win a cash prize and a trip to Washington, D.C. next May. The deadline to apply is November 3.

Scholarship for Christian Student Athletes

The SportQuest Playing With Purpose Scholarship Program is a national program that honors and encourages high school student athletes who excel athletically, academically, and have committed their life to following Christ. Applying athletes must currently be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior; maintain a minimum C grade average or higher; currently be a varsity level athlete in one or more sports; and be a committed follower of Jesus. Please apply at

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Program

The Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Program would like to invite seniors to participate in their scholarship program. Since 1984, the Horatio Alger Association has awarded nearly $100 million in college scholarships to deserving students. To apply, students must submit an online application at Students may apply August 1—October 25.

Wendy’s Heisman

Are you a student athlete? Are you the best, brightest, and a well-rounded member of your senior class? If so, apply for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award by October 2. Apply not at The first 25,000 completed applications will receive a $10 Wendy’s gift card.

National YoungArts Foundation

Are you an actor, artist, dancers, filmmaker, designer, musician, photographer, singer, songwriter or writer, age 15 to 18 or in grades 10 to 12. YougArts has changed the lives of more than 20,000 young artists like you. How? Cash awards up to $10,000. Apply at October 16.

Scholarships

Alan Greenwood is the (junior/senior) facilitator for Gifted and Talented at Hobbs High School, but he is available as an additional resource to any student seeking information on scholarships and college. To join the mailing list for his scholarship and college info newsletter, forward your e-mail address to him at . He is located in room 116 at Hobbs High School, or for PLC in room 304. Additionally, visit with Mr. Greenwood during A or B lunch in the cafeteria.

College Application Essays: How to Stand Out from the Crowd

Typically, a college essay is designed to let the admissions officers get to know you and how you think. College officials who read a lot of essays are likely to spot those that don’t ring true. With that in mind, remember that some of the best essays are those that are authentic. Be confident in telling a story that’s really about you, not what you think the admissions office wants to hear. Everyone has a unique viewpoint to share, so let your shine through.

Hints for Parents on Homework

In conferences with parents it is frequently heard, “There is no homework.” The point needs to be made that just because no specific homework has been assigned, there is still homework: it’s called study time. It is strongly recommended that all students spend a minimum of one half hour of homework/study time (five days a week) on each academic subject pursued. If your son or daughter has no studying to do, in order to complete this 2.5-hour time frame he or she should read a good book!

With school and parents working together, it needs to be stressed to our young people that study, in contrast to specific homework, includes but it not limited to:

  1. Rewriting classroom lecture notes, or lab reports.
  2. Checking lecture notes while they are still fresh in a student’s mind. In terms of understanding material, one hour spent as soon after a lecture a possible is worth several hours a few days later.
  3. Outlining an English or science chapter to use to review for a quiz or chapter test.
  4. Rethinking, e.g. foreign language vocabulary words by making up English sentences and transcribing them into the foreign language.
  5. Reviewing, e.g. reviewing theorems in geometry so one knows them verbatim and can apply them to problems not previously assigned.
  6. Getting a good night’s sleep before a test – no cramming! Research shows that sleep aids in “sealing in” information.

If there isn’t any studying to do – read!

TIPS for making your classes count

  • Sit close to the front of the classroom when possible.
  • Join in class discussions.
  • Ask questions! If you don't understand something, chances are others in the class don't understand either.
  • Keep up with class assignments. Finish them before they're due.
  • Ask for help in any class in which you find yourself falling behind. Remember, your teachers want to help you succeed!
  • Look for ways to sharpen your basic skills in each class. You can practice your writing skills in history, your algebra skills in science, and your math and science skills in vocational education classes.
  • Learn keyboarding skills so you can type your own schoolwork and use a computer.
  • Learn to take good class notes. You'll be taking lots of notes during the rest of your life.
  • Learn to proofread, correct, and rewrite your written work.
  • Develop test-taking skills. Your counselor and teachers can show you how to get started.

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Reminders

  • The ACT will be given on December 12. The registration deadline is November 6. To sign up, please visit
  • The SAT will be given on November 7. The registration deadline is October 23. To sign up, please visit
  • Mrs. Parks (College and Career Counselor) will be on campus October 2, 16, and 30. Please call for an appointment today.
  • To receive messages of upcoming deadlines, events, scholarships etc. via test, text @hhscoll to 81010. You can opt-out of messages at any time by replying, “unsubscribe@hhscoll”. To receive messages via e-mail, send an e-mail to .
  • Students who are in need of letters of recommendation, completion of college or scholarship applications should deliver them to the principal, teacher, or counselor at least three weeks before the deadline. Remember to beat deadlines, not just meet them.

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.

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