Overview
The NM Lottery Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program that provides financial assistance to New Mexico high school graduates who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees at any public college or university in the state.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the NM Lottery Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a New Mexico resident
- Be a graduating high school senior or have graduated within the past five years
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Have a minimum ACT score of 23 or an SAT score of 1110
- Demonstrate financial need
How to Apply
The application for the NM Lottery Scholarship is available online. The application deadline is March 1st for the following academic year.
To apply, follow these steps:
- Create an account on the NM Lottery Scholarship website.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit your official high school transcript.
- Submit your ACT or SAT scores.
- Submit a financial aid form (FAFSA or CSS Profile).
Selection Process
The NM Lottery Scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis. The selection committee considers the following factors:
- Academic achievement
- Financial need
- Leadership and community involvement
- Personal statement
Award Amounts
The NM Lottery Scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees at any public college or university in New Mexico. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the cost of attendance at the institution the student plans to attend.
Renewal of Scholarship
The NM Lottery Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided that the student maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continues to demonstrate financial need.
Tips for Applying
- Start the application process early. The deadline is March 1st, but it is best to start working on your application well before then.
- Gather all of your required documents before you start the application. This will help you complete the application quickly and accurately.
- Write a strong personal statement. The personal statement is your opportunity to tell the selection committee about your goals, ambitions, and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Proofread your application carefully before submitting it. Make sure that all of the information is correct and that there are no errors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not completing the application in its entirety.
- Submitting the application after the deadline.
- Not submitting all of the required documents.
- Writing a weak personal statement.
- Making errors on the application form.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning
There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of winning the NM Lottery Scholarship:
- Get good grades. The higher your GPA, the more likely you are to be awarded the scholarship.
- Take challenging courses. Taking challenging courses will show the selection committee that you are a motivated and capable student.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities show the selection committee that you are a well-rounded individual with a commitment to your community.
- Write a strong personal statement. The personal statement is your opportunity to tell the selection committee about your goals, ambitions, and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Apply for multiple scholarships. The more scholarships you apply for, the more likely you are to win one.
Additional Resources
- NM Lottery Scholarship website: https://www.nmlottery.com/
- NM Higher Education Department website: https://www.hed.state.nm.us/
- College Board website: https://www.collegeboard.org/
