Reporter's notebook - Feb. 1

High school students: Are you ready for college? If two New Mexico state legislators have their way, students would have to provide a definite answer.

A bill, sponsored by Rep. Nate Gentry, R-Albuquerque, and Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque, would require high school juniors to apply to at least one college or prove they have other concrete post-high school plans, according to an article by U.S. News and World report.

Exceptions to the college rule include commitment to military service, a vocational program or work upon graduation, the article said.

Ivey-Soto said that, if approved, the law could prompt first-generation college students to consider college.

The bill is scheduled for its first legislative hearing today.

— Compiled by Staff Writer Eamon Scarbrough