FAQs
0.1. Why are there two deadlines for submission?
It is recommended to submit your scholarship application by February 23rd to allow time in case of any missing documents or errors in the application. The deadline for all applications is March 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm. All students who have begun an application by that deadline now have additional time to complete their application. The window will close March 5, 2024 at midnight.
0.2. My FAFSA report came back and the SAI is listed as N/A
FAFSA has a whole new process this year and they are running far behind schedule. We believe that they will process applications in "waves." First they will determine if a student is eligible for a Pell Grant. Your FSS may show "not eligible for Pell Grant" and N/A for SAI. Our understanding is that at some point the N/A will be replaced with an SAI. BECA suggests you complete your application by February 23 and submit it to be sure you can do that successfully. You can edit your submission up until March 5 at midnight. We have added a separate question where you may upload just your FSS. That way you won't need to rescan all of your Supplemental Information. You would need to make a new pdf of your electronic application in order to show the SAI.
0.3 SMCPS Naviance Request
SMCPS STUDENTS MUST request a copy of their transcript through Naviance. Please allow 5 days to process your request. Once you place your request, you will need to pick it up in the Guidance Office at your specific high school. Again, you MUST request your transcript in Naviance ONLY.
Log into your Naviance Account
At the top of the page, select:
Colleges > Manage Transcripts > Select Blue + sign >
Select “Other Transcript”
Other Transcript:
Type of Transcript: “Initial”,
What is the transcript for: “Scholarship”,
When is this transcript due: (Please enter due date).
Where are you sending transcripts? Recipient Name: YOUR NAME–Pick Up.
Request and Finish.
Pick Up Transcript from Guidance – Can take 5 days to process a request.
1. I am a college student. Can I apply for the BECA scholarship?
The BECA scholarship is only for graduating high school seniors. However, there are several scholarships on BECA's St. Mary's County Common Scholarship Application that are available for students currently in college. Carefully read the descriptions to find those scholarships. Read the description of the scholarship carefully to be sure you are eligible. The scholarship description is the final determinate.
2. Can I use the same Service above Self essay for the Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown, and Lexington Park Rotary scholarships?
Yes, you may. The Clements Cuties Nolan Scully also uses the same essay, but their topic does not mention Rotary, so it is separate. You may use the Rotary essay for the Nolan Scully scholarship if you choose.
3. The boxes on the form don't expand as I type.
This is by design. If you need extra space, there is a box at the end of the application where you can include information that did not fit in the main part of the application. You may only put information that would not fit in the space provided. Please do not include any information not requested. That would be unfair to other applicants.
BECA will not include any documents that we did not request. Again, it would be unfair of us to do that as it gives an advantage to students who do not follow the rules.
A few of the boxes, such as the Personal Statements do expand, however, they will not let you enter more than 1024 characters, including spaces. If you cannot see all of your answers, please drag down the bottom right corner of the text box. Make sure everything you type into the application is visible in your final PDF before you upload it.
4. Can I use an Apple Macintosh computer to complete the Application and Selected Scholarships?
Yes, JotForm is web-based, so it should work on any machine. If you have problems, be sure you have the latest version of your browser. If the problem continues, try another browser.
5. Should (May I) I check off all the scholarships to better my chances of winning one?
No, we won't process your application if you do this. No one qualifies for every scholarship.
6. I have a 4.1 GPA. If I put down my weighted GPA (4.1) when it asks "on a scale of_____" do I put a 4.0 or 5.0?
Please use 4.0. This indicates that a student with all A's GPA has a 4.0. You have exceeded that by taking more challenging courses, so your 4.1 reflects this fact. We believe almost all schools use the 4.0 scale, but, of course, if your school is different, enter the appropriate number.
7. I have asked my community members and teacher for letters of recommendation, but I was unsure as to the method of sending them.
The letters should be included with the supplemental materials that you upload using the second yellow Browse Files button at the bottom of the JotForm Electronic Application and Selection of Scholarships. Be sure the letters are signed.
8. The person giving me a letter of recommendation will only write it if it is confidential. He/she will not give it to me.
BECA does not accept confidential letters of recommendation.
9. I am wondering how the SAT score report is to be submitted. On the College Board website, there is a page for viewing the SAT score report but it says "A printout of this page will not be accepted by colleges as an official score report." However, I see no other way to view the scores or have a copy mailed to my house to be included in the packet. Is it permitted to print and include this page, despite not being considered official by the College Board?
Yes, just send a scan of the score report from the website and include that in your packet as documentation. If you win a scholarship, the scholarship provider may ask you for an official copy. Contact the College Board for information on official copies. The web-printed form may only show your first name. This is acceptable. If you use a different first name, please write that in ink on the form.
10. I'm from Calvert County (or Charles County). Can I apply for scholarships using BECA's St. Mary's County Common Scholarship Application?
Yes, you may. There are a number of scholarships that students from Calvert or Charles County are eligible for. Carefully read the qualifications. Calvert County has a Local Scholarship Application and some of the same scholarships on BECA's application are also listed there. So, if you go to school in Calvert County, you may only need to do that application.
11. May a homeschooled student apply? If yes, for which scholarships?
Yes, home-schooled students are welcome to apply. Most scholarships accept applications from home-schooled students. Eligible schools are listed on each Scholarship Description.
12. I didn't get the confirmation email with a link to the full application.
Look in your spam folder. If the email isn't there, please make sure your email was typed correctly and try another email address. Metrocast, sometimes reject the confirmation emails we send. SMCPS addresses will not work. Use a gmail or other type of account.
13. I am a college student. Can I apply for the BECA scholarship?
The BECA scholarship is just one of 65 scholarships on the Common Application. It is only for graduating high school seniors. However, several scholarships on the St. Mary's County Common Scholarship Application are available for students currently in college. The full-page scholarshp description will say that eligible students include those currently in college.
14. I have asked a community member and teacher for letters of recommendation, but I was unsure as to the method of sending. The instructions list said that they should be put in the packet of things I am to send, and I wasn't sure of the details of this, such as whether they should be in an envelope with a signed seal or just a printed sheet of paper.
The letters should be included with the materials that you scan and upload via the yellow button near the bottom of the Electronic JotForm Application. Place them as the fourth item in your Supplemental Information packet.
16. I have taken classes at the College of Southern Maryland while in high school. Should I list myself as a college student?
No, you are only a college student if you only attend college and are not dual enrolled in high school and college.
17. The SAT form from the web is 10 pages. Do you want all of them or just the two-page summary?
The short summary is all you need to send.
18. The St. Mary's Hospital Foundation scholarship has a separate application, due on March 14. Should I include the essay in the BECA's St. Mary's Common Scholarship Application, or send it separately to the hospital?
You can apply for this scholarship via BECA, or directly to the hospital foundation. If through BECA, include all the information BECA requests including the essay. If you apply directly to the hospital, follow their instructions. You do not need to apply separately to each one.
19. I wasn't able to find a dedicated high-speed scanner, so I'm using my smart phone.
The scan can be done with a camera, but BECA has often received poor quality camera scans that we believe reduce your chance of winning a scholarship because information is difficult to read. Instead, first ask the College and Career advisor at your school for assistance. Another good option is any public library. They have free scanners that will email you a pdf of your Supplemental Information. You can do this without a librarian, but they are always willing to help if needed.
Note that the copy of your application itself is done by using the "Print" button embedded in the application. Use it to create a pdf. Be sure to open the pdf to be sure it captured all sections of your application clearly.