The 2023 BECA St. Mary's County Common Scholarship Application is Closed for 2023

The St. Mary's County Common Scholarship Application allows qualified students to apply to a selection of 63 different local scholarships. Because some of the scholarships have multiple awards, approximately 130 scholarships will be given out. 

Here are the Instructions and Detailed List of Scholarships. Read over this document carefully. Keep it for reference. Do not send it to BECA. 

STEP 1:  Click the link at the right to download a pdf, the 2023 Instructions and Detailed List of Scholarships

When you are ready to begin working on your electronic application, click on the link below. It will take multiple sessions to complete. You can save your work and continue later. Please do not use an SMCPS.org email address as it will reject your confirmation message from Jotform. Use a gmail or other personal account that you check frequently. Use only one computer. Do not use "incognito mode." BECA recommends you download the free version of Adobe Scan to create the PDF of your Supplemental Information if you don't have access to a traditional scanner. See the FAQ below for more information.*

 

STEP 2. (Jotform Electronic Application and Selection of Scholarships).  

 

STEP 3.  

 Here is a PowerPoint on how to complete the Common Scholarship Application. LINK

FAQ

 

 Questions: 

 

*. I wasn't able to find a dedicated high-speed scanner, so I'm using my smart phone. I've scanned my Supplemental Information in Adobe Scan. How do I get the file into my Electronic Jotform Application? 

Go to your "Files" app on your Iphone and make sure that you have turned on the folder for Adobe Scan. Go into that folder and find the file you just scanned. Email it to yourself. We assume the process is similar on an Android device, but have not verified this. You should not need to pay for a premium subscription to Adobe Scan to have access to your file. 

 

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 answer, please drag down the bottom right corner of the text box. Make sure everything you type into the application is visible in the 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 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 is 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 member and teacher for letters of recommendation, but I was unsure as to the method of sending.  

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 willl only write it if it is confidential. He/she will not give it to me. 

The letter writer should use this link to submit his or her letter . The sender will complete the form and upload the letter as a pdf.  BECA will add it to your application after the Feb. 17 deadline when you no longer can edit your application or see letters that are a part of it. 

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. Note that test scores are optional this year. 

 10. I'm from Calvert County (or Charles County). Can I apply for scholarships using BECA's St. Mary's County Common Scholararship Application?.

Yes, you may. There are a number of scholarships that students from Calvert or Charles County are eligible for. Carefully read the qualifications. We will distribute a guide at the , Scholarship Fair that shows which scholarships are for students out of St. Mary's County. You should check the Calvert Local Scholarship Application (https://www.clsap.org/) to see if it has the scholarships you wish to apply for. You may only need to do that application as some scholarships on BECA's application are also on the Calvert application. 

11. May a Home-Schooled student apply? If yes, for which scholarships? 

Yes, home schooled students are welcome to apply. Most scholarships accept applications from home-schooled students. Although we do not have a complete list, you can download a list that has most of the providers. CLICK HERE to download. (Note: Tekla Research is the Marine Corps Aviation Scholarship. )

 

 

STEP 1. The link below provides instructions and a detailed list of the scholarships offered. Click the link to download the pdf form, and then print it. You will not send this form to BECA. Carefully read the requirements, check off the scholarships for which you are qualified, then keep the form for your records. Transfer the list of selected scholarships to the online form. 

Instructions and Detailed List of Scholarships

STEP 2. Next, follow the link below for the online application. The link takes you to a start page that first asks for your name and email address. When you submit it, you will immediately be sent an email with a new URL on the bottom. This is your personal URL. SAVE IT, as you will need it in order to complete your application over multiple sessions. Use the URL to go to the application. The tabs at the top will allow you to move from section to section of the application.

(Note...some email systems are filtering out the confirmation message. It doesn't go to spam, it just doesn't come through. If you don't get a confirmation email in 5 minutes,  try using a different email. Metrocast, for one, has been rejecting these messages.)

Link to the Online Starter Form

 SAVING: IMPORTANT. You will see a SAVE button at the bottom of each page. You may save your data and complete the form over multiple sessions. Be sure to click on the save button before you leave any page. Also, be sure  to print the form and verify the information before you click the SUBMIT button. 

See the Instructions and Detailed List of Scholarships that you downloaded for step by step instructions. 

How to Submit Your Application

When complete, print your application, sign it, make a copy for your records and mail the application and supporting documents to BECA, P.O. Box 153, Leonardtown, MD 20650. It must be postmarked by March 1, 2016. You must also press the "submit" button to send your data electronically to BECA. Your application is complete only when the printed form and supporting documents and the electronic submission are received by BECA. 

Alternate ways to submit your application and supporting documents: 

You may turn your paper applicationyour counselor, Ms. Kraft, for review and delivery to BECA.  College Access Program Staff are providing workshops and support at the 

1. I didn't get the confirmation email with a link to the full application. 

Look in your spam folder. If not there, and you are sure you typed the email address correctly, try another email address. Metrocast, especially, seems to reject the confirmation emails we send. 

2. When I click on "BACK/SAVE" the previous page opens. Why don't you use "Next." 

In the system we are using NEXT only saves your work if you have completed every required field. We felt this would be too restrictive. BACK saves your data no matter what you have written on the page. Save each page and then use the tabs at the top to go from section to section. 

3. I am a college student. Can I apply for the BECA scholarship?

The BECA scholarship is just one of 40+ scholarships on the Common Applications. It is only for graduating high school seniors. However there are several scholarships on the St. Mary's County Common Scholarship Application that are available for students currently in college. The description will say that eligible students include those currently in college. 

4. Can I use the same Service above Self essay for the Leonardtown and Lexington Park Rotary scholarships?

Yes, for 2016, you can. 

5. Can I use an Apple Macintosh computer to complete the Application and Selected Scholarships? 

Yes, Jotforms hosts a web-based application, so you will be able to complete the form on any supported web browser. 

6. Should I scan and email you all my supporting documents?

No, you will mail the documents (or turn in at the College and Career Center) to BECA with your printed web- based Application and Selected Scholarships. BECA will scan this and distribute it to scholarship rxcentre24.com you have selected.  

7. Should I check off all the scholarships to better my chances of winning one?

No, we won't process your application if you do this. It is not possible for one person to qualify for every scholarship.  

8. 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 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 mail to us. They should be clipped together with the other documents. They should not be in an envelope. The only exception would be if your letters are required to be confidential for some other application, in which case, please include them in the correct order, sealed in their original envelopes. 

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 print 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.  

10. 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.

11. 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. 

12. 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. 

13. There are different versions of the Instructions and Detailed list of Scholarships. How do I know I have the latest version? As of Feb. 8, 2016, if you see a reference to "Jotforms" and not to "Adobe Forms Central" at the bottom of page 1, and see Scholarship A21, the National Pan-Hellenic Council listed on page 7, then you have the latest version. If not, please download and print out the Instructions and Detailed LIst of Scholarships again. The electronic form has these changes incorporated and any time you log in, you will see the latest version.