BECA administers the Common Application for all the scholarship providers listed.

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Ruth Bates
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1 Welcome What is SMCBECA? BECA administers the Common Application for all the scholarship providers listed. Serves as clearing house for local scholarship providers AND provides its own scholarships. BECA is 100% Volunteers new volunteers are always welcome. 1

2 Dominantly for graduating seniors that will begin college Fall 2018 however we encourage Juniors to review the application to get a head start. 2

3 We encourage you to visit site and explore additional information available. 3

Go to website www.smcbeca.org Review links Home, SMC Common Scholarship Application, Other Scholarships, Photos, Memorial Biographies, and Calendar of Events, and Scholarship Fair,.

4 Go to website Review links Home, SMC Common Scholarship Application, Other Scholarships, Photos, Memorial Biographies, and Calendar of Events, and Scholarship Fair,. Use the SMC Common Scholarship Application Link in the tool bar under the picture to access the instructions and application Or use the SMC Common Scholarship Application Link in the Welcome to the BECA Website narrative to access the Instructions, Application and Most Frequently Asked Questions. **Delegate/state senator scholarship offers can be found on their respective home pages. 4

5 You can also access the application via the home page Welcome to the BECA Website narrative. 5

Begin by selecting the blue hyper link Instructions and List of Scholarships for 2018.

6 Begin by selecting the blue hyper link Instructions and List of Scholarships for A condensed version of the instructions are available in the Main Meeting Room during the annual BECA Scholarship Fair where the scholarship providers attend to educate students on their scholarships. 6

7 Review timeline. 7

8 Review instructions COMPLETELY. 8

9 Review continued. Review the instructions IN DETAIL read through the application remember when in doubt refer to the instructions. 9

10 Review continued. Review the instructions IN DETAIL read through the application remember when in doubt refer to the instructions. 10

11 DETAILED List of Scholarships **Review all scholarships for eligibility requirements. First page of scholarships A These scholarships only require the 6 pieces of information listed in Box A. 11

12 First page of B Scholarships There are additional information requirements for scholarships in the blue section, Part B. Every scholarship in this area requires an essay with a specific topic or some additional info If additional essay type it Do not print on both sides of the paper Ensure your name and last 4 digits of your social security # is at the top of each additional page being submitted unless otherwise instructed 12

13 Click on the blue hyperlink to access the application. 13

14 The link takes you to a starter page that first asks for your name and address. 14

15 You will immediately be sent an 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. 15

16 Sample received - Use the URL to go to the application. Note: If others access your , make sure they don t delete the link accidently. 16

17 The tabs at the top will allow you to move from section to section of the application. SAVING is 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. 17

18 Review the application please note red missing information this information is needed before the application can be submitted. Ensure contact information used is something you check regularly. Save Frequently. Only submit after saving and printing! 18

19 To review and complete the application click on each link at the top of the page. Why demographic info might be important? Each provider has their own information requirements. Please consider this when determining your comfort level with completion of this information as it may affect your eligibility for a specific scholarship. 19

Review continued. Why is high school, program completion at the Tech Center, SMCPS academy or other school systems academy, Hollywood Elementary school info important?

20 Review continued. Why is high school, program completion at the Tech Center, SMCPS academy or other school systems academy, Hollywood Elementary school info important? Why are extra points in GPA or college courses taken important? Why is CAP participation important? Many scholarship providers use a point system to determine who they will interview or select for their scholarship(s). Be sure to provide as much of the information requested as possible within the following tabs. 20

21 Review continued. 21

22 Review cont. SAR Student Aid Report Is a summary of the information you submitted in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and indicates your official Expected Family Contribution (EFC). EFC Expected Family Contribution The information you report on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or your FAFSA4caster is used to calculate your EFC. Schools use the EFC to determine your federal student aid eligibility and financial aid award. Please be sure to select the appropriate radial but Yes EFC was entered or No I elected not to disclose my EFC. Why this may be important? Many providers use this area when selecting their candidates as do universities when electing financial aid awards. Extenuating circumstances Use the additional note area to provide details if needed. 22

23 Review continued. Extra curricular school related activities i.e. athletic activities, clubs, organizations, etc. Extra curricular/community activities info is important not all providers interview Note: There is additional space provided to expand on these areas later in the application. 23

24 Review continued. Community Activities Outside of school i.e. girl scouts, boy scouts, church, etc. Again this information is important as not all providers interview. 24

25 Review continued. Honors or Awards In or outside of school Athletic letter Academic award Eagle scout or Gold award 25

26 Review continued. Why current or previous employer information might be important? Responsibility Time management Skills 26

27 Personal Statement Review Use the questions as a guide for your statements. Remember There are character limits for the entries in personal statements (1024 characters about 200 words for each question). You must answer all the questions. The system will give the approximate number of words and the software alerts if you are over the character limit and will allow you to make changes. Saving is not possible until you are within the limits. 27

28 Personal Statement continued. 28

29 Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Name, title, relationship Importance of letter being specific to your relationship One academic one community recommended but two of the same type is acceptable **LOR from family member not acceptable. 29

30 Test Scores What to do if SAT/ACT are not being taken Ok but reason for not taking should be provided - i.e. CSM attendee not required Caution no test scores could reduce or eliminate chances its IMPORTANT for you to explain why you are not submitting a score! 30

Additional Information Clearly state what the additional information applies to Don t submit info not specifically requested they will not be copied or distributed - unfair to

31 Additional Information Clearly state what the additional information applies to Don t submit info not specifically requested they will not be copied or distributed - unfair to other students who followed the rules Example: You had 4 LOR that were submitted while someone following the rules submitted the requested 2 perhaps putting them at a disadvantage. 31

32 Page 1 of Section A Scholarships See Instructions for complete descriptions Ensure only scholarships you are eligible for are selected 32

33 Page 1 of Section B Scholarships Every scholarship in Section B requires additional information BEYOND the required information listed in Section A See instructions for complete descriptions Ensure only scholarships you are eligible for are selected 33

34 Last page of Box B Scholarships. Select Yes or No radial. Enter number of essays/items you are submitting. 34

35 Distribution of My Application Select Yes if you want BECA to share application and supporting documentation. 35

36 Disclaimer and Signature Review specifics of disclaimer Read disclaimer and select appropriate radial Yes or No Reminder Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian, if student is needed if student is under 18 Only the paper form you print and mail needs your signature 36

Reminder: You can partially complete and save the application by using the Back/SAVE button bottom right of each page Use the link e-mailed to you to reopen the form FINAL STEP Do not check the box

37 Reminder: You can partially complete and save the application by using the Back/SAVE button bottom right of each page Use the link ed to you to reopen the form FINAL STEP Do not check the box until you have printed a copy of your completed form Check box and submit Also, be sure to print the form and verify the information before you click the SUBMIT button SMCPS students should submit applications to their schools College Access Program or College & Career Center personnel. You will receive a receipt NonSMCPS students can drop off their paper forms to SMCPS Office of Strategic Planning and Communications, Suite 108, which is the first door to the right of the elevator in the main floor, next to the security desk.at Moakley St, Leonardtown, MD Kings Christian will turn theirs in to Tamla Pridgen who works at the school But, if you choose to mail, the deadline for U.S. mailing your St. Mary s County Common Scholarship Application and required supporting documents is March 1, This must be postmarked no later than 5:00 pm, Wednesday, March 1, 2018 Your application will not be processed if either the paper form, the electronic form, or the supporting documentation is missing 37

38 Important notes 1. It is possible to print a blank form for students to use off line, but this should be for REFERENCE ONLY! 2. There are character limits for the entries in areas of the application i.e. personal statements the system will give the approximate number of words and the software alerts if you are over the character limit and will allow you to make changes. Saving is not possible until you are within the limits. 3. SAVING is 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. 4. Remember to save the 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. 5. When complete - print (only one sided) before submitting, sign and mail. You will receive an with the information, but not in the same format. 6. Ensure contact info used is something you check regularly 7. DUE DATE March 1, 2018 at 3:00pm 38

39 Timeline Review timeline Additional Timeline info During the month of April the individual providers select the winners of the scholarships and notify them Interviews of finalist will be held by some scholarship providers Be sure to frequently check the address and voice mail number you provided for interview requests and notification of awards 39

40 Please call or if you have additional questions. 40

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