Presidential Scholarship Competition - Frequently Asked Questions
General
Should I attend Friday and Saturday of the Competition Weekend?
We encourage you to attend the entire program to maximize your visit to Benedictine College. However, the sessions on Friday are optional. The activities on Saturday are required of all participants.
How does the Presidential Scholarship Competition work?
All student participants will write an essay and have an individual 20-minute interview with two members of the Benedictine community on Saturday. This may include faculty, staff, Board of Directors, and community leaders. The essay will be written from a set of 3-5 prompts. Students will have one hour to write. We will provide bluebooks and pencils for the essay. Students will be notified of their essay, interview time, and locations at check in on Saturday. Essays are not submitted in advance of the competition.
Friday’s Visit Program
I signed up for a music audition, when should I check in?
Students scheduled for a music audition are asked to check in between 11:00-11:45 a.m. on Friday. Auditions are available only on Friday. Students will receive their audition time(s) and location at check-in. It is critical that you indicate your audition preferences when you RSVP. Following check-in, the music faculty will meet with all auditioning students to discuss the audition process and music opportunities on campus.
I did not sign up for a music audition, when do I check in?
Students who are not scheduled for a music audition are asked to check in beginning at noon in the Atrium of the Murphy Recreation Center.
What should I wear on Friday?
Casual attire is welcome for both students and parents at all sessions on Friday, including the Scholars’ Dinner.
Will there be an opportunity to attend a class on Friday?
Due to the number of guests, we are unable to offer class observations. However, faculty members from most academic departments will be available Friday afternoon to provide a brief overview and field questions about their academic department in a small group setting. These sessions are intended to deepen your understanding of the curriculum in your major field(s) of interest(s). Sessions will begin at 4:00 p.m. and 4:35 p.m., affording you the opportunity to attend two academic interest sessions.
What is the Mass schedule at St. Benedict’s Abbey for the weekend?
Friday, January 26 and February 9
12:10 PM; 5:30 PM
Saturday, January 27 and February 10
8:00 AM; 4:00 PM (Vigil for Sunday)
Sunday, January 28 and February 11
8:00 AM (Extraordinary Form); 10:00 AM; 8:00 PM
Will there be an opportunity to learn about the Programs of Distinction – Angelico Fellows, Constitutional Fellows, Ex Corde Media Fellows, Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program, Honors Program, JPII Fellows, and STEM Fellows?
Yes. Students who have been accepted into these programs will have the opportunity to meet the program director’s.
Saturday’s Competition
What should I wear on Saturday?
Students should wear professional attire. Dresses, skirts, dress slacks, blouses, sweaters for females and slacks, khakis, jackets, ties, sweaters for the males. Wear comfortable walking shoes. It may be cold, so please dress warmly.
How are the winners selected?
Students are evaluated and selected from their performance both in their interview and on their essay. We are looking for such qualities as leadership potential, ability to communicate effectively, and commitment to excellence.
When will I hear back about the results?
We attempt to announce the results of the competition within four weeks from the completion of all virtual and in person interviews. Students will receive both a phone call and a letter informing them of the results.
Parents, Families and Guests
May my parents attend the weekend activities?
We warmly welcome parents or guests to join student participants in the weekend activities. On Friday, guests are welcome to participate in all the scheduled events. While the student participants are competing on Saturday, there will be a separate program for parents and guests – including a tour of St. Benedict’s Abbey.
Travel Plans
How do I get to campus if I’m traveling alone?
The Office of Admission will arrange complimentary airport transportation for students traveling alone through 5 Guys Transportation.
I plan to travel with my parents, is there a shuttle service available from the airport or Amtrak station to campus?
We ask that students traveling by plane or train with their parents or guardians secure their own transportation by renting a vehicle. Please visit flykc.com for a list of rental car services. App based ride share services are not available in Atchison, KS.
Lodging, Meals, and Parking
May I stay overnight on campus?
Yes, student participants are invited to stay overnight on campus for one night only. Exceptions will be granted for those with unique travel plans.
What should I bring if I am staying overnight in the residence halls?
We will make every effort to make the overnight experience comfortable. While our students are quite generous and hospitable, we cannot guarantee there will be an extra couch or bed available in the residence hall room. We are unable to provide individual mattresses, linens, towels, pillows, and toiletry items. We ask that students bring a blanket or sleeping bag, pillow, towel, and any personal toiletry items.
Where do I store my luggage on Friday?
During the day on Friday, students are welcome to safely store their luggage in the multipurpose room in the Murphy Recreation Center.
Where do parents, families, and guests stay?
There are several hotel options in both Atchison, KS and St. Joseph, MO. Please visit our accommodations page for suggestions.
Where can I park and do I need a parking pass?
The college is constructing a state-of-the-art library, limiting parking along the main driveway onto campus.
Visitor Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Murphy Recreation Center (from 2nd Street, turn east onto Mound Street and follow the road to the top of the hill). Please feel free to park in any available space. A parking pass is not required for your visit. For our virtual campus map, click here.
Should I bring money for meals?
While on campus, all meals for students and families are complimentary.
I have a food allergy. Who should I contact?
Students with food allergies should include this information when they submit their registration form.
