About The Capstone Scholars Program

The Capstone Scholars Program is a two-year educational enrichment program, designed to provide opportunities both in and out of the classroom.  Capstone Scholars live by the program motto: “Dream Big! Impact the Community and Leave a Legacy.” The pillars of the program are Academics, Leadership, Social, and Service.

First-year students are invited to the program based on their academic qualifications demonstrated during the undergraduate application process.  The Capstone Scholars Program is open to students from all majors.  All students applying to the University by the December 1 deadline are considered for invitation to the Capstone Scholars Program. Please see the Visitors page for more information concerning the requirements to receive an invitation.

History:
Originally outlined in the Report of the Strategic Directives and Initiatives Committee in 2002, the Capstone Scholars Program was created through the leadership of University President, Andrew Sorensen, and the Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost for Academic Support, Dennis Pruitt, in the summer of 2004.   The Capstone Scholars Program was developed to provide a unique and engaging learning experience for high-achieving students at the University of South Carolina. Originally envisioned as a community of 300 – 350 students, the program was received with great enthusiasm and welcomed approximately 500 students in its inaugural class in the fall of 2005.   Since its inception, the Capstone Scholars Program, a two-year program, has recruited well over 500 students each fall semester who represent over 50 different academic majors and over 42 different home states.

Capstone Scholars represents a dynamic partnership between academic and student affairs units at the University of South Carolina. Ten offices throughout the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support have partnered with the Capstone Scholars Program to make the Capstone Scholars a powerful two-year living and learning community. The partnering offices include: Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Pre-Professional Advising, the Office of Undergraduate Research, Fellowships and Scholar Programs, University 101, The Study Abroad Office, Orientation and Testing, The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, Student Engagement, and University Housing. 

How to become a Capstone Scholar
To reserve your place in the Fall 2011 Capstone Scholars class make sure to:

1. Submit your application to the University by December 1 .
2. Complete and return the reply form included with your official letter of invitation from the University of South Carolina Admissions Office by May 1. Invitations will be mailed in March.
3. Pay your $200 enrollment deposit by May 1.
4. Complete your University Housing application via VIP by May 1. To live with other Capstone Scholars, select Capstone House as your first choice.

Stay Current on Capstone Scholars Events
The Capstone Scholars Program now has a ListServ. The ListServ is for both parents and students, and will provide monthly updates on the happenings of the Capstone Scholars Program. It will also serve as a medium to distribute our semiannual newsletter. To subscribe to the ListServ, send an email reading "SUBSCRIBE CAPSCHOLAR firstname lastname" to listserv@listserv.sc.edu. Check out our Calendar of Events to keep up-to-date on the happenings of the Capstone Scholars Program.

Planning a visit to campus?
Contact the University of South Carolina Vistor Center to set up a tour. You can also meet with the Capstone Scholars Staff. Call (803) 777-4411 or email CapstoneScholars@sc.edu to set up an appointment.

Thoughts from current and former Capstone Scholars:

	"If it hadn’t been for the Capstone Scholars Program I don’t think my freshman year would have been so rewarding! This program is extraordinary! From the very beginning, opportunities to excel and go above the average were given to us. Not only do you improve the academic facet of your education but you have the chance to become involved in service opportunities on campus, undergraduate research, and social events. The environment is conducive for growth because you live with students that are similarly oriented and the staff members are some of the most caring and helpful people you will meet on campus. I would advise this program to anyone that wants to get more out of their college experience." ~Noran Mohamed, Sophomore Biology Major, Lexington, SC
	"One of the best aspects of the Capstone Scholars Program is that it makes USC feel much smaller. Acclimating to a large University from high school can seem overwhelming, but the Capstone experience makes that transition so much easier. You are housed together with roughly 500 students in a central location on campus and it provides you with the opportunity to meet a lot of students, learn about the many student activities at USC and to get involved in community service work. Whether it’s climbing a 50 foot climbing tower, socializing with friends at Hot Cookie Fridays or mentoring middle school children, the program immediately gets you involved in college life. The staff is extraordinary! They are always willing to help and they challenge you to reach new heights. The Capstone Scholars Program has given me the tools to be successful at USC and I am proud to be a part of such a dynamic program."  ~Thomas Landzert, Sophomore Political Science major, Mooresville, NC
	"I can honestly say that the Capstone Scholars Program has significantly enhanced my college experience. Through Capstone I was able to make some of the best friendships of my life, receive valuable advise from the outstanding Capstone Scholars staff, get involved in a number of activities on- and off-campus, and learn more about myself. My roommate and I were even able to establish a service activity for Capstone’s Service Friday Program involving a nearby hospital. I would highly recommend that Capstone Scholars take advantage of the amazing opportunities this unique program has to offer. I believe that the Capstone Scholars Program is comparable to a fun and supportive family that will help prepare you to succeed in all aspects of life." ~Alyssa Trenery, Sophomore Biology/Pre-Med major, Columbia, SC
	"Looking back on my freshman year, I can attribute so many of the great memories and experiences to my inclusion in the Capstone Scholars community! From move-in day on, it made an otherwise overwhelmingly large school much smaller and more manageable. It was great to live in the Capstone House with 560 other like-minded and similarly motivated peers that constantly supported one another! From there, the Capstone Scholars staff encouraged me to take advantage of countless opportunities and connections on campus. Whether it's an Emerging Leaders class to work on leadership skills, the Skydiving Club to help conquer one's fears or get a huge thrill, a Capstone Maymester trip abroad (Ecuador in my case) to serve others in another country, or the monthly Hot Cookie Friday to brighten up one's week, there's something for all students in the Capstone Scholars Program at USC, and that's why it's such a wonderful community for students to be a part of!"  ~Lauren Stitzlein, Junior Broadcast Journalism major, Olney, MD
	"The Capstone Scholars Program made me feel more at home at the University of South Carolina. The events helped me build relationships and make connections. The Capstone building surrounded me with students of similar interests. (most of my friends now lived on my hall freshman year!) And perhaps most importantly, the faculty genuinely care and want students to succeed. This living and learning community has provided me with so many diverse opportunities from participating in the Mud Run, to meeting Jim Sonefeld (drummer for Hootie and the Blowfish), to interviewing the President of the university. Also, Capstone building is also one of the best freshman dorms!"  ~Hannah Reinke, Junior Physical Education major, Marietta, GA
	"The Capstone Scholars Program is simply epic, easily one of the best opportunities available at USC. It is rare to find a program that urges you to get involved through weekly social events, service with other students, and conquering your own personal challenges. The faculty is truly extraordinary. They have specifically helped me get involved with undergraduate research, an endeavor I never thought I would pursue. I can assure you that if you let it, this authentic program will open up doors that you never could have imagined."  ~Brewer Eberly, Junior Biology/Pre Med major, Travelers Rest, SC

Quick Facts About Capstone Scholars

Capstone Scholars come to the University of South Carolina from across the country.

2011-2012 Freshman Class

• Approximately 541 Capstone Scholars
• 59% Female / 41% Male
• 38% In-State / 62% Out-of-State
• Scholars come from 28 different states and 2 different countries
• Mean SAT: 1324/ Mean ACT: 29.8
• 20-30 Capstone Scholars will study abroad during the Maymester trip to Ecuador.

2010-11 Freshman Class

• Approximately 484 Capstone Scholars
• 58% Female / 42% Male
• 40% In-State / 60% Out-of-State
• Scholars come from 29 different states
• Mean SAT: 1313
• 20 Capstone Scholars studied abroad during the Maymester trip to Ecuador.

See our FAQs below!

Can I be in Capstone Scholars and the Honors College?

What is the difference between Capstone Scholars and the Honors College?

Both the Capstone Scholars Program and the Honors College offer different benefits to their students.  The Capstone Scholars Program is a two-year educational enrichment program with opportunities in and out of the classroom.  Capstone Scholars take a limited number of classes together and have the opportunity to participate in numerous out-of-class activities.  The South Carolina Honors College gives a four-year experience with an extensive selection of honors courses and the opportunity to “graduate with honors from the South Carolina Honors College.”  The Capstone Scholars Program and the Honors College both encourage students to participate in undergraduate research.  In the Honors College, this research can lead to an honors thesis.  Students in both programs have access to a wide array of campus offices.  The Honors College offers the Baccalaureus Artium et Scientiae degree that allows students to construct a degree program tailored to their specific interests.  Admission to the Honors College is more competitive than admission to the Capstone Scholars.

What are the criteria for invitation to the Capstone Scholars Program?

All students applying to USC by the Undergraduate Admissions December 1 deadline are considered for invitation into the Capstone Scholars Program.  For the Fall 2010 semseter, students needed to have a minimum of 1280 on the SAT or comparable ACT score combined with at least a 3.75 GPA. Criteria is subject to change.

I have been invited to be a Capstone Scholar.  How do I make sure I am in the program?

Please reply to the Capstone Scholar invitation by May 1.  If you plan to live on campus, you should also apply for University Housing using VIP by this date.

How much scholarship money do I get for being a Capstone Scholar?

To receive an invitation to the Capstone Scholars program, students must first be eligible to receive a university scholarship. The value of university scholarships vary and further information can be found here: http://www.sc.edu/financialaid/academic.html. Out-of-state students receiving a university scholarship will qualify for reduced tuition rates. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information: http://www.sc.edu/admissions/.

Where do Capstone Scholars live?

First and Second-year Capstone Scholars are given preference to live in Capstone House, a suite-style residence hall in the north area of campus.

What are the benefits of living in Capstone House?

How do I make sure that I am housed with the Capstone Scholars?

Do I have to room with a Capstone Scholar?

I know I want to study abroad while at USC.  What special programs does Capstone Scholars offer?

Following successful completion of their freshmen year, Capstone Scholars will be able to participate in special study abroad programs during the Maymester term.  In 2012, one course will be offered in Ecuador.  This program is limited to Capstone Scholars and will provide opportunity to study in another country with other Capstone Scholars.  Students participating in the programs will receive up to three credit hours for each course. Capstone Students can apply for $2,000 Passport Travel Grants which can be applied to the Ecuador trip or to any other Maymester or Summer Program through the Study Abroad office.  Contact the Office of Study Abroad for more information: http://www.sa.sc.edu/sa/.