Print this page. "If you also want that sense of community, and the extra opportunities that are available to the smaller groups of people...then I would definitely consider the Capstone Scholars Program." - Barry Blitch, Class of 2009
"Capstone has definitely given me more of a sense of home." - Keshia Rice, Class of 2009
The University of South Carolina's Capstone Scholars Program began in 2005 to meet the needs of the University's growing body of high-achieving students. Each fall, approximately 500 of some of the nation's brightest students enroll in the Capstone Scholars Program and begin their collegiate experiences as Gamecocks. Capstone is a two-year academic program designed to provide a smaller community for many of our freshmen while maintaining all of the resources available at the University of South Carolina.
How are Students Chosen for Admission into the Capstone Scholars Program?
Students are invited into the Capstone Scholars Program. No separate application is required, and Capstone is open to all majors. All accepted students who apply by the December 1 deadline are given consideration, and Capstone Scholars are usually notified of their admission into the program in early March. Students admitted into the program present high grades along with SAT scores of at least 1250 (math and critical reading sections combined) and/or 28 on the ACT.
Life as a Capstone Scholar
Many of our current Scholars say that a big advantage of being a Capstone Scholar is having the opportunity to live in Capstone House and Columbia Halls, two of our suite-style residence halls. Capstone and Columbia are adjacent ato one another and located near many of our main academic buildings. They are directly across the street from the Moore School of Business. Upperclassman residence advisors supervise each floor, where it's not uncommon to see study groups during a typical weeknight. Special housing opportunities group students by major, which makes it even easier to feel a sense of community. Students who wish to study outside of their residence hall can venture over to the Capstone Study Shack. The Capstone Study Shack features four separate study areas, a full kitchen, a balcony, and wireless Internet access. Capstone Scholars also have the luxury of a cafeteria, conveniently located in Capstone House. Gibbes Court is on the first floor and serves hot meals throughout the day.
One of the goals of the Capstone Scholars program is to "open doors of opportunity for engaged learning." Capstone Scholars immediately form a close bond by taking Capstone-only sections of University 101, our award-winning freshman transition course. Scholars also are able to take Capstone-only sections of English 101 and 102. Capstone class sizes are generally smaller, which allows for more peer interaction and discussion of ideas. Many of our Capstone Scholars study abroad in the Capstone Abroad Maymester course. In 2006, Scholars traveled to London or Ireland, and the 2007 Capstone Abroad trip went to China to study economic, political, and cultural development in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian. Scholars are eligible to apply for a $2,000 travel grant to help with the cost of traveling abroad.
Of course, the University recognizes that it is necessary to engage Capstone Scholars outside of the classroom. Capstone Conversations are a series of discussions led by distinguished faculty and community members. Scholars are required to attend at least four conversations, and many of our students say this is their favorite part of the Capstone Scholars program. Students are also encouraged to attend the Capstone Cinema series, which features a film with a discussion led by a USC faculty member. The Career Center is committed to helping our students become successful professionally and sponsors workshops that focus on creating a four-year plan to help Scholars begin setting their career goals.
One of the most unique traditions of the Capstone Scholars Program is "Hot Cookie Friday," which occurs once a month. Many Scholars can be found in the Study Shack enjoying hot cookies while interacting with fellow Scholars and University faculty.
It is expected that Capstone Scholars will be some of the University's highest-achieving students. This has certainly been the case, as two Capstone Scholars won two Magellan Scholar Awards from the Office of Undergraduate Research in 2006. It is also common to see Scholars as leaders in student government and other on-campus organizations.
We encourage all interested students to come for a visit to learn more about the Capstone Scholars Program. Our admissions counselors are happy to speak with future students and answer any questions about the Capstone Scholars experience. Please feel free to contact us.
Capstone Scholars Web site