Capstone Scholars Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Capstone Scholars Program?
• What are the requirements for being a Capstone Scholar?
• Why should I be a Capstone Scholar and what kind of activities will I be able to participate in as a Capstone Scholar?
• Can I be in Capstone Scholars and the HonorsCollege?
• What is the difference between Capstone Scholars and the HonorsCollege?
• What are the criteria for invitation into the Capstone Scholars Program?
• I have been invited to be a Capstone Scholar.  How do I make sure I am in the program?
• How much scholarship money do I get for being a Capstone Scholar?
• Is Capstone Scholars only for students from South Carolina?
• Do I have to live on campus to be a Capstone Scholar?
• Where do Capstone Scholars live?
• What are the benefits of living in Capstone House or Columbia Hall?
• 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 South Carolina.  What special programs does Capstone Scholars offer?
• Do all Capstone Scholars study abroad?
• Are there fellowship funds for study abroad for Capstone Scholars?
• I would like to volunteer in the community while at the University.  What opportunities are available for Capstone Scholars?
• What special career exploration programs are available for Capstone Scholars?
• It sounds like a lot of these programs are designed for first-year students.  What will Capstone Scholars’ experience in following years at the University of South Carolina be like?
• I’m not a Capstone Scholar.  Are any of these programs open to all students at the University?

What is the Capstone Scholars Program?

The Capstone Scholars Program is an educational enrichment program that offers opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.  Students are committed to academic excellence and engaged in a culture of inquiry that fosters both personal discovery and a sense of community.  The Capstone Scholars Program is designed to promote intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking.

What are the requirements for being a Capstone Scholar?

Capstone Scholars are required to enroll in a Capstone-specific section of University 101 during the fall of their first year.  Students in the College of Engineering and Computing may take BMEN 101 or ENGR 105 instead of University 101. Students in the Teaching Fellows Program take the Teaching Fellows section of University 101. In the spring semester, students may enroll in University 290, a course that will explore various aspects of a major topic.  Though not required, Capstone Scholars are strongly encouraged to enroll in a Capstone-specific section of English 101 and 102.

Why should I be a Capstone Scholar and what kind of activities will I be able to participate in as a Capstone Scholar?

The Capstone Scholars Program offers a wide variety of opportunities ranging from service learning experiences to specialized classes.  As Capstone Scholars, students will have specialized sections of University 101, English 101 and 102, and a seminar-style University 290 course devoted to different aspects of a major theme.  Students will also have the option to live in Capstone House or Columbia Hall as freshmen and South Quad as sophomores.  Through the Capstone Conversations and the Capstone Cinema series, students will interact with members of the USC faculty and prominent members of the Columbia community.  The Capstone Scholars Program works in conjunction with several campus offices to bring specialized programs to students, including Study Abroad, the Career Center, and Community Service.

Can I be in Capstone Scholars and the HonorsCollege?

What is the difference between Capstone Scholars and the HonorsCollege?

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.  Generally students invited to be Capstone Scholars are among the top of their high school classes and have a minimum of 1250 on the SAT. For more information, visit the Prospective Scholars section of our web site.

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?

There is no specific scholarship associated with being a Capstone Scholar.  All students invited into the Capstone Scholars Program are generally competitive in the University Scholarship process.  Out-of-state students receiving a scholarship will qualify for reduced tuition rates.  Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information: http://www.sc.edu/admissions/.

Is Capstone Scholars only for students from South Carolina?

No.  All students who apply to USC by December 1 are considered for invitation to the Capstone Scholars Program.  In fact, 56% of our 2007-08 Capstone Scholars class are from out-of-state.

Do I have to live on campus to be a Capstone Scholar?

All freshmen at USC are required to live on campus unless they live at home with their parents or guardians in the Columbia area.  The proximity, the convenience, and the ability to get and stay connected to the University and its resources are best accomplished by living on campus.  Much empirical research has shown that students who live on campus tend to get better integrated in the university community and as such, are more likely to graduate than those who don’t.

Where do Capstone Scholars live?

First-year Capstone Scholars are given preference to live in Capstone House, a suite-style residence hall in the north area of campus.  Capstone Scholars are also housed in Columbia Hall, a suite-style residence hall located next to Capstone.  Second-year Capstone Scholars have the option of living in South Quad, an apartment-style residence hall located in the south area of campus.  Capstone Scholars may also choose to live in another residence hall on campus.

What are the benefits of living in Capstone House or Columbia Hall?

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 2009, two courses will be offered: one in Italy and one in Peru.  These programs, limited to Capstone Scholars, 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.  Contact the Office of Study Abroad for more information: http://www.sa.sc.edu/sa/.

Do all Capstone Scholars study abroad?

Capstone Scholars are encouraged to study in another country as part of their USC undergraduate program, but it is not required.  Some students go for a semester, an academic year, or a summer program.  The decision to study abroad, for how long, and on which program is up to each Capstone Scholar to make.  At Carolina, students will receive information about study abroad opportunities and will have the chance to meet with study abroad advisors and other USC students who have already studied in other countries.  These advisors can help you explore options for international study, financial aid, and guide you in your planning.

Are there fellowship funds for study abroad for Capstone Scholars?

Every Capstone Scholar will have the opportunity to compete for a summer study abroad fellowship, which provides $2000 in partial funding for a summer study abroad opportunity following the freshmen year or throughout the undergraduate program.

I would like to volunteer in the community while at USC.  What opportunities are available for Capstone Scholars?

We have partnered with Richland School District One to have Pine Grove Elementary School be the designated Capstone Scholars’ volunteer site for students interested in mentoring and tutoring children. Transportation is provided one afternoon a week for all Capstone Scholars participating in the program.

Another option for Service Learning is participation in an Alternative Break during the fall or spring break.  Capstone Scholars may organize their own volunteering trips to various areas around the country or join existing trips.  Contact the Office of Community Service Programs for more information: http://www.sa.sc.edu/communityservice/

What special career exploration programs are available for Capstone Scholars?

The Career Center assists Capstone Scholars in developing four-year plans to guide career development through the undergraduate experience.  For more information about the Career Center, please visit: http://www.sc.edu/career/.

It sounds like a lot of these programs are designed for first-year students.  What will Capstone Scholars’ experience in following years at USC be like?

The programming aspect of Capstone Scholars is concentrated on students’ first two years at USC.  Juniors and seniors in the program will still have access to the offices associated with Capstone Scholars. Some may choose to serve as peer leaders in Capstone Scholars University 101 classes or as resident mentors in Capstone House. Second-year Capstone Scholars will have the option to live in a designated residence hall with other second-year Capstone Scholars.  As sophomores, Capstone Scholars are encouraged to participate in Service Learning, Study Abroad, or Undergraduate Research.

I’m not a Capstone Scholar.  Are any of these programs open to all USC students?

All students at USC have access to the offices partnering with Capstone Scholars and should take advantage of their services.  Because the Capstone Scholars group is so large, many of our events (lecture series, designated volunteer sites, study abroad experiences, etc.) may be limited to only Capstone Scholars.  At this time, there is no option to transfer in to the Capstone Scholars Program.