Prospective Scholars

Thank you for your interest in the Capstone Scholars Program! Capstone Scholars is an invitation-only program. Invitations are issued by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students are invited based on their academic achievements and their high school record. To be considered for invitation, students must have a minimum SAT score of 1250 and extremely good high school grades. These cut-offs are subject to change. All prospective students submitting their applications to the University by the December 1 deadline are considered for invitation to Capstone Scholars.

Wondering why you should be a Capstone Scholar?
Because it is an educational enrichment program, Capstone Scholars offers several opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. Working closely with several university offices, faculty, and community members, the Capstone Scholars Program offers a myriad possibilities to expand your education and college experience. Specific information about these programs can be found on our Opportunities page.

Capstone Scholars Expectations
As a Capstone Scholar, you will be expected to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. Attendance at a certain number of Capstone events is required. Participation in programs offered by our Partnering Offices is strongly encouraged. By taking advantage of all the Capstone Scholars Program offers, you will be able to earn further distinction by becoming a Capstone Scholars Fellow.

How to become a Capstone Scholar
To reserve your place in the Fall 2009 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 late February.
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 and Columbia Hall as your second choice.

Thoughts from current Capstone Scholars:

"The Capstone Scholars Program is so unique in all the opportunities that it offers. There are University 101 sections and an Emerging Leaders section specifically for Capstone Scholars. Also, we have an opportunity to have delicious, homemade cookies about every other week and free tickets for plays, ballets, and more. The Capstone Scholars Program enhances the college experience and helps to make the transition from high
school to college very smooth.”
      ~Marcia Smith, Freshman Nursing major, Granby, CT

"The Capstone Scholars program has been one of the best opportunities I have taken advantage of at USC. The community that it provides greatly enhances your experience while challenging you to perform your best. The advantages include optimal living accommodations, free tickets to events
in Columbia, classes with only Capstone Scholars, and Hot Cookie Fridays."
 ~Gayle Harris, Freshman International Business major, Tallahassee, FL

"I have thoroughly enjoyed being a Capstone scholar. I am surrounded by talented students I can relate to, but who have also broadened my perspectives. I feel appreciated and noted for my academic career at USC and know I am part of the school's community in an important way."
~-Emily Ko, Freshman Public Relations major, Ellicott City, MD

"The Capstone Scholars Program has made a big university seem like a much smaller one. There are endless opportunities for every person and I feel the program has helped me as a student to become actively involved and have the full college experience."
~Sean Bannon, Freshman Chemistry/Pre-Med major, Perkasie, PA

"After a great first semester at USC, I visited some of my friends at other schools. It really made me appreciate Capstone House because all of my friends' rooms were tiny and they had to walk a long way to the closest dining hall. At Capstone, I can go downstairs and grab some food from Gibbes Court and then bring it back to my gigantic room- it's awesome!

I really enjoyed the Capstone Conversation series. Some of them taught us about different professions, some of them gave us insight into organizations on campus, and some were just really entertaining!"
~Kent Moore, Freshman Pre-International Business major, Easley, SC

"The Capstone Scholars program, through Capstone Conversations, a very insightful staff, caring RAs, and a community of scholars, has exposed me to some of the best that the University of South Carolina has to offer. Through personal contact with those affiliated with the program, I have been given many opportunities to be of service to both my school and my
community and I will be forever grateful for the individual support that I received as a first-year student here at the university. I look forward to continuing my academic journey here at USC and am thankful that I have been able to benefit from the Capstone Scholars program here at the university."
~Hakeem Jefferson, Freshman Political Science/Pre-Law major, Gable, SC

"The Capstone Scholars Program has made for a terrific first year
experience at South Carolina. I feel that the amazing opportunities -cultural, academic, and extracurricular - have drawn me closer to the university and stimulated my growth as both a student and an individual."
~Kourtney Love, Freshman Spanish major, Greensboro, NC

"I am so thankful for the opportunity to be in the Capstone Scholars Program. I have taken advantage of smaller, specialized classes like University 290, and attended numerous Capstone Conversations, Hot Cookie Fridays and First Fridays. Capstone events are not only fun and a great way to meet students, but also an opportunity to get to know faculty in a more personal, casual setting. Capstone offers students so many ways to get involved with community service, the performing arts, academic programs, and leadership positions, and it's also great for networking. I
am so glad I've had the chance to be in such a great program and get as involved as I have."
~Lucy Bascom, Freshman Business major, Chevy Chase, MD