Imagine a dynamic, academically engaged community of scholars designed specifically to meet your needs at Carolina. The University of South Carolina’s Capstone Scholars program offers special opportunities to undergraduates who are among the University’s most enthusiastic learners. Capstone Scholars embody the principles set forth in the Carolinian Creed and aspire to excellence as members of the Carolina Community. First-year Capstone Scholars have priority on living in Capstone House and Columbia Hall. Second-year Capstone Scholars have priority on living in a community in South Quad.

Opportunities for First-Year Capstone Scholars Involvement

• Designated sections of the University of South Carolina’s nationally acclaimed University 101 course will be provided for students in the program and taught by outstanding University faculty and instructional staff.
  
• Students will participate in the First-Year Reading Experience with other Capstone Scholars.
  
• A wide range of career exploration activities will be facilitated that include: specialized career counseling, job shadowing, special field trips/tours, and lecture series.
  
• Capstone Scholars will have the opportunity to apply for undergraduate research grants and work with outstanding University of South Carolina faculty.
  
• Capstone Scholars will be invited to apply for special study abroad grants. Information sessions on study abroad opportunities will be in the Capstone Scholars community to encourage students to explore their educational options globally as sophomores and juniors.
  
• Special group sessions and individual advising will be provided from the Office of Fellowships and Scholars for those interested in applying for major national student grants, such as the Rotary, Goldwater, Marshall, Rhodes fellowships.
  
• Advising and support services will be offered to Capstone Scholars from the Office of Pre-Professional Advising for students interested in pursuing medical or law school.
  
• A Capstone Conversations lecture series, student-faculty dining experiences, and pre-advising meetings.
• Intentional interactions between Capstone Scholars and their upper-class Resident Mentors.

Is the Capstone Scholars Community for You?
The Capstone Scholars Community is limited to students who have been invited into the Capstone Scholars Program. All Capstone Scholars are encouraged to live in the Community.

How to Apply:
To be considered for admission to the Capstone Scholars Community, students must submit a completed Housing Application and learning community application. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by April 1, 2008 for rising freshmen and February 1, 2008 for rising sophomores. Please submit your housing application online at https://vip.sc.edu.
By completing this application, the Capstone Scholars community becomes your first housing choice and supercedes other housing preferences previously indicated. Because space is limited, you may not be placed into the Community initially but may be put on a waiting list for a space as it becomes available. While on the waiting list, your housing assignment will be made based on preferences noted on the standard housing application/contract.

For More Information
http://www.sc.edu/capstonescholars