The Capstone Scholars Program provides a unique blend of learning and living experiences. It takes students on a personal journey of self-discovery while providing academic and social opportunities.
"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 advice from the outstanding Capstone Scholars staff, get involved in a number of activities on- and off-campus, and learn more about myself."
- Alyssa Trenery, recent Capstone Scholar
Students are invited into the Capstone Scholars Program as incoming freshmen based on the information they submit in their application for admission. No separate application is required, and Capstone is open to all majors. All accepted students who apply by the Dec. 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 for fall 2021 presented midrange SAT scores of 1340-1420, midrange ACT composite scores of 30-32 and very strong high school GPAs.
Our Capstone Scholars form a close bond by taking select courses like Capstone Scholars sections of our award-winning University 101, themed sections of English 101 and 102, or the eight week Capstone Scholars Leadership Program course. They also participate in many beyond-the-classroom experiences focused on community engagement, wellness, research, diversity and global learning, career readiness and professional development. Each semester, a variety of activities are planned that allow students and staff to connect, like service activities with local non-profits and social events like the favorite Capstone Scholars tradition, Hot Cookie Friday.
Capstone Scholars enjoy the "suite" life in two of our residences, Capstone Hall and Columbia Hall. The residence halls are adjacent to each other and are near many academic buildings where students will have their classes. They are also near the Capstone Scholars Program office where students are encouraged to meet with staff for Capstone consultations which help them make the most of their UofSC experience.
Capstone Scholars can and do! Through special Study Abroad programs, students often spend their spring break and Maymester abroad. Locations and courses are often selected based on student interest and unique topics. Recently, Capstone Scholars traveled to Guatemala for service learning in international health care, experienced sustainability of earth and self in Costa Rica, and explored the application of information literacy and technology in Iceland.
Capstone Scholars can apply for a number of exclusive grants to support beyond-the-classroom experiences such as the Passport Travel Grant and the Adventure Grant to fund spring break and Maymester study abroad programs, or the Magellan Apprentice Undergraduate Research Grant to fund research with UofSC faculty across any discipline.