Do you mind telling us a bit about your son’s Top Scholar experience? Is it different from being an Honors student? What is his major? Thanks
My son is a Top Scholar and it is really what you make of it. There are several resources and opportunities they can take advantage of but they can also not take advantage if they choose. The priority registration and housing has been great. They have a dinner annually that they attend. But unless they seek it out, there is no special treatment, perks, or advantages. That is not a bad thing, but how personalized the experience will be is dependant on the students. My son loves USC, feels challenged and had made great friends with other Top Scholars and honors students. He has said than in the honors dorm, really no one knew who was a top scholar or not as all were amazing students.
Has anyone heard about Capstone yet? Last year people started receiving emails around this time.
@khgh2020 haven’t heard anything yet.
Nothing yet - I seem to recall Capstone and final merit packages being announced roughly at the same time - end of Feb/beginning of March.
Son received an e-mail tonight to check his portal for an update! He received the Academic Scholar Excellence Award ($2,000 / year and in-state tuition). He’s OOS, 1520 SAT, 4.73 GPA, Math major, Honors College. This brings USC tuition to the same as our state flagship in-state so USC is moving towards the top of the list.
My daughter received her Capstone invitation this evening! She’s excited. And final merit package, which pretty much aligns with what they said in her original acceptance letter.
He is a Sophomore studying Business. The Honors college offers a unique experience within a large school. It is the number one Honors College in the US and different from an Honors Program. The classes are small and taught by amazing professors. IT IS NOT a GPA KILLER and the director expects the kids to be A students. I think the average GPA is like a 3.8. I just can’t say enough about the program. The honor classes are his favorite and he is maintaining a 4.0. The Top Scholars are kids chosen from both in state and out of state and they are all Honors Students but they get additional scholarship. The Stamp I believe is full ride. My son was McNair and also had the Provost (National Merit) - so it is almost a full ride. there is also Horseshoe. They have a top scholar advisor and they have fun social events. Many of these kids are turning down Duke and other top schools for the opportunity. Top Scholar is a wonderful thing and wonderfully financially, but you get so much support and advising with Honors College. I guess because my son has had such a wonderful experience - this is what made my daughter not getting in so hard. WE looked at Clemson over weekend and their Honors College seems quite similar. Good Luck and best to your child!!!
What does Capstone mean?
Son got substantial increase in scholarship but it’s still not the in-state tuition we had hoped for.
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Us too! When I checked the OOS scholarships, my daughter fell into the range for in-state tuition. Also, when I ran the NPC, the amount was higher.
My son got Capstone and half out-of-state tuition. Was hoping for in-state tuition!
My son got Capstone as well and a total of $15k per year, which is below what we expected based on last year’s stats. Unfortunately it’s not enough as he was admitted to University of Maryland and we are in state. His initial letter said at least $10k per year.
This is our situation as well (minus the MD part).
Exactly the same here other than major is business, though he wants to double in some kind of applied math. Was hoping for the 8k scholarship in addition to IS tuition based on last year, but pleased. Have similar $ offers from couple others, and still waiting on couple decisions and couple final aid packages, but SC definitely near top of list. We will visit again over break early April on way back from Florida.
Capstone is automatic for anyone. Receiving merit scholarships @sunnyschool Its a 2 year program and offers some different opportunities
Received a Capstone invitation email as well! The scholarship is as promised as the minimum- was hoping for more but still happy with the invitation. I’d love some feedback about Capstone from anyone with experience or knowledge. Does everyone in Capstone get placed in one of their dorms?
@workingitout Did your son get the Provost award when he received his other merit offer or did you need to send in additional information? My son qualifies for the Provost, but it was not included in the merit offer we received tonight. It’s a great offer, but we were counting on that additional money and thought it would be automatic.
There are 2 dorms for Capstone- Capstone House and Columbia. It’s not required to live there especially if you have a roommate that is not in capstone
The Provost came with the Top Scholar offer. I would call the financial aid office as I think the Provost was given to folks who were National Merit Finalists!!
@Hopeful1088, my daughter has very similar stats to your son and also got into the honors college as a math major. She also got the $2000/year and in-state tuition. UofSC is at the top of her list with one other school. Decision will be tough.