FAQ: Carolina Master Scholars and the Adventure Series

Got questions? We've got answers.

USC offers a wide variety of summer academic programs for youth, so you may have some questions about the different courses, programs, application procedures, etc. Check out the FAQ below, but if your question is not addressed here, then email us at confs@gwm.sc.edu .

What is the link between Carolina Master Scholars and the Adventure Series ?

What is the cost ?

How many courses can I take?

What days of the week are the courses?

What is the deadline ?

Is a deposit required?

What does a completed application consist of?

Can I get a refund ?

How do I apply ?

Are there discount programs available?

Cost:   Pricing for the Adventure Series courses is expected to remain level for 2007.  That means that "early bird" costs will run $450 for commuting students, $725 for residential students, per course. If a student wants to take part in the evening activities (dinner plus any special programming), there is an additional $90 fee added to the commuting student rate.

For applications submitted after April 18, 2008, the costs are as follows: $500 commuting students; $590 for commuting plus evening activities; $800 for residential students.

Courses.  Students are welcome to apply for multiple courses for Summer 2008; however a student may only enroll in one course per week.

Week days for Courses. All students are expected to attend orientation on Sunday, and residential students should plan to move in that afternoon. The actual instruction and participation in each CMS program begins each week on Mondays and concludes on Fridays.

Deadline for application.   We encourage applications as soon as possible after January 1. In order to maximize the experience of working with University faculty, enrollment in each course is limited to 20 students, although some courses have even lower maximums ( Advancement, Bionanotechnology, and Medicine, especially). As a result, all courses are subject to fill early in the Spring. Early bird pricing postmark deadline is April 18. Applications must be postmarked/faxed at least 21 days in advance of the start date for course(s) to which you apply.

Deposits.   A $200 deposit will be required for each course, and must be submitted along with the application.  Checks or credit cards will be accepted, and details will be included with the application materials.  The balance is due upon acceptance to the course(s).

Application materials.  A "complete" application will consist of a personal and academic information form, signed waiver, educator recommendation, deposit, essay, and choice of courses. Returning students only are exempt from submitting a recommendation and essay, but must update their academic performance information.

Refunds/cancellations.   Refunds of deposits and/or balance of fees will be made only in the event that a student is not accepted or if the course is cancelled by Academic Enrichment and Conferences/the University of South Carolina. 

How to submit application.   Applications, available on January 1, will be accepted by U.S. postal service and fax.  Submission instructions will be printed on the application.

Discount Programs. In addition to scholarships, we offer three discount programs. The largest is the Early Bird plan, which allows any applicant to reduce their enrollment cost, if accepted, by submitting the application prior to a specified date. Our other program is designed for members of USC's Carolina Alumni Association or CMS Alumni. Periodically other discounts may be made available. Please refer to this year's application for date and amount of discounts; note that only one discount can be applied per applicant, and no combined discounts are allowed.