Duke University TIP
Scholar Weekend at the
University of South Carolina
February 23-24, 2008 (Limited Space Available)

The University of South Carolina invites you to attend Scholar Weekend on our beautiful flagship campus in Columbia! Duke TIP scholars can take short, intriguing courses in academic topics that might not be available in your local schools. Courses are designed by the South Carolina Honors College (SCHC), USC’s small liberal arts school within our large research university. SCHC leads learning and drives discovery, so your classes will be enriching and creatively taught and will encourage your intellect. You’ll get an exciting glimpse into the collegiate experience and have opportunities to interact with similarly motivated students. We’re the only S.C. school that was selected to host this inaugural event. Read on to find out how you can be a part of it.

Program Basics

• Open to 8th-11th graders who have participated in a Duke TIP Talent Search or have been identified as academically gifted/talented by local school criteria
• Scholars meet on USC’s Columbia campus, for two days of intensive academic study.
• Students enroll in one class and explore material typically not included in school curricula.
• The $425 fee covers housing, food, and academic activities for the weekend. A rate of
  $375 is available for commuter students.
• Students who stay overnight will be housed at a nearby hotel (two per room) and
  will be supervised by USC residential counselors.
• Class size is limited to 18 students, unless otherwise noted.

Courses for Fall 2008 / Spring 2009

Weekend Schedule

• Check-in Saturday from 9 to 9:45 a.m.
• Once the student has checked in, parents may leave.
• Parents may attend a closing meeting on Sunday at 4:15 p.m. Students should depart by 4:30 p.m.

Applications and Acceptance

• Complete the application and submit it to USC, along with a nonrefundable application fee of $10. The application fee does not apply toward the course fee.
• Participants will be placed in the highest ranked course selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholar Weekend courses are likely to fill quickly, and enrollment is strictly limited. If we are unable to place you in a course, you will be added to our waiting list.
• Upon acceptance to Scholar Weekend, a complete itinerary and registration packet will be sent to each student.
• Full course payment is due 10 business days after acceptance into the program.
• All Scholar Weekend participants must be covered by health insurance.
• Application available online June 1, 2008.

Financial Aid

Need-based financial aid is available on a limited basis, and each student may be eligible for financial aid for only one weekend each calendar year. To apply for assistance, you must submit a copy of your family’s 2007 federal income tax return (1040). Upon notification of award, your remaining balance must be paid within eight business days. Space will be forfeited if payments are not received by this time.

For more Information: Scholar Weekend, Academic Enrichment and Conferences, University of South Carolina, 1600 Hampton Street Annex, Suite 208, Columbia SC 29208. Fax: 803-777-2663 Questions? Call us at 803-777-9444 or e-mail us at confs@gwm.sc.edu.

Refund and Cancellation Policy: A full refund of registration fees, minus a $200 deposit, will be available if requested in writing 60 days prior to the Scholar Weekend. No refunds will be made after that date; if you fail to cancel by that date and do not attend, you are still responsible for payment. A $45 fee will be charged for all returned checks. The liability of USC is limited to the registration fee, and the University will not be responsible for any losses incurred by registrants or their families, including but not limited to airline cancellation charges or hotel deposits. Refunds take three weeks to process. USC reserves the right to cancel and refund all registration fees for any course due to circumstances beyond our control, including insufficient registration.

READY TO LEARN MORE?
For more information on becoming a Carolina Master Scholar, please call USC Academic Enrichment and Conferences at 803-777-9444, send an email to confs@gwm.sc.edu, or check out these helpful links:

•  Duke TIP Scholar Weekends at USC
•  Duke TIP
•  Summer 2008 Course Listing
•  Carolina Master Scholars
•  FAQ for Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series
•  Sample Weekly Schedule
•  Parents Info