Advantage Scholars Summer Program

Advantage Scholars offers a unique opportunity for scholars to start building their Furman family before their first day of class. Advantage Scholars brings incoming freshmen together to discuss real-world issues, explore campus and the community, and connect socially. An early introduction to The Furman Advantage, Advantage Scholars gives students foundational tools for leadership for use during their Furman career and beyond.

The program includes enlightening lectures, interactive activities, thoughtful discussions, and fun excursions. Student counselors help create a rich and valuable experience for all who participate. The objectives of this engaged student learning opportunity are to:

• Develop bonds and build community among scholars even before they arrive on campus in August
• Expose scholars to a range of Furman faculty
• Highlight opportunities for scholars to engage with faculty, departments, and the surrounding community while at Furman
• Help scholars understand innate biases and broaden their lens going forward
• Foster scholars’ ability to preserve an open mind even toward those with whom they disagree
• Further their critical thinking skills as they examine real-world issues
• Have fun!

Registration for 2023 Advantage Scholars is now open. Click here to register.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the program begin and end?

There are two sessions in 2023. Session A begins at the conclusion of the June 20 summer orientation and ends on June 23. Session B begins at the conclusion of the June 24 summer orientation and ends on June 27. Spaces for these orientations will be reserved for a limited time, so please register for summer orientation asap at this link.

Who can attend Advantage Scholars?

All incoming Furman freshmen who are recipients of the Duke, Hollingsworth, Lay, Townes, and Vaughn scholarships are invited to attend. Six to eight counselors who are current Furman students will also be attending.

What is the cost to attend Advantage Scholars summer program?

Advantage Scholars is at no cost to you, other than travel expenses to and from Greenville. Your scholarship covers the cost of this program.

Do my parents need to get a place to stay?

Unlike orientation, there are no planned activities for parents—this is a students-only experience.

Do I still need to attend summer and fall orientation?

Yes. Advantage Scholars is NOT a substitution for either summer or fall orientation.

If I am flying into GSP, will I need to arrange my own transportation to Furman?

Yes. We are unable to provide transportation to and from the airport.

How do I register?

Register here. Scholars who have committed to attend Furman will receive an email with a link to registration.

What do I need to bring? How will I know what to pack?

Once you have registered, we will send you additional information including how to prepare and what to pack.

I still have questions. Whom should I contact?

You may email Jill Fuson, Director of the Riley Institute’s Center for Critical Issues at jill.fuson@furman.edu or call Jill at 864-294-3280 or on her mobile at 864-313-6016.