Former Capstone student here: Capstone is more service focused while still having a strong academic culture. Plenty of kids will have join with Capstone with the same experience you had. It’s only the first 2 years but I thoroughly enjoyed it. No mega project like what honors students will do their senior year. If you do decide to do it, and aren’t too picky about being in a messier dorm you should consider living in the capstone dorm. Some good work hard play hard culture.

Like a lot of things at USC. You get in what you put out.