<p>Does anyone have any insights about these programs?
They're described essentially as "intellectual," but how specifically do they foster intellectualism around UPenn? What do you do as a Scholar? And can any current or graduated Scholars offer input on their experiences in the program(s)?<br>
Thanks</p>
<p>Bump. anyone?</p>
<p>I had the same questions about these programs so I emailed a current student about them. The program description says that you take three specific seminar classes over your 4 years and then at the end you get a little diploma or blurb to put on your resume that says Ben Franklin Scholar. The catch is that the courses are not restricted to just Ben Franklin Scholars; anybody can take them so really besides being able to say “i’m a ben franklin scholar”, you don’t get anything special. The current student basically said that these programs are just a way to make especially good students (not all accepted students get offers for these programs) want to go to Penn. It makes the student feel like they are part of an exclusive club so it increases Penn’s yield.</p>
<p>These programs have been around for at least 40 or so years. They have a long tradition at Penn, and are not just yield-boosters.</p>
<p>If you haven’t done so already, you should thoroughly explore these sites for more details:</p>
<p>[Center</a> for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships | Benjamin Franklin Scholars](<a href=“Penn CURF”>Penn CURF)</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://spike.wharton.upenn.edu/ugrprogram/research/jws.cfm]JWS[/url”>http://spike.wharton.upenn.edu/ugrprogram/research/jws.cfm]JWS[/url</a>]</p>
<p>@bimbop,
Yea I kind of got that impression too. I’m definitely going to ask about it when I visit.</p>
<p>@45 Percenter,
I read the website and the descriptions UPenn has sent me, but it’s still rather vague. They say that it is a highly satisfying experience to be a Scholar. The only specific detail I found, though, was that Scholars take some extra required seminars. Is that the only thing that characterizes these programs?</p>
<p>I recommend that you contact program officials directly to get answers to your questions, perhaps even through a phone call. That’s what they’re there for, and I’m sure they’d be happy to give you the details you seek. I know, for example, that the Integrated Studies component of the BFS program is brand-new this year, as is the residential component of the program (if I’m remembering correctly). There’s more about Integrated Studies (including a video) here:</p>
<p>[Penn:</a> Integrated Studies at Penn](<a href=“http://www.upenn.edu/spotlights/integrated-studies-penn]Penn:”>http://www.upenn.edu/spotlights/integrated-studies-penn)</p>
<p>One thing I know is that these programs are NOT intended to just be a few random seminars, a fancy certificate at the end, and a pat on the head that are essentially form over substance. So I’d urge you to go directly to the source for your information, as opposed to seeking random comments and hearsay from anonymous posters here. :)</p>
<p>And you can try asking questions at a Penn Preview Day, but your time and opportunity to do that may be limited (hundreds of accepted applicants show up for each of these). Again, I’d strongly recommend direct contact with program officials.</p>
<p>Ok, thanks for the help!</p>