<p>I was chosen as a Ben Franklin Scholar. Could someone explain what this means exactly? And if anyone's been involved in this program, could you explain what you've done so far? Please... :)</p>
<p>In years past (and this year too, I believe) there were a few email addresses/names enclosed with the letter to contact for more information. Try emailing those folks - that's the best place for more info... I'll try to write up something to post on here as well.</p>
<p>would being a ben franklin scholar have any positive contribution towards possible financial aid?</p>
<p>In the past, BFS/JWS students on financial aid were eligible for a grant that replaced some loans, but I think that's become obsolete with Penn's revamp of financial aid to remove loans.</p>
<p>Later on, the programs help a lot with getting research funding and grad school funding, but I recognize that's not what you're asking. In conclusion, I don't believe they change financial aid for anyone today (though I don't know about int'l aid - that's a different story).</p>
<p>Currently a BFS freshman. @mets07 There was "Trustee Scholarship" program which made FA loan free - but as mattwonder said that's now obsolete.</p>
<p>BFS - it's honestly not the most extensive/"special" honours program in the world, but what it does do is open some doors for you here at Penn as you are coming in with some sort of label attached to you. It's really meant for people with a wide range of academic interests, typically in both the humanities and sciences etc. You have priority access to some fantastic courses (though these definitely are generally humanities leaning), though most of those courses are ones that non BFS would have little to no trouble getting in to. The best part by far is the advising - which I have loved, and which my friend who recently became a BFS says is much better than what she had before.</p>