<p>What's the difference between the Wharton Scholar Program and the Benjamin Franklin Scholar Program? When do admitted students find out whether or not they were accepted into these programs? Finally, how rewarding are these programs, both intrinsic and extrinsic?</p>
<p>bump...I'd be much obliged if anyone could share some insight!</p>
<p>1) There isn't much of a difference. The Joseph Wharton Scholars ( now) are the subset of Ben Franklin Scholars who are in Wharton.</p>
<p>2) You'll get mail during Penn previews week/ shortly after decisions go out in April. They're mostly recruiting tools, so almost zero ED students are invited. It's not really something you apply to.</p>
<p>3) The programs have a few components. First, there are JWS and BFS sections of normal classes that are smaller and more seminar-focused. There are also JWS and BFS classes, that have a writing and discussion focus, and are often interdisciplinary. Students in the programs are required to take a number of these classes. There's also a research component, which results in a senior project for Wharton students (but many JWS students are M&T or Huntsman also, and doing senior research anyway). Finally, there are community events involving social events, speakers, activities, etc. Lots of recruiting / scholarships / grad school / service opportunities come through the programs first.</p>
<p>Not sure it's true that its mostly a recruiting tool. My daughter was ED and was invited to be a JWS/BFS. She's really is impressed by the very personal advising, both from her BFS and her JWS advisors, plus she enjoyed her JWS classes very much and thinks the kids in the program are all amazing.</p>