<p>I just got into the program! Who else got into the program?</p>
<p>As I have heard great things about its advising, I am pretty sure that I will accept the offer. I do have a few questions for current students, though: What other benefits are there besides advising? How difficult is it to complete this honors program along with M&T?</p>
<p>congrats cc77... did u get a notification by email?</p>
<p>arghh... i guess i'm not a ben franklin or joseph wharton scholar :( looks like i'll be applying for it next year</p>
<p>Yeah, I got in too! Notification was by email. I'll probably accept the offer too. The email isn't very clear about what the program entails though.</p>
<p>Welcome to the JWS program folks! I'm actually involved with the board of the program. First, let me say that either the letter you received or one you'll be getting soon should have some current student contact info on it - I'm one of them (I'll let you guess) and I really recommend that you email one of us so we can chat one-on-one!</p>
<p>Basically, I find that the 'honors' experience at Penn boils down to a few key points:</p>
<p>1) Community. You take a few different classes as a group, and you get to know the same group of people from taking classes over and over again with them. This helps you build bonds and friendships with a group of people who are going to make a difference some day!</p>
<p>2) Resources. The JWS/BFS/M&T/Huntsman programs have excellent advising, and carry a reputation on campus. You'll be able to get into any class, there are special 'honors' sections of normal classes available (always take those!), and you'll be the first to hear of certain opportunities on campus (new courses, research positions, etc).</p>
<p>3) Alumni. The honors programs have all been around for awhile now, and they've built a reputation. Often, especially in banking, consulting, and public service related fields, a firm will come to the JWS folks first to recruit. If a JWS alum works in the recruiting office for the company (and many companies have one!) it's almost as if you've already got a friend on the other side of the table. It's a great network for finding a first or second job, and it's a great network for contacting folks later on down the road (starting a company, getting investors, asking for advice).</p>
<p>4) New Experiences. The extended JWS/BFS requirements aren't a significant workload, but they encourage you to take some different classes. A great thing, in my experience.</p>
<p>Thanks! I'll send you an email!</p>
<p>Before I send an email to wrong person and look like an ass, I'm assuming you're Matthew Evans '09?</p>
<p>Mattwonder, how competitive would it be to try to enter the program as a sophomore? I've heard it was possible but very difficult to do so. Is this true?</p>
<p>Nevermind, just got the email today!</p>
<p>abhim89: I talked to my regional rep today at a Penn Preview, who said that the BFS selections were not finalized yet. All hope is not lost :-</p>
<p>sweet!! thanks 2o_o7</p>
<p>To enter the program as a sophomore, one applies at the end of freshman year. I believe there maybe 5 additions this year to the ~50 person/year program. However, maybe half of the benefits of the program are seen in freshman year, so joining in later on may be of minimal value.</p>
<p>Let me clarify: this is not something to worry about. If you're in the program, great, take advantage of it. If not, then there's nothing to worry about - you'll live. Trying to chase after 'prestige' will only wear you out. Enjoy your time in college!</p>