<p>So basically, Stanford was it (Got in Early Action.) That was after Upenn offered me a place in their BFS program. They select 100 students from all their 4 undergraduate colleges and its sort of an honor society - basically “the top of the top” and it is said that these few students are in primary positions for scholarships like “Rhodes, Gates…etc.” BFS students also have to maintain a 3.6 gpa or above, and while that is hard…its also a huge honor for such a prestigious university to place you in such a program. </p>
<p>“Aong, with academic distinction, joining the BFS brings membership in vital intellectual community. A student-run activities commitee plans regular events, including social gatherings, movies, and trips to local cultural institutions…The rigorous, exploration-based program also naturally positions participants to win presitigious outside grants and prepares them to apply to graduate fellowships such as the Rhodes, Mellon, Gates, and Fullbright…they often puruse independent research projects that emerge from dynamic relaitonships they have with advisors and faculty. Many are authors or co-authors of published papers providing genuine contributions to creating new knowledge. BFS and its parent organization, the Center for Undergradate Research and Fellowhips, can provide funding for independent projects during the summer and academic year and sponsor public events where students can present the results of their research.” </p>
<p>Okay so I typed up some of the most important information from the brochure they set. I really need all your opinions! </p>
<p>What would you choose?
(I overlooked Dartmouth, Duke and Berkeley - but yeah, I’ve gotten into those too.) </p>
<p>The program is just there to lure top students. (It makes you feel good when you're accepted to a special program, doesn't it?)
Don't let them tempt you, pick Stanford
I doubt the program will give you much.</p>
<p>penn seems to have a inordinate number of special programs for its top applicants. granted, HYP all have at least one competitive major (harvard's social studies, yale's directed studies, princeton's wilson school), but the competion occurs among already enrolled students, not applicants. at penn, on the other hand, it occurs among applicants, for places in wharton, huntsman, and jerome fisher, and for designations like university scholars and ben franklin scholars, along with others i must not know about. don't these programs balkanize the student body, in the way that honors colleges do with other schools' student bodies? many people have written about animosities between college and wharton students over matters like resource access, attitude, and identity.</p>
<p>I have a similar dilemma. I was accepted to Penn's Ben Franklin Scholar Program but I am also very strongly considering Brown. I am interested in international relations and sociology. I am completely torn 50/50. I admit if i were not in BFS I would probably choose Brown, but the BFS does have the feel good feeling... but I'm not sure how much it is actually worth. Any words of advice?</p>
<p>f.scottie, go back to the Princeton board, dear.</p>
<p>Enrolled students can apply to be in the scholars programs if they want to. Whereas an honors college will give a significant boost to an applicant, these scholar programs are more for intellectual curiosity than anything else. There are a few perks, of course, but also extra work.</p>
<p>not to be an ass, but from living within a mile of Stanford's campus and attending multiple classes, I see it as overrated. </p>
<p>Sure, it has the whole laid-back california aspect (which entices so many), and quality of life is great, but I mean...my interaction with the student body has been that in their quest to be unique they end up being homogenous, rainbow-wearing, suburban white kids/asians.</p>
<p>Mm, if u wanna have anything to do with business in the future, then definitely Penn. If you are not into business, Stanford has slightly better liberal arts in general. If you wanna party and be in a city, then Penn!!</p>
<p>You applied early and it's your first choice. I understand that very special programs can make a difference, but keep in mind that first, money is NOT involved, and that is usually what turns kids' minds, not some minor perks. Second, you will find ample research opportunities at Stanford in any department and it would be hard if not possible to contend that Penn's research program is better, BFS or not. </p>
<p>These are perks designed to attract top students, to increase the yield rate and take a few cross-admits from HSYP. I don't think that should turn your decision unless you honestly like the school better.</p>
<p>same situation for me actually....i was torn between stanford n penn couple days ago...but today i've decided to submit my reply card to penn (i got the BFS) </p>
<p>in fact, it was hard to turn down MIT and Brown for me as well
yes BFS might be a tactic to allure the top students but BFS do get special program and connections and assistance that would put us a little ahead over the regular kids...special treatment can really make a big difference</p>
<p>i said yes to penn
let us know what you decided</p>