<p>Why is that we are only hearing about US and BFS after regular decision announcements?</p>
<p>Are these two programs (for lack of a better word) only provided to RD applicants? While I know they are difficult to get into, and one must showcase a high level of intellectualism as well as passion in independent research, are they used as recruiting tools as well?</p>
<p>Regardless, I'm hoping to be able to participate undergraduate research in either the chemical or biochemical field, but the aspect of having a "special mentor" as in the University Scholars program is very intriguing. Is there anyway to apply to the University Scholars Program if you were an ED applicant that did not get invited?</p>
<p>If these are anything like Vagelos, then they would consider your app for invitation at the same time as RD applicants.
And by the way, it sounds like the Vagelos scholars program is right for you. If you didn’t get invited, you can just contact Dr. Lu who will most likely let you in.</p>
<p>Thanks. That is what I heard. I actually have a post about the Vagelos program on this boards too. I wasn’t invited but I was told it is used more as a recruiting method for RD applicants and that if ED kids want in they have to ask most of the time. And like you said, Ponzy usually will let them in. So I’m hoping to talk to him at Penn Previews.</p>
<p>The BFS and JWS programs are used for recruitment purposes. That’s why they’re targeted at RD people. If you want to get into one of those, you can apply later.</p>
<p>I don’t know as much about UScholars, but I know a higher proportion of them come in later when they decide to do research. If you really want to do your own research, and you’re competent about it, you can get in later.</p>
<p>My daughter is a JWS/BFS and she was ED. I don’t think it’s just a recruiting tool for RD. It’s a fantastic program and she is really enjoying the awesome advising, the kids and the special classes.</p>
<p>I’m not trying to say that the US/BFS programs are only for those that applied RD. I’m sure that some ED students were invited to be part of the US/BFS program.</p>
<p>It just seems that one important purpose of these programs is to entice students to choose Penn over other schools they go in to. Thus, it seems to be used as a recruiting tool, but that it most certainly not its only purpose.</p>
<p>And it also seems that both ED and RD students can ask to join the University Scholars program - the one I’m more interested in. So maybe your daughter chose to join after she got to Penn or maybe she was invited along with the RD candidates.</p>
<p>My question was really just whether or not it was possible to be involved in independent research and join the US as a freshman.</p>
<p>Biochem8, your take on JWS/BFS is correct. </p>
<p>Material on joining the UScholars is here: [CURF</a> - university scholars - prospective students](<a href=“Penn CURF”>Penn CURF)</p>
<p>They describe the process - and from my experience speaking with friends/professors, it’s very rigorous in terms of research expectations. Where BFS is built from academic-index numbers, UScholars is based upon research and research potential. Want to get involved? Do the things you would be doing already to do research, and do them well.</p>
<p>I’m most likely going to talk to Dr. Lu when I go to Penn Previews and try to get into the Vagelos Program.</p>
<p>As research is a significant part of the Vagelos program is it even necessary to try and apply to the University Scholars program? </p>
<p>I’m not really looking for prestige or a special note to be written on my transcript. I’m just very passionate about research and science. I see these two programs (US and Vagelos) as a great way to accelerate my interests and get to meet interesting, focused people like me.</p>
<p>So if Dr. Lu does accept me into the Vagelos should I even try applying to the US program?</p>
<p>how do you know BFS selection is based on academic index? i have a pretty low academic index yet i was still invited… now i’m just really confused</p>
<p>Well, it doesn’t use this site’s half-baked index. It’s Penn’s version of the thing, which is more comprehensive, and includes other subjective material, like essays , activities, and leadership. That’s probably where you came in.</p>
<p>Or you were a mistake. Or they considered you likely to enroll elsewhere.</p>
but I was told it is used more as a recruiting method for RD applicants and that if ED kids want in they have to ask most of the time. And like you said, Ponzy usually will let them in. So I’m hoping to talk to him at Penn Previews.</p>