<p>I'm still in the process of deciding (-__-) lol....only 2 more days. It seems like penn is giving me alot of special attention. The two "honors" program at penn gives me a lot of personal attention, with opportunities of getting paid to do research (5000 for summer at penn). I'm thinking about going biology/bio engineering/premed. Can anyone at penn tell me about the advantages of these two programs/how many ppl are selected each year? They seem really special but I feel like there's no point in doing this especially when I'm just gonna go to med school? what are the disadvantages (if any)? I heard that alot of the ppl in vagelos drops out in the end</p>
<p>Also, Stanford seems to give alot of opportunities for undergrad research as well.</p>
<p>
[quote]
** but I feel like there's no point in doing this especially when I'm just gonna go to med school?
[/quote]
**
Apparently you are not excited and challenged by these offers of opportunity. I did BFS and it enriched my experience at Penn immeasurably. If gpa for med school is all that you desire......choose Stanford. Early research takes time, effort and dedication. Many students can do early research w/o an honors component.
[quote]
**Every spring, approximately 100 incoming freshmen are invited to the Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program (BFS). Selection is based on High school records, SAT and other signs of serious academic interest. We recognize that the admissions process from high school misses a number of highly academically talented students, so we encourage on-campus applications from any student who is academically motivated and wants an academic challenge. We welcome applications from second semester freshmen and from sophomores. Juniors and seniors are not eligible to apply. Approximately 50 students are admitted through the on campus application process. We encourage students to take one or two Benjamin Franklin Seminars before applying, especially if they have not taken any small classes, or courses that emphasize writing. Applications are due October 22, February 15 and June 6. BFS is an academic program and in no way affects financial aid.( ALSO see Benjamin Franklin Seminars, the curricular component of BFS)
For more information, call the office (215-746-6488, or stop by the ARCH, 3601 Locust Walk, second floor, or email <a href="mailto:honors@pobox.upenn.edu">honors@pobox.upenn.edu</a>.
<p>First of all congratulations on some very impressive offers and acceptances.</p>
<p>I'm going to say that in the end this is really a decision you should make based on your own preferences/interests. At UPenn you have been designated as one of the strongest students. As above one of 100 freshmen in the BFS program, and one of I believe the number is 30 in biochem/chemistry who earn the Vagelos designation. Vagelos - search it, made my own thread earlier - is supposed to be very demanding, but does offer huge research opportunities... if you're into that.</p>
<p>On the other side of things there's Stanford, better weather, better "prestige," known for its strength in sciences, seems like you'll be more "average" (not necessarily bad thing), smaller school etc. Then of course there's the financial component, guessing that with those accomplishments Penn's also given you the trustee scholarship etc.</p>
<p>Stanford has the name, and I believe academic edge (though this is very arguable), UPenn you've got the special attention (huge if research is something you want).</p>
<p>if you're planning on being premed, Penn has a reputation for having considerably better advising than stanford, which has a reputation for being pretty aloof.</p>