<p>I had some questions about the Vagelos and BFS programs at Penn. I have been invited to do both, and I have a tough decision to be made by Monday (tomorrow)! So if anyone could expand on how the two programs work together, or if its feasible to do both, etc. etc. or if anyone wants to let me know anything else about Penn this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>I'm assuming you're referring to the Vagelos Scholars (biochemistry w/masters) program? I'm just making sure because there's also a Vagelos Life Sciences and Management (dual degree) program, which I'm not too familiar with because it's completely new. I have several friends in the Vagelos program (the biochemistry one), a few of whom have started their grad-level studies and independent research projects.</p>
<p>In any case, if you've been invited to participate in the program, CONGRATS because it means Penn thinks you're super amazing, and you should definitely give it a try. It's an amazing offer that you can't find at other schools, and I know I'm a bit biased, but you really can't turn down such an incredible opportunity, with perks like NIH funding for independent research at the undergrad level, and an advisor who will override his way through time conflicts and unmet prerequisites to get you into the classes you want. And if you don't like the program you're in, it's really easy to simply switch to a normal biochemistry or other major.</p>
<p>There's another thread about BFS - perhaps you could post some questions there. BFS isn't related to Vagelos or to any of the other programs out there, since it's not really a "program" per se. All it entails is taking an honors course once a year, which you can use to fulfill your other requirements (such as writing, sector III, etc) anyway, so there's no additional work involved.</p>
<p>When I was a freshman, my peer advisor was in both Vagelos and BFS, and he absolutely loved it. He had two amazing advisors who gave him great advice and helped him get into any class he wanted. I would definitely recommend giving both programs a shot, since you definitely don't lose anything in the process (and gain a lot from the combo), and they really do provide great opportunities in whatever you decide to study.</p>
<p>It is true you will have top notch advising with either program. BFS courses are many times taught by star professors and they are quite accessible. The seminar style courses are low numbers of students and the chance meet and interact is valuable. I have taken many more than 1 BFS course per year. You will also find that by being in these programs you can up the number of courses that you take each term should you choose to do so. I have taken additional courses each term with no problems. </p>
<p>Penn is very proud of their Vagelos Scholars and their Ben Franklin Scholars. You will have many opportunities come your way from your affiliation with either program and I hope you do come and join us at Penn. </p>
<p>Have you contacted any current or previous scholars??</p>
<p>thank you so much! that was a great help and it was very encouraging. i think i'm going to give it a try actually, and i'm getting excited. its good to know that i can use BFS to cover some of my other requirements, thats something that i've been wondering about. thanks again!</p>
<p>Yes you can and should. In fact you will find that the offerings BFS will provide much opportunity to get very interesing applications of the requirements in small seminar settings with superb scholar students taught by engaging and motivated profs. I do hope you come to Penn, I think that these programs will be stimulating and motivating to you, the students you meet here will do the same, Philly is great in and of itself. Close proximity to NYC/DC and the opportunities to get familiar with current happenings in either city is easy, cheap and convenient. Welcome to Penn, Quaker scholar.</p>
<p>bump......</p>
<p>so i've decided. its official. i sent in my $200 deposit to penn! and my letters to vagelos and BFS that i'm doing both programs. thanks for the help.</p>
<p>glad to hear you'll be joining us! now just make sure you REALLY relax this summer, cuz you're in for a crazy (but awesome) four years ;-)</p>
<p>so if you join the vagelos scholars program in MLS you have to either double major in science or major in one science and submatriculate? SO. basically if I really want to minor in creative writing and major in biochem and not study all the time, I might not want to join?</p>
<p>i'm hopefully doing the biotech MS and biochem major. i dont know how it works if you want to get a minor though, all i've read was that its either double major in specific areas or submatriculate. i say, do want you really want to do. good luck!</p>
<p><a href="http://writing.upenn.edu/cw/minor.html%5B/url%5D">http://writing.upenn.edu/cw/minor.html</a></p>
<p>At Penn all things are possible. Now, I don't know what you mean by studying all the time but I don't know anybody who does that.</p>