<p>Yes, there are certain “honors” classes that BFS students can register for. In fact, they must take a certain number to remain in the program. A certain number more to get some special distinction on the diploma. My S#1 opted for the lower level – said the classes offered were not what interested him the most, and he wanted to take advantage of college to learn things that interested him, not to get a certain seal on his diploma. (Penn has a “core curriculum” that all students must satisfy. In addition, he has a major and two minors to satisfy. It took a bit of juggling to even fit in the minimum BFS courses.)</p>
<p>Non BFS students can also take these courses, “with permission.” I think that’s a formality; don’t think it’s hard to get the permission, unless the class is overcrowded.</p>
<p>The BFS students also have a separate counselor. But in the long run, it hasn’t made a huge difference in his college experience, I don’t think.</p>
<p>He also has the Trustee’s scholarship, which was a deciding factor in us letting him attend Penn. It is confusing about the merit vs. financial aid bit. Even the letter “congratulating” him on his “need”…? The amount is based on parents’ expected contribution. And Penn’s figures came up with us paying a bit more than any other school’s figures. And he still has a work-study, and we’ve taken plenty of loans. But S#1’s Scholarship was extremely helpful this year when S#2 entered (different) college and our expected contribution for S#1 was cut in half, thereby effectively doubling his award.</p>