Travel grant selection - positive sign for admissions chances?

[Anonymous]

DS was offered opportunity to apply for travel grant to midwestern SLAC. The grant application required transcripts and 150 word essay. DS just found out he was selected to receive the travel grant. Does this suggest a positive sign for acceptance if/when he applies (that is, if he enjoys the school visit)? Any feedback appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I don't think so. Sounds like another marketing ploy. They don't know much about him, right? But they're signaling that demonstrated interest might be important to them, so if your kid is interested in this school, he needs to visit, either on his own, or through this grant.

[Anonymous]

He had to submit transcripts, school profile and 12th grade courses - and 1 150-450 word essay re: "interest, activity, or idea that you are passionate about."

Grant covers airfare, transportation, meals/accommodations and is a 2 day event. Seems promising, but definitely could just be a marketing ploy. Just glad DS gets to see the school/students in action.

[Anonymous]

My DC got accepted RD to all the schools he applied and was accepted to visit on a travel grant. It’s not a guarantee, but I do think it helps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He had to submit transcripts, school profile and 12th grade courses - and 1 150-450 word essay re: "interest, activity, or idea that you are passionate about."

Grant covers airfare, transportation, meals/accommodations and is a 2 day event. Seems promising, but definitely could just be a marketing ploy. Just glad DS gets to see the school/students in action.

So a college admissions app before the actual college admissions app? MORE WORK?

No bloody way.

[Anonymous]

Is that like a fly-in program?

[Anonymous]

OP here - yes, it's like a fly-in program.

Thanks for the responses!

[Anonymous]

My DC received multiple emails this summer inviting him to apply for a top 20 fly-in program. I wouldn’t let him apply since we are white, full pay, DC attends private school, top 1% HHI, parents with graduate degrees, etc. Because of anti-DEI have they just opened these programs up to anyone? It has always been for URM or FGLI kids.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Schools do not throw money at students who haven't even applied yet unless they are pretty sure the students will fill some key needs for the school.

Male, SLAC, with school transcripts and enough interest to write even a short essay -- if he goes on the flyout and submits an application on time, I'd give it a 95% chance of acceptance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC received multiple emails this summer inviting him to apply for a top 20 fly-in program. I wouldn’t let him apply since we are white, full pay, DC attends private school, top 1% HHI, parents with graduate degrees, etc. Because of anti-DEI have they just opened these programs up to anyone? It has always been for URM or FGLI kids.

Was it Brown? They are courting male applicants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC received multiple emails this summer inviting him to apply for a top 20 fly-in program. I wouldn’t let him apply since we are white, full pay, DC attends private school, top 1% HHI, parents with graduate degrees, etc. Because of anti-DEI have they just opened these programs up to anyone? It has always been for URM or FGLI kids.

Was it Brown? They are courting male applicants.

And if it was Brown, I'd say it's as more marketing than a sure shot application.