These fly-in programs are "open" to all, but target FGLI, URM (but they can't say that anymore), rural. They are very competitive because of limited spots, but a fly-in rejection doesn't necessarily mean a rejection to the college ED/EA/RD and vice versa.

DC was rejected to MIT fly-in but accepted RD. Accepted RD to the other fly-ins they were accepted to and attended. But has friends who attended selective fly-ins and were rejected by the schools for first year admissions.

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.

Not Brown - Ohio SLAC.

Anonymous wrote: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.

Thanks! We'll take those odds - appreciate the feedback

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.

OP here - what makes you think my son is "just anyone"?

I didn't share whether he's URM or FGLI - you just assumed he wasn't qualified and made a snide comment about programs being "opened up to anyone." That's out of line.
I asked a simple question about whether receiving a application-based travel grant might be a positive indicator for admissions. I didn't ask for your performative guilt about being privileged or your take on diversity programs.

I guess your son was invited because he's academically qualified - that's the baseline. Your decision not to let him apply doesn't invalidate other students' legitimate invitations, and your humble-brag about being "top 1% HHI" isn't helpful to anyone trying to navigate this process.

Next time, maybe stick to answering the actual question instead of making it about your own virtue signaling and privilege disguised as humility.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Thanks for the responses!

Is that like a fly-in program?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.