<p>My son recently received an invitation for a Fly Back program at Oberlin College. We do not know why he received this. Does anybody know how or why these are given out? The only reason I can think that Oberlin would even know about my son is that he got an 800 on both the Math SAT I and SAT II. But he only got a 600 on the Verbal and a 710 on the Writing. We are encouraging my son to accept the invitation (he is still at camp). He is not a URM as that Fly Back program is on a different date. We would just like to know what this means relative to a possible application to Oberlin.</p>
<p>IF for no other reason, if your son is interested in Oberlin, he will have a chance to see the school, spend the night on campus and attend classes on the school's dime. If te school considers demonstrated interest there is no better way to show it. To me it sounds like a win win because at best it puts a school he was not considering on his radar and at worse it is just as important to know what you are not looking for at a school as it is to know what you are looking for. </p>
<p>They could simply be flying him in because he is a male and many of the LAC are trying to enroll more males in their schools. It could be beacuse of geographics especially if you are on the east coast. Sounds like a great opportunity and there is really no need to look a gift horse in the mouth or bang your head against to wall trying to figure out why he was chosen. Visit the school's website, take a look see if they offer a program that he is interested in, if yes, then go. </p>
<p>You can also check the parent's forum as there is a college visit thread where parents have given their feedback on different colleges. Hope this helps</p>
<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=151327%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=151327</a>
Hope he has a great time.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply. I have already considered all that you have said and definately see it as a plus. I could not find anything on Oberlin's website about this program, only the program for minorities. It would be useful to know why the college does this so it can interpreted appropriately. Was he picked at random or are they truly interested in him as a realistic potential candidiate? The invitation seems to present a specific interest in my son on Oberlin's part. The overall process is fraught with enough uncertaintities without adding to it.</p>
<p>The invitations certainly aren't extended at random. As I told you on another board, Oberlin has run this program from the DC area and a few others for several years. Students invited are usually high-scoring individuals who have demonstrated strong interest in Oberlin; don't know why your son would be on the list. Maybe the school recommended him?</p>
<p>I actually went on that program last year (and will be starting at Oberlin a few weeks!). I always thought I got the invitation simply because I was on the mailing list, so I can't provide any answers on the "what does it all mean???" end. However, if you have any questions about the trip, what it's like, etc. feel free to message me. And best of luck to your son!</p>