<p>Hey everyone, I was a little shocked today to see an email from one of my top choices for graduate school (Penn State Mechanical engineering Ph.d). They asked if I would like to attend a two day event at the end of February, to meet professor's, visit labs, and various social events with other graduate students. The thing that maybe is making me think too much into it is, they are paying for my gas/tolls to drive there, as well as my hotel room for the night.</p>
<p>Am I reading too much into this being like a great sign? Or is it very positive in that if I show up, present myself professionally and click with a professor I should expect to be accepted?</p>
<p>If anyone has info specific to PSU engineering events from the past I would be even more grateful.</p>
<p>It is at least a very good sign - as you can imagine, departments are reluctant to spend money on those they are unlikely to admit. It can vary substantially between departments, some will invite out twice as many as they intent to admit, others invite only the top few of those who will get an offer - I am not sure how PSU ME works, but PSU EE (back when I applied) only paid for “definite admits” to come out and visit.</p>
<p>I would hesitate to be too optimistic, let you set yourself up for disappointment, but I would definitely say that you have at least very solid chances of admission.</p>
<p>In my field, this means that you are past the first round of selection and entering a second round. The weekend is usually an interview - there are definitely social events involved (parties, meeting graduate students) but it’s also an opportunity for all involved to see whether the department is a good fit for you. So while your chances are higher, they’re not 100% or anything near it at this point.</p>
<p>I’m guessing that your visit is most likely the same - a chance for you and the department to see if this would be a mutually beneficial relationship.</p>
<p>We do the same for the physics department at IIT. If you have not yet received an admission letter, then this is just an invitation to have them look you over and vice-versa. They likely consider you a good candidate for admission but have not made their final decisions yet.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies everyone. I basically figured as much and agree with what the replies stated. That I am in a good position but not 100% in yet. Though I’m fairly excited since one of the things I’m highly respected for is my communication skills compared to most engineering student and maturity do to being an older age. So I’m confident I’ll be able to do well in front of them.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>In my engineering field being invited for interviews was an acceptance letter at all but one school. At that one, most of the students were offered acceptance provided they did click with a professor that had funding.</p>