<p>I got an invitation by email to apply to Penn's fly-in program. I was provided a link to apply and it looks legit, since it's on the penn.edu website. However, when I googled the program, I got nothing. Not sure if this was intentional so that only kids with invites could apply?? Not sure if this is their first year doing it, but I couldn't find discussions or anything from others who applied.</p>
<p>Also, does getting accepted into and participating in the program give you an advantage in admissions? (It's an all expense paid 2-night trip to Penn's campus where you also meet with the undergrad admissions officers, alum, students, etc.)</p>
<p>If you have any questions, call them tomorrow. Some colleges allocate a substantial budget to attract a very select group of students. Fly ins like this are not unheard of. Consider this a VERY good sign.</p>
<p>Yes, as T26E4 explained, you were invited to apply for a fly-in. Fly-ins are essentially programs where rich universities pay to fly you out to their school to try to convince you to apply. It is typically extended to lower SES students, URMs, or students from underrepresented states. If you are accepted to a fly-in program, you are considered a very strong applicant for admission. </p>
<p>If you are interested in UPenn, I would definitely apply. </p>
<p>"A little about myself: I’m African-American, low income (so I would have fee waivers), 4.0 GPA, 4.65 Weighted, IB program, 2240 SAT, 780 (lit) 710 (us history), and plenty of great ECs/leadership. "</p>
<p>UPenn is very interested and you should definitely attend the fly-in. </p>
<p>Not that you should play any games, but if you casually happen to name drop the Penn fly-in while chatting w/other college reps, they’ll take notice… just sayin. Best of luck to you. I’m sure you’ll have some wonderful choices come April 2015.</p>
<p>@T26E4 @butterfreesnd Thanks for the info! I’ll definitely apply. So happy I actually read this email instead of dumping it into my spam folder like I usually do haha</p>
<p>Yep, it’s legit. Sky’s the limit for you, in fact–don’t fall in love with Penn until you’ve considered all the other top schools! Congrats on what you’ve achieved, OP; feel confident reaping the rewards of your hard work–you’ve earned it!</p>
<p>I was also invited to the program I was skeptical at first because I could not google it but the FAQ mentioned it was by invite only so I just figured that was why. And I think this is Penn’s first year doing it. </p>
<p>I don’t think any Ivies are sending scam invitations. If Penn invites you it is an honest invitation. You should definitely take advantage of it! It is a beautiful campus.</p>
<p>Penn has to spend its $8 billion endowment on someone. It may as well be you. :)</p>
<p>I was invited too, actually made a thread about this a couple days ago. I am applying and contacted the admissions office just to make sure the program was legit.</p>
I was skeptical at first because I could not google it but the FAQ mentioned it was by invite only so I just figured that was why. And I think this is Penn’s first year doing it. </p>