Hi everyone,
Recently I’ve received a couple of emails from Washington College (MD) and the College of the Atlantic for priority status when I apply and a presidential fly-in invitation, respectively. I’m just wondering if anyone out there has experience with these things, since a lot of financial aid is promised. Washington College even said they had already waived my application fee. Also, would a college really fly me in for no apparent reason?
Would these possibly be good financial aid options?
Thanks! 
Some colleges do have fly in programs for students that have special characteristics. Many fly in programs are targeted toward underrepresented minorities when the school would like to increase that population. Some are for low income students. Some are just for top academic profiles or overall highly desirable students. So take it! They are hoping that when you see the college you fill find a good fit.
Did you run the Net Price Calculator to see what the cost estimate would be for your family? It will show need-based aid, but if you are a strong student for the college you could possibly be up for a larger merit award, maybe you can see if any large ones are mentioned on the website.
I don’t know Washington College, but College of the Atlantic seems wonderful to me. It is very small but seems like a passionate student body with multiple interests and a global perspective. It is in Maine which is gorgeous.