Invited for an informal visit, what does this mean for my chances?

[coreycat]

Hi all

I would like to know what other grad cafe-ers think of this. Here is a quick breakdown:

-contacted POI in September 2011, POI responded positively and suggested that we have a phone conversation

-phone conversation was mainly him explaining his research and asking if that would be something that I am interested in (answer: YES!)

-routinely emailed POI over the next few months, keeping him updated about my application progress

-throughout this time, he gave positive responses and has said that I should be eligible for some sort of funding

-about 2 weeks ago, I finished sending in all my application materials, my POI contacted me and said that he would like me to come visit for a minimum of 2 days (he even offered to let to me stay at his house to help offset some travel costs! I declined but I hope that is good sign.)

-shortly after this, the chair of the department's grad studies committee emailed me to offer a small travel stipend. I was initially told that travel stipends are only offered to PhD applicants and I am a MS applicant. That has to be a good sign, right?

-both the chair of the grad studies committee and my POI have emailed me a huge list of other people at the school that they would like me to meet

SO, basically what does all this mean? Is this something they do for a lot of applicants or does this mean that I am essentially admitted? My POI specifically said that he wanted to me visit sometime in February before funding decisions are made.

Thanks for your insight and please forgive the long rant, I think I am just stressed about not getting any formal acceptances yet

[quantitative]

It sounds like they're very very interested in you... It does not sound like something they do for any given student.

Congrats!

[coreycat]

It sounds like they're very very interested in you... It does not sound like something they do for any given student.

Congrats!

Thanks quantitative. Friends and family have said the same thing, but I think I needed to hear this from someone with an objective opinion of me

[hope4fall2012]

I think you already have one foot in the door here..I guess they are very very interested in you and you should definitely be accepted.. All the best..