Honest question: does this mean I'm in?

[MildlyCascadian]

Got an email from my primary POI at one of the programs I applied to yesterday. He remembered meeting me from a campus visit in August (even though we only talked for ~30 seconds because he was busy), and stated that he's on the adcom and had some questions for me because the program wanted to consider me for as many financial opportunities as possible. He specifically wanted more info because he was interested in writing a fellowship nomination for me, as well as possibly connecting me to research opportunities. He made a point to reiterate that this particular fellowship wasn't the only financial opportunity available to me, but never said anything about whether or not that meant I was in. My application status still says "Decision: pending," and I've received no other communication from the program, other than email correspondence with the Graduate Coordinator from before I applied.
 

I really don't want to be optimistic too early in the game, and I'm honestly clueless about how funding works.  But I haven't heard back from any other programs yet, and this program is the only one I would be absolutely heartbroken over if I didn't get in...  So does this mean that I'm accepted and they're just trying to put together a funding package before they send out an official offer, or that my acceptance is contingent upon successfully securing the fellowship, and they won't let me in if I don't get the fellowship?

Edited January 18, 2015 by MildlyCascadian

[Feanor]

If that happened to me, I'd pretty much assume I was accepted (and made an impression). He wouldn't go that far for a random applicant.

[biisis]

I'd say that things are looking pretty good for you. The only caveat I can imagine would be a situation in which the program can't keep you unless they get you some manner of extra-departmental funding (as might be the case for international students in cash-strapped universities). Still, I'd say that you've got cause to be cautiously optimistic.

[MildlyCascadian]

If that happened to me, I'd pretty much assume I was accepted (and made an impression). He wouldn't go that far for a random applicant.

 

 

I'd say that things are looking pretty good for you. The only caveat I can imagine would be a situation in which the program can't keep you unless they get you some manner of extra-departmental funding (as might be the case for international students in cash-strapped universities). Still, I'd say that you've got cause to be cautiously optimistic.

Thanks, guys! I was kind of hoping that it wasn't presumptuous of me to lean in that direction, but I'm glad that there's at least some basis for me to be getting my hopes up within reason.