Department flying me out?

[kpkpkp]

I got an email today from the department I'm applying for offering to fly me out for a weekend to meet the professor I'm applying under and other graduate students, all at the departments expense. I know this isn't an acceptance, but how good an indicator is it of a potential acceptance? All assuming I don't completely blow it. Any stories/ things you've heard/ facts happily accepted. I'm freaking out over here. 

[fuzzylogician]

It's expensive to fly people out. They wouldn't do that unless they had a very serious interest in you, and you can be pretty sure there aren't too many other students who will also be flown out. Usually if this happens pre-acceptance, you'll be accepted after the visit if nothing goes horribly wrong. There is still some chance of getting rejected, especially if this was explained to you as more of an interview situation. But this is a very good sign, and the odds are in your favor. 

[zipykido]

When I was on the interview circuit it was pretty normal for graduate schools to pay for my travel expenses, lodgings and meals. The in-person interview means that you've gone over the initial hurdle, but it doesn't mean that your acceptance is guaranteed. Definitely treat it seriously and don't act like you've gotten in already. If you're only meeting with one professor make sure you do research on them and their work and have good answers to questions like "why do you want to join this lab in particular."

[Psychologyandpizza]

The paying to fly applicants out thing changes depending on the university. Some universities fly out all applicants because there is the potential that an applicant not being able to afford the travel costs would prevent them from entering the program, so it is their attempt to ensure all applicants are receiving equal opportunities. 

 

And some universities don't fly anyone out or fly out top candidates. I wouldn't read too much Into it and wouldn't consider it to mean you're guaranteed acceptance. Go and kick some ass in those interviews