这样的回复算不算positive

跟一个老师聊了几次，把自己以前的经历说了一下，然后得到了这样的回复“Thank you very much for your detailed explanation. I would encourage you to apply to our PhD program. Once you submit your application, please let me know. I would then arrange a meeting so that I can learn more about you and you can also have the opportunity to learn more about my group.”这种回复算不算positive的呢。。。是不是一般老师要是想招的话就会直接给面试或者继续交流下去呢，求分析。。