<p>Audition experiences of DS1 and DS2, for what they’re worth -</p>
<p>DS1 Undergrad - Auditioned at four schools. Two schools asked him to stay for their scholarship round after his initial audition which he took as an indication (correctly) that he was in. Third school, very cut and dry audition, in and out, no feedback - he was not admitted. Fourth school, lots of friendly conversation afterward but no lesson; found out later studio teacher e-mailed his private teacher to wax poetic about how DS played, and yes, he was accepted. </p>
<p>DS1 Grad - Auditioned at two schools. Both schools very businesslike - audition, then a few questions, then off you go. Each didn’t take longer than 10-15 minutes. Got into one school (better audition by far), not the other (which was disappointing but no surprise to S). </p>
<p>DS2 Undergrad - Auditioned at three schools (did not make the academic cut at the fourth). First school, pretty businesslike, 10 minutes of playing, followed by brief Q&A, no lesson. Not invited to stay for scholarship round, but was accepted with merit aid. Second school, 10-15 minutes of playing, followed by rather extensive interview, then invited to lesson (an hour long) after lunch. Accepted with sizable merit aid. Third school, 10 minutes of playing in rather informal setting, brief Q&A, hour long lesson later in day, then breakfast next morning with studio teacher. Still waiting to hear. </p>
<p>Both kids seemed to have a pretty good sense of where they stood with the audition committees - so far, the only real surprises have been pleasant ones associated with financial aid. (Knock wood!) I will say that as a parent, I found it much easier handle the waiting the second time around. That initial experience, however, was pure torture - you first-timers have my sympathy.</p>