<p>I agree with others, from what I have heard of Aspen from a variety of people it is difficult to get into. At least in Violin, a lot of the Juilliard pre college kids go there as part of their teacher’s studio, and admission to that particular studio would depend on how many kids the teacher is ‘bringing in’ and how many slots they have open (as well as the desire to teach an applicant, of course). </p>
<p>This is not much different then many high level programs, in many programs it is very difficult to get in from outside and many kids end up studying with teachers in the program privately to eventually be able to get in (it varies depending on the program/instrument/teachers, obviously). </p>
<p>I think if someone is applying to programs they do need to be mindful it is like college admissions. I suspect a high level student of a teacher in a program has a major leg up, but nothing is guaranteed, so it is wise to have backup.</p>