<p>
</p>
<p>the data you quoted does not necessarily support the conclusion that you stated.</p>
<p>just sayin.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>At my LAC and most top conservatories, while GPA/standardized scores are examined, the audition and its assessment by the evaluation committee is the key in determining not only admissions, but also levels of scholarships/merit aid given.</p>
<p>While the Con at my LAC won’t admit it, I wouldn’t be surprised if they happily admit someone with sub-par GPA/standardized stats if his/her audition results placed him/her in the top third or higher in the overall audition pool. Especially considering the level of musicians applying and being rejected by Oberlin and its peers.*</p>
<p>Even so, the level of competitiveness varies by department. The piano department at Oberlin was really intense at the time I attended whereas other departments like TIAMARA(Electronic Music) weren’t as much. </p>
<p>The only time GPA/standardized scores are scrutinized as much as their college counterparts is if the given applicant is planning to pursue a 5 year Double-Degree program with both the college and the Con as he/she would need to apply and be accepted to both divisions of the college. </p>
<ul>
<li>One story which keeps getting around those in the music world was how Yo Yo Ma went to Harvard after being turned down by elite conservatories like Oberlin.<br></li>
</ul>