<p>Something very similar happened to my older sister, but for academics, not music. She was waitlisted at her backup state school but accepted at her top choice, a fairly competitive school, and much more competitive than her backup. We were all pretty confused.</p>
<p>The level of “weirdness” in music school admissions decisions seems to be amplified even more. When you’re evaluating something so subjective, the results don’t always come out as you might expect. I’d say it’s actually pretty common that everyone has at least one “surprise” when the letters start coming out - sometimes a good one, sometimes bad. I’m sure this feels like a setback for you and your daughter, but don’t give up hope. If your daughter has prepared well and been guided in the right direction, she WILL get in somewhere. Hang in there, and know that things will work out for the best.</p>