<p>I agree with the others that the number of slots makes a huge difference. In the case of my D, some of the better known conservatories (Juilliard, NEC) actually accept considerably more students (8-10+) than say Rice (1) or Oberlin (4). I’m not saying that either is easy to get into, but the numbers do make a difference. Besides, depending on the school, being waitlisted isn’t bad. Some of the schools waitlist until all auditions are completed. </p>
<p>Last year, D’s good friend got rejected at her first 6 schools only to get admitted to CMU, her first choice. You just never know!</p>