I’m a rising senior planning on getting a performance degree and these schools are at the top of my list. Aside from the audition, I understand that these schools also have high academic standards as opposed to other music schools/conservatories. I have a 30 ACT and plan on taking the auguest and october SATs–I get around a 1400 on practice tests. My UW gpa is around 3.8 and 4.5ish weighted. I take all IB classes (including HL math, physics, and history), but I am not getting the IB diploma. Assuming I get a 1400, I would be below the 25% percentile for both of these schools. Does anyone know the average gpa/sat for students in these music schools? Would I still be able to get into Rice and Northwestern assuming my audition was succesful?
I just don’t want to put all the effort into preparing the audition and make my parents pay for it just to get auto rejected by the school.
There are some parents on this board that should be able to give you some feedback on this…particularly for Northwestern. However, you can call music admissions directly at these schools and simply ask. I know others have done this and received the information they needed. Just explain your situation/concerns and the expense…and I think that they would be forthcoming in letting you know if your scores are in the acceptable range. These schools do understand that this is an expensive endeavor and most will assist you in making decisions.
Edit: These schools are large enough and really have no interest in “tracking” you. They probably won’t even ask your name. So don’t be afraid to call and get your questions answered. It may even give you a feel for each school and their support…however be aware that you’ll most likely be talking with a student…and some can be more helpful than others (maybe depends on how late they were out the night before). If you don’t get what you want, you can always call back at another time to see if you get a better answer or contact an admissions “director” or other official title where you’ll get an adult…still most students can be very friendly, understanding and forthcoming as they have been in your shoes recently.
Your scores are fine for Bienen.
My daughter got past the prescreens at Rice. From what I understand, this school passes you through admissions before you will be asked to do a live audition. Audition is king though… so that is the most important factor… good luck 
I say apply to Rice-Shepherd! My son was accepted to piano performance last year at Rice he had a similar score to yours and his GPS was the same.
My son had a sample visit with a professor at Northwestern, who told him he would need at least a 1350 on his SAT to be considered. He has grades similar to yours and in full IB. This may be specific to the instrument, but it doesn’t hurt to call and ask. Good luck!
Bienen told us that their music students have the same average test scores as the rest of the school.
Just to be clear on my above post, I would never discourage anyone from applying somewhere because their test score is below the 25%. 25% of their students are below that score. Apply broadly, make sure you have academically safer options on your list. Bienen told us in a music info session their music applicants are in line with their other applicants in a spring 2018 info session.
Great question, go ahead and call the Admissions Dept and ask. They will be VERY forthcoming with you. Good luck!