selecting schools

I would like to hear how CC parents and students came up with their initial list of music colleges to apply to. How did you then narrow your list down to a realistic number of colleges to apply to? Our school counselor is not helpful nor is the band teacher or private teacher. I’m wondering if someone like myself, who is not familiar with music or applying to music school is able to do this with no assistance? I contacted a college counselor who said she could complete a “strategic analysis” to develop a personalized college list that fits my son’s academic and personal interests. This would cost 850$ and she has no backround in music. I did pay for a phone consult which was helpful in coming up with a list that is still way too long. I know to consider location, size, budget, grades and test scores, the teacher and style of teaching, but still stuck. How many schools would it be realistic to apply to? Has anyone had the experience where they applied to 6-8 schools and their child did not get accepted anywhere?

I sent this to the wrong Forum. I meant to send to the music major forum. Anyone know how to do so?

Here: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/