<p>As far as BU is concerned, academics are a definite factor in acceptance, scores and grades and level of difficulty of courses are important. The requirements may be more flexible for talented musicians, but it will definitely play a part in 1) acceptance and 2) merit scholarship money. </p>
<p>BU has a great program and if you are looking for a more complete LA course experience, they have double the LA course requirements than most performance conservatory programs. It is a great choice overall, but definitely the most demanding academically of all the schools mentioned. It is also an urban campus, no green space to speak of, and a large student population, but, IMO, being in Boston to study beats any of the negatives that you might find about the campus.</p>