<p>It is good to look into all this ahead of time. Our daughter got into some top conservatories, with pretty good merit aid based on audition/portfolio, but in the end, after all that preparation and all those interviews and exams (she is a composer), we could not afford it. She is going to college for a few years and keeps the option of transferring to conservatory open. This route saves us money for two years and would make the last two years at conservatory possible. It works better for composers than instrumentalists, I think.</p>
<p>Would we change what we did? Honestly, no. The whole process did, as I said, keep options for the future open, and it was a good learning experience. She also gained some confidence as a musician, which, hopefully, is a plus for any applicant who does the seemingly grinding application and audition process. </p>
<p>There are hidden benefits to applying, even if your friend can’t, in the end, pay- for now.</p>
<p>Also, attending a state university’s BM program as an in-state student can be a very good, affordable option. For complicated reasons, our daughter could not do this (she plays classical guitar, and they required an instrument other than classical guitar). Many of those schools have great faculty, and some talented kids who are there for the affordability as well.</p>