<p>Singersmom07, I am not sure that policy still stands in that form at Shepherd- I know of at least one student admitted there who fit what you’ve posted but the school did not come anywhere close to meeting the gap for the family. I am still inclined to believe that all schools (except maybe the two who are known for the full tuition) will be rethinking and retooling their finances, due to the economy. Things are not as they were,and are not likely to rebound completely any time soon, so there is belt tightening all around. Students have to be talented and have a great audition, a good resume showing involvement in their chosen field as well as extra-curricular activities and, despite the ever-present debate on here about importance of grades for a musician, top grades. All of those componants are required if one really wants/needs to get the maximum awards- even at true conservatories, where grades didn’t used to be an important factor, things have changed. Money is tight and schools can be more selective than ever and, unfortunately, no one can enter into this process expecting a “full ride”…</p>