<p>In the performing arts there are usually far more female applicants than male applicants, and most departments want to have as balanced a program gender-wise as possible. Some even aim to have more men than women (but this seems to be more often the case in graduate programs than undergraduate schools). So, but the law of averages, a higher percentage of the male applicants will be accepted to a given school than female applicants (assuming that the school is aiming for a balanced class). This does not mean that these schools still do not see far more many talented young men audition than for whom they have spots. So it is still highly competitive. My opinion for young men is pretty much the same as it is for young women. Have some schools that are long shots, some that feel like strong possibilities, and at least one safety school (that does not require an audition – to which you will be admitted academically). When calculating where schools fall on the list – I think that the gender data could be used in calculating the middle group of schools (although there are never any guarantees). The long shots will always be long shots, regardless of gender – but you have nothing to lose by shooting high.</p>