@squirk I think that there are those of us who had kids in prior classes (mine is class of 2022) that would say you don’t have to apply to 20+ schools - IF (and this is a big IF) - you have a very well balanced list with safety schools your D would be happy to attend. My, possibly flawed, recollection says that the 20+ schools trend seemed to start with the class of 2023. I don’t think there were many from class of 2022 that applied to that many. DS applied to 11 (yes - I know - boy so it’s different) and did 3 walk-ins at unifieds. His full list including the walk-ins had some tippy tops, some well known “next” tier, a well know BA program, and a regional, lesser known BFA program where the pool of auditioners was much smaller. He had 3 BFA acceptances (one of which was the lesser known regional), 1 BA acceptance, and 2 Wait Lists.
The well crafted smaller number of aps road is an option. Another option - when it comes time for applications, if your D is dead set on Tisch - you could consider going early decision. I could be wrong, but I feel like schools kind of give you an extra “point” for ED.
@soozievt is a college counselor who has been through this and has written many times about the balanced college list. You might look up her prior posts or maybe she’ll chime in.