As you know, you are listing different kinds of schools, those with BM and BA (or BS) double degree programs and BA programs such as the Ivies’ , with some performance aspects but mainly an academic music major (which often fits for composers). This is a good essay on different types of degrees which may or may not be useful to you:
http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/conservatory/admissions/tips/doubledegree.html
The options are, basically (and I will use BA but it could perhaps be BS-more on that later):
BA/BM double degree, BA/MM double degree(Harvard/NEC), double major, major/minor, or BS in computer science with composing and other music “on the side” (lessons, performances, classes).
With a BS program, a double major with music can be difficult because both are intensive majors with sequential courses. In fact, a double degree can sometimes pose scheduling problems, but there are students whose parents have been on this forum who will tell you it can be done.
I know of talented composers who have done each of the options above.
Admissions, which is what you asked about (sorry for the tangent), will vary a little with each option.
For the Ivies and other BA or BS programs, your daughter can submit a supplement with a piece she has composed (possibly cued for the best 3 minutes), a music resume (studies, list of compositions and performances, awards, teachers, summer programs, classes, instrumental and vocal experiences, even concert programs. Most important perhaps are teacher or director recommendations.)
Selective schools are assembling an interesting class and in that sense it is less about the individual’s value as one person but the value in terms of what that student can contribute to the mix. Composers are valued, it is true. It would depend on the music and recommendations and experience, and I do wonder what summer programs, who the teacher is, what the awards were- but you are smart to be private!
Perfect scores don’t mean that much for anyone. I mean, chances aren’t better for a 780 versus a 740. I believe it is good to meet a benchmark and beyond that there are other things that get looked at. Your daughter certainly has done well with testing.
As for grades, not sure what you mean when you say they are not perfect. Does her school have AP classes or are “honors” classes the most rigorous?
Surprisingly, some selective schools will value a student taking a less rigorous course in order to do something in music (or art, dance, etc.) At least that is how it seems.
At a school with a BM program, the music department will often advocate with the college or university for a student, for admission and for aid.
I PM’ed you about the particular schools. If she is interested in combining music and technology/computers, many schools have great electronics and computer studios for composers. Brown has a strand in its music major for that, Oberlin has TIMARA, Harvard has HUSEAC, really all the schools have some and it is worthwhile to investigate the details if that is an area of interest.
I keep diverting from the question, sorry. Grades are important, but a composer with some background and talent will be more likely to be admitted with lesser grades than an applicant without the composition and music “hook.”