<p>ActingDad, all I can say is that it is good idea for her to have a large list. The process is in some ways very different from the actual ‘business.’ Each school is looking for something quite specific - a combination of talent, type, look - and it differs from year to year and program to program. A lot of that is chance. I would also really encourage her to apply early. Not scientific, but I believe your chances are higher if you audition earlier. Also, do not choose a slot close to lunch or close to the end of the day. There are proven psychological factors involved here–the auditors are human, after all, and get tired and hungry.</p>
<p>Finally, young people change their minds a great deal as the year goes on. All my children were ‘certain’ they wanted this or that requirement going into their senior year, and all my children changed their minds. Two of my kids were really, really certain. For instance, my D is going to Northwestern. She almost didn’t even apply because she was ‘certain’ she ‘didn’t want to go so far.’ Now that she’s a year older and more mature, she’s thrilled with her choice.</p>
<p>So I would actually encourage your D to expand her options to great BFA programs not close to the East Coast, such as Guthrie & Texas State (among many others). It never hurts to apply and audition. Worse case scenario is that has the good fortune to be accepted and can then visit and think about the choice; but she will certainly not be accepted if she doesn’t apply.</p>