Networking can help in getting acceptances to grad programs.
Classical voice is a small world. For grad schools (IMO - wrong or right), your resume will matter. Where did you study? With whom did you study? What roles did you perform? What summer programs? And of course they will look at your transcript and check your talent level along with their needs. My D knows a handful of friends who only got one acceptance…and often it was because they knew someone on the faculty (or their teacher knew someone on the faculty). If you come out of one of the big names with a well-known teacher and a nice resume…of course you can get more offers. But some of these friends were from more mid-level programs or different backgrounds. They all had done some professional work (smaller, regional ensemble work) and/or summer programs where they met a professor or made contacts.
So my earlier comment was not to say “find a performance opportunity” which is non-existent. It was to say “network”. Networking can be done online. Not everyone “enjoys” social media but it can help you network. At 25, you should have a website if you are a performer and be building your brand (meaning just who you are as a performer). Maybe you have done this already. I can’t tell much from your posts.
And, you can see online performances of small opera theaters. My D has participated in these and follows some of them. She found a really cool female opera singer who just started composing in a jt program she did online. She followed and reached out to the woman…since she admires her “journey” and would like to work with her some day (maybe never possible but I’m sure the woman didn’t mind the compliment and sincere intent). So…another professional contact. Maybe you do this already.
If you are having problems getting acceptances to a grad program, I would suggest continuing to work with your teacher AND start/continue networking online. Remember it’s a small world. These people are all connected…and you want to work yourself into their world…by first taking an interest in them and their work. Starting small and local is the best way. Then you can build from there.
I hope that this helps in some way.