<p>As connections said, I would strongly recommend applying to the schools that your high school has some previous relationship with (if the schools are what you are looking for). When we were touring at NCSA and mentioned our town, the admission officer asked if we were from the magnet arts high school and then told us how great he though the program there was. I think if they know a program and its teachers, recommendations may mean something. BUT, it depends on you and your audition and your fit with the program. As mentioned everywhere before, make sure you have a broad base of schools that you apply to though.</p>