<p>Based on the class make-up (so to speak) at my D’s school, they do not try to balance the classes, and I think many schools don’t. Obviously they need some amount of both genders in the school in general so they can cast things, although there are some creative ways around that, but I think they figure with 4 years’ worth of students they’ll get what they need. Based on the 5 years’ worth of groups (including last year’s seniors) it seems that some years they get more of one gender or the other, so it evens out over time.</p>
<p>I think a school that doesn’t try for numbers might be harder on boys, since they won’t benefit from the need to take boys who are less able. I think the very most selective programs can afford to balance their genders because more people (boys and girls) are trying to get in. I’d guess since they see so many really talented students who are desperate to go there, that it’s still just plain hard to get in, period. </p>
<p>Basically it’s all hard. You can’t find any magic keyhole - any keyhole at all - in this process. The only safety is a non-auditioned program (BFA or BA) where you meet the academic stats for sure.</p>