<p>Given that each applicant has a limited number of auditions that they can attend, then applying to a school that a student cannot afford without a large scholarship represents an additional “reach” beyond just the talent audition. An applicant could end up effectively “wasting” an audition opportunity if the school does not come through with enough money for the student to attend, in the sense that said audition would potentially displace an audition at a school which the applicant could afford (not to mention the potential for emotional turmoil as the applicant deals with an acceptance that they have to turn down). </p>
<p>It certainly seems prudent to carefully investigate the potential to actually receive a scholarship in the amount required prior to adding a school to an applicant’s audition list. If the odds are low, then one may want to consider schools with a higher likelihood of affordability rather than expend time and energy pursuing an outcome with very little chance of success (and probably an equal or greater likelihood of some anguish).</p>
<p>Applying to schools that represent a “bet on the come” for a large scholarship represents an additional complication in an already complex process. The risk may end up being well worth it, but it does pose an interesting question: given the amount of time and effort required to attend auditions, how many schools should an applicant audition for that they cannot afford without a large scholarship?</p>
<p>While there are many anecdotes presented about receiving scholarships, there are also plaintive posts each year in this forum from applicants who have acceptances that they have to turn down due to financial concerns.</p>