<p>^The problem is when a student is being compared to musically-talented students from the same high school with stronger/more rigorous academic records. As in my anecdotal example, the “sacrifice” required to demonstrate musical ability, such as participation in All-State, is not equivalent across all instruments. Adcoms are unlikely to adjust for (or care about) this level of detail.</p>
<p>Think about it: if Stanford could choose another student from your high school who had the same high-level commitment to theater PLUS more AP classes, why wouldn’t they choose that student?</p>