<p>I will tell you that my son, a music major at a conservatory, applied to and was accepted at an Ivy last Spring. His grades were excellent, his ACT was above average/good; and his SAT IIs were abysmal. He did submit an arts supplement (with resume and recommendations) and a CD. He is very good at what he plays, had a great music resume, but had no awards of any kind at application time (though he won a pretty prestigious one subsequently.) There is no question in my mind that his arts supplement and alumni interview were probably the tipping points for him. Another boy who played a different instrument, but had similar stats. was also admitted. Colleges are looking for community members–if your particular talent fills a need/place in the community, I think you have a shot. It CERTAINLY never hurts to try.</p>