<p>This is your advantage relative to other applicants:</p>
<p>average student < pianist < tragic life story that you overcame < sports prodigy < famous person (actor/bestselling novelist)</p>
<p>Being an excellent pianist is only helpful if you have everything else where it needs to be (gpa, SATs, essays), if those things aren’t up to par being a pianist won’t help you (unless you are applying for a music major/department). However if a college is trying decide you and another student with the same stats (hypothetically) you should get the spot.</p>
<p>Just my opinion/experience.</p>