The Role of Extracurricular Activities in College Application Success and Beyond: Why Music Can Set You Apart

Extracurricular Activities in the Competitive Landscape of College Admissions

The competition for admission to top universities is fiercer than ever. For students aspiring to attend elite institutions like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford, academic excellence alone is no longer enough. 93% of students admitted to Ivy League schools in 2023 were in the top 10% of their high school class, but with so many academically stellar applicants, what separates the admitted from the rejected?

Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in differentiating students, providing depth beyond test scores and GPAs. Admissions officers at competitive schools increasingly view extracurricular involvement as a significant factor. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), over 50% of college admissions counselors believe a student’s involvement in extracurriculars to be “considerably important” in their decision-making process.

At institutions like Harvard, extracurricular activities are rated on a scale of 1 to 4, with a rating of “1” often indicating an applicant who is nationally or internationally recognized in their field. Harvard’s own admissions website states that “what a student does outside the classroom can tell us a lot about the type of person they are.” The same is true for Stanford, where a strong extracurricular profile can be the tipping point for an applicant who is on the borderline academically.

Why Music is a Standout Extracurricular

Music, in particular, stands out as one of the most valued extracurriculars for top-tier college admissions. Music education requires years of discipline and dedication, often starting from a young age. A student who has demonstrated musical proficiency has likely invested thousands of hours perfecting their craft and received guidance from countless accomplished individuals. This level of commitment mirrors the dedication required for success in college and beyond.

According to NACAC, 30% of admissions officers at top-tier schools view participation in music specifically as a key indicator of commitments to discipline, creativity, and leadership. Many prestigious universities report similar findings regarding the value of music in the admissions process:

• Stanford University reports that students involved in music are among the top 10% of their admitted applicants each year.

• At Northwestern University, music students frequently receive merit-based scholarships due to the university’s strong commitment to the arts.

• UCLA reports that students who show commitment to musical development stand out in an applicant pool that often values multi-dimensional talents.

• Data from Dartmouth College shows that over 65% of accepted students are involved in the arts, with music being one of the most popular extracurricular activities.

Moreover, a 2019 study by the National Endowment for the Arts revealed that students involved in music are twice as likely to be in the top 5% of their high school class. This connection between musical involvement and academic success is further underscored by the fact that students with extensive music backgrounds are often sought after for roles in school orchestras, bands, and other ensembles, showing evidence of teamwork, leadership, and collaboration. According to the College Board, music students applying to top-tier universities are accepted at a rate 10-20% higher than non-musically inclined students, particularly if they have achieved regional or national recognition. Princeton University in particular values students who “are not only academically talented, but also engaged in their communities and who will make a difference...” which music performances demonstrate, through public concerts and community service initiatives.

Elite Universities Value Both Music and Academics Through Dual Degree Programs

For students applying to elite universities that offer dual degree programs in music and another discipline, such as Northwestern University, Harvard, Yale, and Johns Hopkins, music is not just an extracurricular, but a key component of both academic and artistic development. These programs underscore the value placed on elite musical training combined with academic excellence.

At Northwestern University, nearly 20% of music students pursue dual degrees, reflecting the demand for an educational experience that nurtures both intellectual and artistic growth. 88% of dual degree students graduate within five years. A study found that dual degree music students were 30% more likely to transition into leadership roles in their non-musical careers within five years compared to their single-major peers, illustrating the immense value of combining academic fields with musical discipline. Similar programs exist at institutions like University of Michigan, USC, Vanderbilt, University of Rochester (Eastman School of Music), and Johns Hopkins University (Peabody Institute), with many graduates working in high-level orchestras, arts administration, and non-musical fields where their unique combination of skills is highly valued.

Harvard, Columbia, and Yale offer 5-year BA-MM programs, typically consisting of three years of academic study to earn the BA degree, followed by a two-year Master of Music program through their respective partnerships with New England Conservatory, The Juilliard School, and Yale School of Music. These programs admit only a handful of the top academic and music students each year, with 95% graduating in the top 10% of their high school class.

Graduates of these programs benefit from both a world-class academic education and conservatory-level music training, giving them a competitive edge in both fields. The skills developed through musical study including discipline, time management, creativity, and resilience, are highly transferable, making dual degree students well-equipped for leadership roles across a variety of industries.

Build Your Future by Studying Music

Just as college is much more than a diploma, music is much more than just an extracurricular activity. It is a proven and sought-after a gateway to personal growth, discipline, and creativity, and consistency that benefits every student, regardless of their path. The skills developed through studying music go far beyond the practice room. From learning how to manage time and push through challenges to gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and histories, music shapes all who study it into well-rounded, thoughtful individuals. Whether you're practicing, performing, or simply exploring your passion for music, these experiences cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts while building the resilience and focus needed to succeed in any endeavor. The dedication required to excel in music helps build the habits, curiosity, and cultural awareness that lead to personal success no matter the future you pursue.