<p>I recently found out that I got into the semifinals of an international piano competition, which will be held at the end of April. I know that if I attend, I will sacrifice studying time for my four AP exams and run the risk of getting a lower score (my target is a 4 or 5), since I have already been practicing 6 hours a day over spring break. How much will an International Piano Competition help my college application? Will it be worthwhile to go?</p>
<p>I would go. You don't have to report bad scores, and don't forget that many people (like me) apply with no AP scores at all. In any case, you'll probably do fine on the exams anyway. Not many compete in international music competitions, I think.</p>
<p>I say go to the competition. It is an opportunity that very few other students have and will almost certainly stand out to adcoms. If you are considering attending a music conservatory, I think the competition would be even more important (but I have no support for this and really know nothing about conservatory admissions.) Whatever you choose to do, good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice, IBclass06</p>
<p>Thanks to you too ever_after. But the problem is, I'm not planning on majoring in music. My goal is to get into elite schools like Ivies and major in medicine.</p>
<p>AP scores don't count for much, unless you're talking about the upper awards, which could help. I say go for the piano competition. That will help you way more.</p>
<p>If you want to go into medicine, don't give up music. The percentage of music majors who are accepted into med school is much higher than for biology or any other major.</p>