Hi, my situation is a little different. I have been planning to pursue a Level 10 Certificate of Merit from the MTAC, or Music Teacher’s Association of California. The exam for this constitutes a music theory exam and five memorized pieces, usually more than six pages long. Naturally, this requires at least an hour of practice each day. I am thinking about dropping piano to make room for other extracurriculars. I have played the piano for six years, but I feel that I would rather spend that hour each day working on another extracurricular. How much would this Level 10 certificate help me in terms of applying to colleges (I am NOT planning to do a music major of any sort.)? By the way, I am very involved with my other activities, so I am not relying on piano to make or break my college app, I just want to know how much weight this test would carry. In addition, I am not lacking in the music department – I also play the clarinet in an orchestra. Thank you so much!
I think it’s a nice extracurricular. Depending on its difficulty and commitment it may be really impressive. From what you said, it sounds similar to the level of a varsity sport (nonrecruited)
Are you asking if you should continue piano (and practice) to get the certificate, despite the fact that there is another extracurricular you would rather spend time on? And that you are afraid that dropping the piano and not getting the certificate will mean missing out on a certificate that could help you get into schools?
I think you should spend your time on the extracurricular that you want to spend time on, and not spend time and energy on getting the certificate. Your application will still reflect your 6 years of piano, as well as whatever else you are doing.
I would not worry about it. That’s my 2 cents anyway.
@compmom Yes, I am wondering if I should keep playing piano because currently, my only motivation is to get that Level 10 Certificate, and I am struggling with finding the time to practice and I am having trouble preparing. So I take it that your opinion is that I shouldn’t spend time on piano if it’s not something I enjoy, correct?
@andyis Thanks for your feedback! I am also wondering how impressive it is…
I’m doing CM for piano as well, although I am at level 8. I understand how much of a commitment CM is, considering that there are theory, performance, ear training, technique, and sight reading components. I know a few people who have passed all ten levels of CM, but haven’t really done anything further in piano. This is my first year doing CM, but from what I understand based on those other people, I don’t think finishing level 10 really adds that much to your college apps. Yes, it is self-fulfilling, knowing that you finished all the levels, but if it takes a lot of time and energy and doesn’t interest very much, you shouldn’t force yourself to complete the program. I myself am questioning whether I want to spend my time focused on preparing for CM or just enjoy playing piano, but time will tell.
Correct!! Even more so because it sounds like there is something you do enjoy right now 
In my opinion, the Advanced Certificate of Merit merely would be a line on your resume, and probably not regarded as impressive. Spend your time on the extracurriculars that you enjoy!
I would tend to agree with those saying it may not be worth the time. It is true that colleges do look at music ec’s favorably, but to be honest I doubt that the level 10 certification would do much for you, and I think you would be better of concentrating on an EC you actually like. It saddens me that these days EC’s, instead of indicating a kid’s passion, are about doing EC’s to catch a college admissions officer’s eye, that said I think you should do an EC you like. Usually with music being an edge, it involves a little more than a certification like that, colleges that give that edge, like the ivies, give edges to kids who play music and are good enough and likely to want to play in the college orchestra (and that is just my opinion, take it FWIW).