<p>I know a guy who is really passionate about an instrument, with semi-average academics. 2130 SATs, ranked 19/530, average ec's, no huge awards. If he has a good audition, does he have a good chance of getting in? He doesn't want to go for music, but he's planning on changing majors to engineering or something.</p>
<p>My son was in a similar position this year when he applied to Stanford, although he has since decided that he does want to major in music. His SAT was similar, however, his EC's are excellent and almost straight-A grades. He was told that the audition could influence his admittance, but it would in no way be a deciding factor, just one among many. He ended up being waitlisted and will not be going there. (And he was also a legacy.)</p>
<p>So, basically, while a good audition could help, if the rest of his resume is not Stanford-grade, the audition will not get him in.</p>