McGill University Piano Performance/Theory

We just got back from visiting McGill University and I’d appreciate any input you may have. My son is a rising senior. We live in NJ and he would like to study piano performance as an UG and hopes to study music theory or Musicology at a graduate level. He is a solid musician but probably not quite at a conservatory level. The admission rep at McGill suggested that he also consider applying for theory with the hopes of transferring to performance sophomore year as the freshman year coursework is the same. He met with a piano professor there for a trial lesson. She spent an hour and 45 minutes with him- was supposed to be an hour. She was encouraging but unfortunately didn’t give him a real sense of whether he was up to McGill’s standards.

Any suggestions on how to improve his chances of getting in to McGill?

He’s a relatively strong student: 2210 SATs (700 reading, 780 math, 730 writing) and has about a 100 weighted gpa (reasonably rigorous schedule - some AP and IB classes but not all). He’s an Eagle Scout, lifeguard, and has your typical list of extracurriculars. He is our 3rd child-- we expect to receive no need- based financial aid. He was “evaluated”
by a Rutgers prof who indicated that Rutgers Mason Gross would a good match. His also considering Temple and we’re going there next week to have him “evaluated” by a professor there. But McGill is by far his first choice.

I’m confused. If he wants to study musicology or theory at the grad level, why the reluctance to major in it as an undergrad at McGill? I’m sure he could still take secondary lessons on piano, yes? And entry to a top graduate program - which would be needed for subsequent job prospects - would be easier with a BA in Theory, no, along with the recommendations from professors who would know him, and written work to support his application?

FWIW, I believe that McGill does not consider extracurriculars (or essay or SAT scores) for Schulich School of Music. At least that was the way I interpreted the info on the website. I believe admission is based on audition and transcript (GPA). There may be a prescreening (not sure about piano; there is for voice).