<p>Well, our experience is that it does help. S was solid academically, but not in a way any different from thousands of other students turned down from his school. His only major EC was his music. He'd won no awards (not even regional, much less state level), but his commitment was extensive--concert band, marching band, orchestra, brass ensemble, jazz band, and a regional (centered in our town) youth band. He held several leadership positions, but was not a musical standout. But, since he did get accepted to a very selective school, I have to think that the level of involvement helped, regardless of the level of achievement.</p>