[klmadfejno]

I'm a half asian who went to northeastern (a while ago, it wasn't that hard to get in at the time and was more of a backup for me). Similar academic profile. My essay was pretty dumb in other ways and I think that hurt me in getting into other places. But I would have been very very apprehensive about writing something about watching anime and not having an intrinsic enthusiasm for things.

That sounds like it triples down on the stereotypes you're frustrated with being perceived as, but more broadly I think they're basically looking for people who demonstrate self confidence and strong enthusiasm for something productive (the team player aesthetic). This trend is going to continue beyond undergrad admissions in both the formal and informal introductions.

I wouldn't sweat undergrad as much as you've probably been trained to all your life. You have plenty of additional opportunities ahead.