[aeeeee]

> 100 top violin players in the same class, no matter how impressive their individual applications are. Instead, they want a complete and balanced orchestra, for example.

I agree that SAT scores shouldn't be the only factor, I disagree though if you are saying race can and should be factor. Where it's legal and appropriate to discriminate on say what instrument you play it is illegal (and most would agree immoral) to discriminate on race. Proving racial discrimination may be tricky in this case though.

[neilc]

it is illegal (and most would agree immoral) to discriminate on race

It is actually not illegal to discriminate based on race in educational admissions -- you just need to meet certain criteria (serve a "compelling interest" and not use quotas) to be able to do so.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grutter_v._Bollinger

http://www.npr.org/news/specials/michigan/

[sliverstorm]

The violins are not a metaphor for race. He is saying that if every asian applicant plays violin as an extracurricular, and the university only wants five accomplished violinists (because they also need some cellists and flutists et al), then being a violinist effectively stacks you up against all the other violinists vying for a spot.

This is relevant taken in light of the reputed homogeneity among asian applicants.

The remedy is nothing you haven't heard before, either. Stand out. Take up falconry instead of piano. There aren't many falconers.