[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.