@EllaNoble Yes, in every admissions cycle, elite colleges have a variety of needs that they try to address. If you have special vocal talents and sang for a Williams faculty member who encouraged you to apply ED, you should take that as a positive sign. Personally, though, I doubt musical talent would ever provide the same boost in admissions as elite athletic skills (at Williams, anyway). Conservatories (e.g., Oberlin, Shepherd School at Rice) are obviously a different story.