<p>I disagree. While the choral group cannot actively lobby for your acceptance, any steps you take to talk to Brown shows you’ve researched the schools offerings and demonstrates genuine interest. </p>
<p>Also, fireandrain is absolutely correct about top schools and the top decile. Colleges look at your application in the context of your school. Not only was my high school extremely competitive, but we also had just over 50 in our graduating class. In that case, being in the top decile isn’t too different from being in the top 20%.</p>