I agree.
One of the things that young people underestimate is likability.
Likability is different from popularity. It’s more of there being something endearing and relatable; would they be someone people would like to have around. Yes, being gifted or passionate about something helps, but you also have to fit into the community in order for the gifts or passions to positively contribute to the community.
There are some applicants who do themselves a disservice by assuming a persona out of some book/TV/movie. (I wouldn’t want my kid spending time with Holden Caufield or Chuck Bass.)
I did know some guys back in prep school who tried on a personas similar to what I imagine OP is going for, but the 1) had some $$$ to go with it, and 2) were ridiculed. Yes, the dude that dressed exclusively in Brook’s Brothers outfits and usually had $200 on his person (which was actually worth something in the 80’s) was frequently mocked.
@ezekiellu451 you say that you need a full ride. You don’t need to try and come across as some would be fat cat or you’ll come across like that dude in the interview in “Good Will Hunting” - a bizarrely transparent fake.
I don’t know your story, but it’s probably an interesting one. Work on conveying that - the charming, gifted, under privileged kid that everyone wants to give a chance.