I have to say that for my son the process was truly holistic.
He is from a highly overrepresented minority though not from an overrepresented area.
Less than perfect GPA or scores but pretty good by any standard and with a highly rigorous curriculum.
He never touched a violin in his life though he did wield a tennis racket.
However his passion and drive and character showed in his other extracurricular activities,essays and letters of recommendation.