Table Of ContentPRAISE FOR GETTING IN BY STANDING OUT
“I love this book! Getting IN by Standing OUT is a straight-talking,
strategic book—a business plan for getting into college that informs students and
parents about the competitive college admissions process and how to stand out in
the crowd. It is an aspirational work, with personal stories of students across all
talents, majors, and backgrounds—teaching all students how to allow their
REAL selves to shine, unlock their gifts, become extrapreneurial leaders, and
present their authentic talents and skills to get ACCEPTED. The overarching
message of the book is that young people should see high school as the start to
an adventure of finding their authentic selves…not just for college but for life.
‘They won’t believe what they can do!’”
Maxine Clark, founder of
Build-A-Bear Workshop and Education Community Citizen
“Are you worried about what other families of high achieving children
know that you don’t about getting your child into a great college? A best-fit
college? An intellectually challenging college?
Dr. Bedor has written the seminal field manual for the new reality of
college admissions. I couldn’t put this book down. There is strategic counsel for
achieving success all the way through the rigorous high school curriculum
gauntlet. There are out-of-the-box ideas for meaningful impact and engagement
that current Admissions demands. There’s step-by-step inspiration for creating
powerful and authentic personal statements and essays; and student stories of
leadership, struggle, and success you won’t want to miss. It’s a must read for
every high school student, parent, and guidance counselor.
Parents: you only have ONE chance to get this right. Don’t blow it.”
Richard Rossi, founder of
The Congress of Future Medical Leaders and
The Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders
“Dr. Deborah Bedor’s Getting IN by Standing OUT: The New Rules for
Admission to America’s Best Colleges is an essential resource for college-bound
students and their parents. Dr. Bedor provides practical and entertaining advice
for young scholars of all interests, from entrepreneurs, scientists, musicians, and
athletes to those still seeking to discover their true passions. As a strong believer
in the power of youth, I am delighted that this guide is available to our young
people to help them access the education and experience they need to fulfill their
dreams.”
Claes Nobel, chair of
The National Society of High School Scholars and
senior member of the Nobel Family
“Getting IN by Standing OUT is a ‘must-have’ for any parent or high
school student in the midst of the college application madness. Whether the
process is daunting and seemingly overwhelming, or you simply want the most
valuable insights to finding an advantage in the world of admissions, Dr. Bedor’s
book is a fascinating and inspiring read. Having written a play about the
expectations of the world of private kindergarten admissions in NYC, I
particularly admire Dr. Bedor’s ability to comment intelligently on the
heightened level of stress that parents and students face, while simultaneously
offering unique and creative steps for effective college preparation. Many
students spend months or even years pretending to be something they are not for
the purpose of “looking good” on an application, but Getting IN by Standing
OUT shows these students how to uncover authentic and creative ways to excel
and make an impact during their formative high school years. The tools provided
in this book can help students and their parents rise to the challenge of
application season – and their college days ahead – with their best foot forward.”
Andy Sandberg, Tony Award-winning producer
of the Broadway revival of HAIR; author and director of
APPLICATION PENDING –
A Comedy about Kindergarten Admissions
“This is the treasure map you’ve been looking for. The preeminent guide
for students applying to top tier and Ivy League schools, Getting IN by Standing
OUT is also, hands down, the best available guide for any student seeking to be
admitted to the nation’s top arts schools and music conservatories. The young
fine and performing arts talents of the world need a champion and counselor, and
Dr. Bedor’s extensive background in the arts, plus her sage and sound academic
and leadership advice will squarely place your talent in the best possible light for
acceptance, and present you as a whole person to the finest schools in the world.
With this brilliant book in hand, take courage!”
Christopher Mangum, New York State Teacher of the Year
finalist and Emmy Award-winning composer
The New Rules for Admission
to America’s Best Colleges
DR. DEBORAH BEDOR
Copyright © 2015 by Dr. Deborah Bedor
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written consent of the author, except as provided by the United States of America copyright
law.
Published by Advantage, Charleston, South Carolina.
Member of Advantage Media Group.
ADVANTAGE is a registered trademark and the Advantage colophon is a trademark of Advantage Media Group, Inc.
Printed in the United States of America.
ISBN: 978-1-59932-559-0
LCCN: 2015936963
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal,
accounting, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.
Advantage Media Group is proud to be a part of the Tree Neutral® program. Tree Neutral offsets the number of trees consumed in the production and printing of this book by
taking proactive steps such as planting trees in direct proportion to the number of trees used to print books. To learn more about Tree Neutral, please visit www.treeneutral.com. To learn
more about Advantage’s commitment to being a responsible steward of the environment, please visit www.advantagefamily.com/green
Advantage Media Group is a publisher of business, self-improvement, and professional development books and online learning. We help entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals
share their Stories, Passion, and Knowledge to help others Learn & Grow. Do you have a manuscript or book idea that you would like us to consider for publishing? Please visit
advantagefamily.com or call 1.866.775.1696.
To the precious memory of my mother and father,
Shirley and George Bedor.
You were my inspiration in all things and still are.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE
Why Most of What You Know about College Admissions Is Wrong
• The Rules Have Changed Again
• Beginning the Journey to You
CHAPTER TWO
Inside the Admissions Office
• What Today’s Admissions Officer Is Looking For
• … And What Doesn’t Work Anymore
CHAPTER THREE
“I Wish I Could Get Merit Aid…” You Can!
• Hints For You: Talented STEM Students
• The Most Generous Schools and What They Offer
CHAPTER FOUR
You, the Extrapreneur: Getting Out of Your High School to Get Noticed
• Create Your Own Opportunities. That Will Get You Admitted!
• “That’s Not Brilliant”: Tips for Avoiding Admissions Fails
• Real Student Stories to Inspire the Extrapreneur in You
CHAPTER FIVE
You, Gifted: How to Unlock Your Gifts
• Tips for the Student Artist and Leader—The Creative You
• Tips for the Student Athlete
CHAPTER SIX
Acing Your Essay: How to Make Your Writing Stand Out
• Finding Your Unique Topic
• Creating the Right Opportunities in High School for a Great, Personal Story
• Beware—Don’t Overshare
CHAPTER SEVEN
Acing Your Application: How to Jump off the Page and into the Acceptance Pile
• Mastering the Craft of Artful Bragging
• Creating a Compelling “Why” Essay—It Just Might Get You Accepted
CHAPTER EIGHT
Acing Your Interview: WOW Your Interviewer With the Little Things
• Taking Control of Your Interview
What They’ll Ask—and How to Answer
CHAPTER NINE
Potholes, Pitfalls, and How to Dodge Them
• Listening to the Right People
• Pros and Cons of Gap Year
• How Test Prep Procrastination Can Derail You
