Programs for Students & Parents
Peter Van Buskirk teaches participants how to think about college planning so they can make choices that serve them well in finding and getting into the colleges that fit them best. By challenging assumptions and providing a contextual basis for understanding the college admission process, he gives students and their parents the insights and practical tools needed to get from where they are to where they want to be. His programs inform, inspire and motivate students as they prepare to compete for admission to college.
"The Admission Game®" (a.k.a. Winning the College Admission Game)
Do you ever wonder who "gets in" and "why?" "The Admission Game®" (TAG) takes you inside the admission process for the answers. TAG is a high energy, high impact, interactive, case study exercise for students and parents in which the audience is transformed into an admission committee. In a manner that is more theatre than lecture, Peter engages audiences immediately in a "conversation" by talking with them in relevant terms that help ease the stress of an otherwise frenzied process. This signature program reveals the "hidden agendas" of colleges and provides insight into how decisions are made. Students learn to find the colleges that fit them best and to make decisions that help them compete for admission.
Two hours. Audience size: 50-500. TAG Description/Outline
Review the four candidates and check the current vote tally!
The Choices We Make
Students often fail to recognize the impact of the choices they make on the opportunities that might otherwise come their way in life. This workshop focuses on the importance of making good choices in the classroom and in life-"what do you do when you don't have to do anything?" In particular, it examines myths about course selections and illustrates how the choices students make will have a bearing on the college options they might realize.
45-55 minutes. Audience size: 30-500.
Dollars & Sense
Financing a college education has become an increasingly daunting task for most families. Prices escalate and the process of securing assistance is increasingly complex. This program examines the financial aid process in relevant terms and provides families with a conceptual understanding of who gets what money and why. Participants gain strategic insight as well as tools for interpreting financial aid awards. (Financial planning strategies are not covered.)
60-90 minutes. Audience size: 50-250.
Gearing Up For College
"Gearing Up For College" is an interactive, student-centered program that introduces younger high school students to elements of a good college fit as well as strategies for gaining a competitive edge in selective admission scenarios. Participants are also given tools that will help them assess the competitive landscape in order to find the most appropriate "playing fields." The program promises to inform, motivate and inspire students as they become oriented to the college search and selection process.
45-55 minutes. Audience size: no limit.
Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
An engaging and motivational keynote program for students and parents, "Getting ... " delivers a five-point plan for achieving educational goals. Special emphasis is placed on self-awareness, finding a good college fit and the consequences of decision-making throughout high school. "Getting ..." is an effective college orientation programming for younger high school students.
45-55 minutes. Audience size: no limit.
"I Can!"
This program engages pre-high school students in a discussion of the possibilities that exist for them beyond high school and the factors that are important as they begin to think about college and their futures. It focuses on goal setting and developing an action plan for college.
45 minutes. Audience size: 20-40.
Next Step: College
Get ready, parents, for the next step-the first actual step your student will take into college life. Just when you think the hardest part of the college going process is behind you ("getting in"), you are braced by another set of logistics and emotions associated with helping your student take that step. This keynote program takes a light-hearted look at the transitional issues associated with "letting go."
One Hour. Audience size: 30-500.
"No One Ever Died In An Admission Interview"
Fun and thoughtful, this exercise examines the importance of the campus visit to both the student and the college. It takes a look at the importance of building relationships with "decision makers" and illustrates how students can prepare to get the most out of the visit. Role-play activity familiarizes students with the dynamic of the admission interview.
60-80 minutes. Audience size: 20-35.
Tell Your Story
When a student's performance is affected by factors that might not be easily recognized or understood, s/he has a story to tell. This workshop focuses on the need to make certain that irregularities in program and performance are explained on the application. Students are introduced to examples of such irregularities and given strategies for addressing them in their applications.
45-55 minutes. Audience size: 20-30.
"We're Talking... But They're Not Listening"
This workshop for parents of college-bound students focuses on the challenges parents face as they try to urge their students along the right course of action in anticipation of applying to college. The program reveals strategies for facilitating self-awareness in students and helping them accept ownership for the process.
One hour. Audience size: 15-30.
Writing A Winning Essay
Most college essays fail to make a difference for the applicants who write them. This workshop gets inside the daunting task of making a compelling personal statement to colleges. It examines the roles of the author and the audience in providing context for essay writing while providing tips for developing a winning essay.
One hour. Audience size: 20-40.
"You're In! Now What?"
This session takes a look at the critical decision-making process for families that take place after admission decisions have been revealed. It helps students (and parents) understand their options, guides them evaluate financial aid awards and provides advice with regard to choosing the colleges that fit best.
45-55 minutes. Audience size: 30-250.
Author Chats/Book Signings
Winning the College Admission Game: Strategies for Students and Parents was released by Peterson's in April (2007). Author Peter Van Buskirk books engagements with bookstores and civic groups around the country to talk about his book, discuss hot-button issues in the college-going process and sign books for patrons. Informative, interactive with time allotted for a Q&A period.
One-two hours.
To learn more about these opportunities or find out how you can collaborate with Peter to create programming to meet your constituent needs, contact him at Peter@TheAdmissionGame.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I book an event?
A. Contact me at 717-808-5462 or Peter@TheAdmissionGame.com. You may also fill out the form on the Book Peter/Contact Us page.
Q. When is the best time of the year to schedule your signature program "The Admission Game"?
A. My first answer is, "When it fits best in your programming cycle." For example, scheduling around your course registration period helps to reinforce messages relating to program rigor. Some schools find it is effective to schedule "The Admission Game" several weeks in advance of a college night/fair in the area.
Q. Which age group is best suited for "The Admission Game" case study program?
A. The key program elements are suited best for Juniors. Younger students who are ready to be engaged in the college planning process can benefit as well.
Q. Is it a good idea to include students and parents in the same session?
A. Absolutely! It's good for the whole family to hear the same message!
Q. Do you provide other resources that compliment your programming?
A. Yes! The Best College Fit™ Resources provides a great opportunity for me to walk families through the college planning process with user-only benefits. Check out the TAG Bookstore to find my books, Winning the College Admission Game; Strategies for Students and Parents, and The College Planning Workbook, and the Straight Talk About College Admission audio series. I publish a weekly blog and a free seasonal e-newsletter, The College Planning Tip-Sheet. Other sources of information and advice may be found in Resources for Students & Parents and In the News.
Q. Are you available for keynote speeches?
A. Yes. I present a number of 35-45 minute provocative and/or motivational programs that focus on themes of personal responsibility, effective decision-making, investing in one's self and taking ownership of the future.
Q. Do you conduct professional development workshops?
A. Yes. I offer customizable, interactive professional development in half-day increments for up to 100 people. Elements of this program continue to be popular preconference workshops at the annual National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference. Participants are eligible for CEU credits through Mercer County College (NJ).
Q. Do you ever present multiple sessions during the same day?
A. Yes. At a number of schools I present programs/workshops for students during the day and TAG programs for students and parents in the evening. I also present half-day professional development programs during the day followed by TAG events for families in the evening at a discounted package rate.
Q. How much does your programming cost?
A. Fees for Programming for Students and Parents depend on the nature of the event and length of the program. In addition to a speaker's fee for all events, all related expenses including travel, meals, overnight accommodations (if needed) and unbranded program materials (mock applications) will be reimbursed by the program sponsor.
Q. Are discounts available for multiple bookings?
A. Yes. Book "The Admission Game" and a Professional Development half-day program together to receive a reduced rate.
Q. Our budget is tight. Do you have suggestions as to how we might fund a program?
A. Good question! Schools have done the following to make the programming possible financially:
- Collaborated with neighboring schools to share fees/expenses.
- Promoted the event as a fundraiser and sold tickets.
- Applied grant funds designated to promote college awareness.
