In the News

An advocate for student-centered college planning, Peter Van Buskirk is frequently called upon by members of the media to provide expert commentary on matters related to the college-going process. In particular, his messaging addresses the institutional "hidden agendas" that often frame college admission while providing greater contextual understanding of a process that is otherwise cloaked in mystique.

Peter has been featured in the following stories/programs:

  • In the NewsKids Going to College? (Documentary aired by the Fine Living Channel)
  • Fox-25 TV Boston (Kick-off to college awareness week)
  • "Oprah and Friends" (Interview with Jean Chatzky)
  • US News & World Report (On-line interview with reporter Kim Clark)
  • WBAL-TV Baltimore/NBC affiliate (Monthly anchor desk features)
  • CollegeWeekLive.com (Internet broadcast keynote presentations)
  • WITF "Smart Talk" (Public television show focusing on the economy and access to higher education)

Video/Television

College access is increasingly a hot button topic on television and Internet broadcasts around the country. In addition to being called upon frequently as a guest expert, Peter Van Buskirk participated in the production of the television documentary, "Kids Going to College?" that was aired by the Fine Living Channel. Learn more about what Peter has to say about topics of importance to families in the college planning process by clicking on the links below.

  • Keynote: Going to College in 2010 (webcast), CollegeWeekLive.com, November 4, 2009
  • "The High Cost of Higher Ed" (panel), WITF-TV (PBS affiliate), March 6, 2009
  • "Inside the College Admission Process" (webcast interview), CollegeWeekLive.com, November 2008
  • "Getting In" (webcast interview), Campus Outreach Services, October 2008
  • "Affording College in a Struggling Economy" (panel), WITF-TV (PBS affiliate), October 10, 2008
  • "How to Afford College" (webcast), CollegeWeekLive.com, July 2008
  • "An Insider's Perspective on College Admission" (monthly newsdesk interviews) WBAL-TV, Baltimore's NBC affiliate, September 2007 through May 2008.
  • "Finding the Best College Fit for You" (webcast interview), CollegeWeekLive.com, March 2008
  • "An Admissions Dean's Tips for Getting In" (interview), U.S. News & World Report, November 2007
  • "Playing the College Admission Game" FOX 25 TV/Boston, November 2007
  • "Kids Going to College?" (interview) Fine Living Channel, August 25-26, 2007; airs periodically.
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Print/Online

The college admission cycle frequently finds reporters on the lookout for fresh and insightful perspectives that provide substantive insight into the college planning process and help shape our understanding of the factors that influence outcomes. As a leading advocate for student-centered solutions for college planning, Peter's voice is highly regarded in the stories they produce.

Additional stories/Op-Ed pieces have appeared in the following newspapers/websites:

  • Athens Online (OH)
  • Baltimore Business Journal (MD)
  • Buffalo News (NY)
  • Chicago Tribune (IL)
  • Cleveland Plain Dealer (OH)
  • Eagle Tribune (MA)
  • Harrisburg Patriot News (PA)
  • Houston Chronicle (TX)
  • Metrowest Daily News (MA)
  • Munster Times (Munster, IN)
  • North Port Sun Herald (North Port, FL)
  • Saginaw News (MI)
  • Sun Sentinel (South Florida)
  • The Dominion Post (Morgantown, WV)
  • York Daily Record (PA)
  • Wall Street Journal Online
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Radio/Audio/Podcasts

Peter has been a guest on more than 20 programs on radio and podcasts that collectively reached more than two million listeners around the country. For a sampling of what Peter has to say about hot button issues in the college planning process, click on the show name next to each radio station.

  • "Radio SmartTalk"
    WITF-FM - Harrisburg, PA, March 2, 2009
    Topics: Affording College
  • "College That's Right for You"
    Interview, Financial Aid News
  • "Morning News w/Greg Marsten" - WXCE-AM - Amery, WI (Minneapolis suburb)
    Topics: "Ultimate Job Interview" | "Hidden Agendas" | niche credentials | essay advice | best fit
  • "The Martha Zoller Show" - WDUN-AM - Atlanta, GA
    Topics: Extraordinary competition | tips for parent involvement | gender imbalance | find good fit
  • "Don Russell Show" - WBT-AM - Charlotte, NC
    Topics: Focus on student's agendas | student-centered versus destination-centered process
  • "AM Ocala" - WOCA-AM - Daytona, FL
    Topics: Why good students don't get in | community service | find the social "fit" | college essays
  • "Mark Dorenkamp Show" - KGLO-AM - Mason City, IA
    Topics: Admission myths | changing landscape | focus on self-awareness | timetable for college
  • "Bob Langstaff Show" - WAMV-AM - Roanoke, VA
    Topics: College rankings | colleges building communities through admission | parent's role
  • "Jim in the Morning" - KNST-AM - Tucson, AZ
    Topics: Good college fit | when to start | "BS Meter" versus demonstrated passion | wrong fit
  • "Jack Roberts Show" - CRN - Internet/Cable
    Topics: Need for clarity in college-going process | focus on self-awareness | find good fit
  • "Michael Dresser Show" - Lifestyle Radio National Syndication
    Topics: Changes in process | rhetoric vs reality | qualified vs competitive | international influence
  • "Judyth Piazza" - American Perspective Internet Radio
    Topics: 3 mistakes parents make | Hotspots and Hooks | planning calendar | qualities for success

Radio (no recording available)

Birmingham, AL WERC-AM "Dave Ramsey Show"
Boston, MA WTAD-AM Morning News
Boston, MA WDIS-AM "Dan Collier"
Chicago, IL WBBM-AM News Talk
Cincinnati, OH WMKV-FM "Grandparenting Today"
Colorado Springs, CO KCMN-AM "Tron Simpson"
Denver, CO KXKL-FM "Way Cool Morning Show"
Grand Rapids, MI WOOD-AM "Gary Allen Show"
Hartford, CT WTIC-AM "Ray and Diana Show"
New York, NY WXRK-FM "Bob Salter"
Orlando, FL In-Charge Radio News Talk
Philadelphia, PA KYW-AM "Don Lance"
Portland, OR KEX-AM Morning Update
Santa Barbara, CA KFYV-FM "Live Morning"
Satellite Radio "Oprah & Friends" "Jean Chatzky Show"
Washington, D.C. WTOP Radio Call for Action w/ Shirley Rooker
Lancaster, PA WROZ-FM "By the Way"
     
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who do I contact to schedule an interview with Peter?

A. Contact me at 717-808-5462 or Peter@TheAdmissionGame.com.

Q. How do you see yourself as a spokesperson in the college-going process?

A. I am known to be a candid critic of a process that is very much in need of candor. The route to college has become increasingly complex and unpredictable over the last 25 years. Now, as political solutions and institutional agendas shape the rhetoric around access, the need for transparency and clarity has never been greater. That's what I can provide.

Q. What topics do you address?

A. I am well versed on the institutional agendas that effect admission decisions. The recruitment process in general, Early Decision, the Wait list, the impact of personal finances on admission decisions, and college rankings are all fair game.

Q. Do you contribute guest columns to print or electronic media?

A. Absolutely! Just give me a word count and a deadline with at least two weeks lead-time.

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