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"I learned more from Peter in three hours than I did during a full week at the summer institute last year!"
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Counselor, Misawa, JAPAN
"With humor and understanding, Van Buskirk leads students through the college admission process. He tells you what college admission counselors don't want you to know and breaks down classic stereotypes to help students find the perfect college. Van Buskirk brings the whole admission process to a less stressful and almost enjoyable level."
-Student, Albany, NY
"Tremendous program... interesting, entertaining and hit all the spots I wanted to hear about. I loved his compare and contrast style. His conclusion was honest and he connected with me (and I think all in the room based on the response). I love what you do... same advice I give my children"
- Parent, Tampa, FL
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During the course of scheduling and working out the logistics for TAG (“The Admission Game”) events, it is common for potential program hosts to ask questions about timing, cost, and other related program features. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions with my responses. Please contact me directly (717-808-5462 or Peter@TheAdmissionGame.com) if you would like to discuss these or other related topics further.
Q. When is the best time of the year to schedule “The Admission Game?”
A. My first answer is, “When it fits best in your programming cycle.” Schools book TAG events from September through mid-December and January through May. A lot depends on the audience you are targeting. For example, scheduling around your course registration period helps to reinforce messages relating to program rigor. Some schools find it is effective to schedule a TAG event several weeks in advance of a college night/fair in the area.
Q. Which age group is best suited for “The Admission Game?”
A. The key program elements (finding a good fit, making appropriate curricular choices, developing personal interests) work best for Juniors. Younger students who are ready to be engaged in the college planning process benefit as well.
Q. A common lament of parents is, “Why isn’t this offered in the Freshman or Sophomore Years?”
A. The target audience is up to the program sponsor. I will present to any age group. I agree that, for many families—parents in particular—early awareness of this information can be helpful. In order to accommodate those interests, I have found a good solution is to target Juniors and invite families of younger students to attend as well.
Q. Do you present other programs to younger students?
A. Yes. I have developed a motivational program entitled “Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” that has proven very successful with younger students—often in school assemblies. It is a 45-minute program that can be followed by Q&A. In addition, I present an interactive, 45-minute program entitled “I Can!” to middle school students.
Q. Are you available for keynote speeches?
A. Yes. I have a number of motivational presentations that are suitable for difference audiences/occasions.
Q. What time of the day/evening works best for starting the TAG program?
A. I recommend starting at a time when families can arrive most comfortably after a day of work/school. Keep in mind that TAG is a two-hour program. Most schools start the program at 7:00 PM. 6:30 or 7:30 can work, too.
Q. Is it a good idea to include students and parents in the same session?
A. Absolutely! I enjoy working with mixed audiences. It’s good for the whole family to hear the same message!
Q. How can we maximize attendance?
A. Program sponsors have effectively utilized numerous strategies to generate large audiences. Here are some suggestions:
- Publicize the event in the local media. I am available for pre-event interviews with media reps.
- Send announcements/reminders to families via email.
- Promote through the school’s parent association.
- Use RSVPs with the invitation/announcement.
- Promote with coupons (available at the conclusion of the program) for extra credit that can be redeemed with teachers.
- Plan to disburse “official” information (college planning packets, PSAT results) to students.
Q. Do you conduct professional development workshops?
A. Yes. I offer customizable, interactive professional development in half-day increments for up to 100 people. Participants are eligible for CEU credits through Mercer County College (NJ). Please visit my website to see the syllabus of topics.
Q. Do you ever present multiple sessions during the same day?
A. Yes. A number of schools have me presenting programs, including application preparation workshops (essay writing, interview prep, etc.) for kids during the day and TAG for parents in the evening. I have also presented half-day professional development programs during the day followed by TAG events in the evening.
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, as do the fees for the Conference Keynote/Presentation Topics. Professional Development Programs costs $2,500 per half day. All programming includes fees for reimbursement of related expenses which typically include travel, meals, overnight accommodations (if needed) and unbranded program materials (mock applications) when applicable.
Q. Is there a limit to how far you travel?
A. No. I go wherever I am invited and have presented across the country and internationally. I do recommend, however, that you consider booking in conjunction with other programs I might be doing in the area to economize by sharing related expenses.
Q. How far in advance should we try to book a program?
A. I recommend calling 4-6 months in advance if possible in order to book the date you prefer.
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:
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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.
Q. Do you provide other resources that would compliment your programming?
A. Yes! The core messages of the program can be found in my weekly blog, The College Planning Newsletter (distributed via email monthly), the Straight Talk About College Admission audio-tape advice series, and interviews posted on the Press Room of my website. My book, Winning the College Admission Game; Strategies for Students and Parents, has become a best-seller in its genre while many have found The College Planning Workbook to be useful as well. TAG Bookstore
Q. How can people find your books?
A. Winning the College Admission Game ($15) can be found in bookstores, online and at my website. The College Planning Workbook ($12) is also available at my website. If you approve, I can arrange for these books to be sold to families at any event you might host.
Q. Do you provide discounts for volume purchases of your books?
A. I do not control the pricing for Winning, however, I can tell you that you can probably benefit from educator’s discounts at booksellers like Barnes & Noble or Borders. The unit price for books sold on Amazon.com is $10.20 plus shipping. Check with me about pricing for the Workbook. I can make them available at $6 per unit for orders of more than 100.
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