The TAG® Bookstore
Books by Peter Van Buskirk
Winning The College Admission Game
Winning the College Admission Game: Strategies for Parents and Student (Peterson's, 2007) is an innovative approach to college planning that helps parents and students develop winning strategies for finding and getting into "best fit" colleges. Designed for collaborative review, it focuses on teamwork with customized messages for students and parents.
Price: $15.00 |
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The College Planning Workbook
The College Planning Workbook (3rd edition, 2009) is an interactive primer for students as they proceed through the college planning process. With a range of exercises that takes the student from the earliest stages of thinking about college to evaluating admission decisions and financial aid offers, this Workbook is a proven classroom tool and valued college planning resource.
Click here to preview The Collge Planning Workbook. Learn more about how The College Planning Workbook can be a classroom resource for your school or organization.
Price: $15.00 |
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Audio Programs by Peter Van Buskirk
Straight Talk About College Admission
Downloadable mp3 files (Studio recorded, except where noted as a live teleseminar recording. 50 minutes each)
Peter Van Buskirk's series of in-depth conversations with guest experts takes you behind the scenes and inside the logic of the selective college admission process. Produced in a talk show format, Straight Talk Advice provides strategic insight and tips that help you find and get into the colleges that represent the best fits for you.
Getting Started
Topics encompass an orientation to the college search and selection process geared to students who are beginning to explore their college options with a fresh focus on self-reflection and finding the best college fit.
How to Find the Best College Fit
with Sam BarnettThis session reveals elements of a good college fit that provides an effective compass bearing and helps students develop action plans for finding and getting into the colleges that fit them best. (Live teleseminar recording)
Price: $6.95
Senior Year Course Selections That Make a Difference - And Why
with Sam BarnettMany students are of the impression that colleges don't look carefully at their senior year performances. This discussion examines how the selection of courses can affect a student's chances of admission and why "sprinting to the finish" can make a big difference. (Live teleseminar recording)
Price: $6.95
The Role of Testing and the Value of Test Prep
with Rusty HaynesLearn how standardized testing is used by colleges as well as how students can evaluate testing and test prep options that are available to them. (Live teleseminar recording)
Price: $6.95
Beating the Odds: The Importance of Demonstrating Interest
with Dick WebsterColleges are increasingly interested in measuring a student's interest. Find out why—and why it is important to "fill out the card." (Live teleseminar recording)
Price: $6.95
Sorting Through the Mail: What Does It All Mean?
with Dick WebsterAs students are showered with attention in the mail, they feel a rush of emotions ranging from excitement about imagining the possibilities to being overwhelmed by the flood of mail. Find out what is behind the surge of "interest" and how to use it to the student's benefit.
Price: $6.95
What Colleges Want—Inside the "Hidden Agendas"
with Sam BarnetCollege officials are quick to point out the importance of courses, grades and test results in determining whom to admit. But, we also take a look at the hidden factors that often influence final decisions.
Price: $6.95
Tips for Getting the Most from Campus Visits
with Dick WebsterFamilies know that campus visits are important, but they are often left wondering about how to get the most out of them. This discussion provides insight into how to prepare for the visits and things to do on college campuses to in order to get the most out of the time spent visiting.
Price: $6.95
Use Your Summers Wisely
with Dick Webster"Packaged for college?" There is a lot of talk about what students need to do over the summer months to impress college admission committees. Does this "packaging" work and at what cost? This conversation separates fact from fiction while providing tips with regard to how students can use their summers productively.
Price: $6.95
Getting In
Topics focus on the college admission process with the objective of putting the student in the best possible position to achieve winning outcomes.
To ED or not ED: The Pluses and Minuses of Early Decision
with Sam BarnettDiscover how colleges use both Early Decision and Early Action programs—and when it makes sense for students to take advantage of such options. (Live teleseminar recording)
Price: $6.95
Inside the Financial Aid Application Process
with Carl BuckFew aspects of college planning are as vexing as the financial aid process. In this session, the process is broken down into a layperson's terms and families are provided tips as they apply for financial aid. (Live teleseminar recording)
Price: $6.95
Taking Stock of What's Going On Around You (In the Application)
with Dick WebsterThe deadline period of the application process presents a lot of confusion to families as forms are coming and going, Early Decision programs are revealing their decisions, and second-guessing becomes second nature. This conversation takes a look at strategies designed to settle nerves and create order out of chaos. (Live teleseminar recording)
Price: $6.95
Good News? Bad News? What Messages Will the Mailman Bring?
with Sam BarnettApril can be the best of times and the worst of times for college applicants as the deafening "quiet of March" gives way to rush of emotions. As the day of reckoning nears, what will the mail reveal? We look at the options and help to prepare the student for all eventualities.
Price: $6.95
Athletic Recruitment
with Dick WebsterIf you are a competitive athlete, one of the most exciting letters you can receive early in your college search is the one that informs you that XYZ College would like you to suit up and play for them! Before you get too excited, though, take a minute to think about this. On what basis was this letter written? When did the coach see you play? What does he/she know about your grades?
Price: $6.95
Book Reviews
"Peter Van Buskirk speaks with the wisdom of both a veteran admission officer and a loving parent. Winning the College Admission Game offers valuable insight on the college search process for students and parents alike."
Ted Fiske Author, Fiske Guide to Colleges
"Winning the College Admission Game is fun to read and filled with insider information. Peter Van Buskirk provides insights to assist you in helping your son or daughter make that important decision about college. In particular, don't miss the 'Hidden Agenda,' 'behind the scenes of the admission committee,' and 'strategic nagging'."
William Bushaw, Executive Director, Phi Delta Kappa International
"Peter Van Buskirk was always one of the few admission deans who was willing to tell it like it is. His chapter on "What Colleges is Want" is a gem and could only have been written by someone who spent the better part of his career doing just that. As a school counselor myself, I am weary of books that sensationalize and distort the reality of the admission process. This one lifts back the curtain on college admission and also gives sound counseling that will help both parents and students keep their feet on the ground. Highly recommended."
Bruce Hammond, Sandia Preparatory School
"Finally, a student-centered approach to getting into college! Peter goes inside the process and tells it like it is. His ability to engage both the parents and the students with meaningful solutions makes this a 'must read' for families getting started in the college admission process. I am sure that college access professionals engaged in the work of the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) will find this resource guide helpful in guiding more low-income and minority students to gain access to postsecondary education."
Hector Garza, Ed.D., MPH, President, NCCEP
"If the process of college admission was a maze, this book would be the map to help navigate through it. With its helpful insights on how to keep organized, interviewing tips, essay writing tricks, and guidelines for Mom and Dad, this book would help the family "team" avoid dead ends."
Alissa Belcastro, Student
