The Admission Game®
Program Description
An interactive introduction to the selective college admission process, “The Admission Game” captures
the perspectives of both “Dean” and “Dad” in a presentation that is sure to inform and motivate. Former
Dean of Admission and father of three young adults, Peter Van Buskirk brings candor and humor to what
can otherwise be a grim and clinical process especially at a time when economic uncertainty has
changed many of the assumptions about access. His unique approach has helped more than 100,000
students and parents worldwide create productive and less stressful strategies for finding and getting into
the colleges of their choice.
By transforming the audience into an admission committee at a mythical college, Peter reveals the
seemingly capricious “back room” logic that often determines who is accepted and who is rejected at
colleges every year. During this interactive session he provides insight and instruction regarding course
selections, essay preparation and the role of standardized tests. He also unveils the “Hidden Agenda,”
often overlooked factors that can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection.
Participants learn the importance of finding a good college “fit” and discover which criteria influence
admission committee decisions. They are taught how to use those criteria for their own advantage. Peter
then introduces them to four fictitious candidates. A spirited discussion about the candidates ensues as
the audience weighs the relative merits of each, only one of which will be admitted to the fictitious college.
As the participants learn about the context for decision-making, they are left with practical strategies for
competing successfully in a field of equally qualified applicants. They understand how the choices they
make in the classroom and in life have a bearing on their competitiveness as candidates for admission.
And they learn how to reveal their “Hooks” and tell their stories in a manner that will give them the
competitive edge in the college admission process.
Program Outline: “The Admission Game” (2 hours)
I.
II.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Why College?
Define Selectivity
A. Pyramid of Selectivity
B. Enrollment Model
C. The importance of finding a good college fit
The Agenda (“Fit” from the College’s Perspective)
The Hidden Agenda™
Introduction to the Committee Process
Application
A. Hotspots & Hooks™
B. Four minute break to review applications (and stretch)
Candidate Review (PVB leads an evaluation of four candidates)
A. What are Your “Gifts?”
B. Rate the Academic Program
C. Tell Your Story
D. Write a Winning Essay
E. Summary discussion of academic program: “What is a ‘5’?”
The Vote
A. Anatomy of the Outcome
B. What does this mean for you?
PVB/2012
Contact Information: 717-808-5462; [email protected]
www.TheAdmissionGame.com
Peter Van Buskirk
Founder/Owner/CEO
Van Buskirk College Planning Solutions
Peter Van Buskirk is a nationally recognized authority in the collegegoing process. A staunch advocate for students and parents, his dynamic,
student-centered messaging cuts through institutional rhetoric to give
direction to tens of thousands of college-bound students worldwide each
year. Van Buskirk is an in-demand speaker and best-selling author in his
genre.
College Admission Expert/Consultant









Weekly blog contributor (“The College Admissions Insider”) to US New & World Report
“Kids Going to College?” Fine Living Channel TV documentary (technical consultant and
featured content expert)
Education expert for WITF, Inc. (Central Pennsylvania public television) media properties
Appeared monthly on WBAL-TV (NBC affiliate in Baltimore); interviewed on Fox25 TV (Boston)
Featured on “morning drive” radio tour that aired on 25+ stations nationwide; interviewed by
Jean Chatzky on Oprah and Friends
Quoted in media reports related to college access (Wall Street Journal, USA Today, US News &
World Report, CNN/Money.com, Family Circle and the Los Angeles Times)
Keynote presenter for CollegeWeekLive.com virtual college fair series
Dean of Admission, Franklin & Marshall College
Vice President for College Planning Solutions, Peterson’s
Author/Editor




Winning the College Admission Game; Strategies for Students and Parents (2007)
The College Planning Workbook (Fourth Edition, 2011)
The College Planning Blog (weekly articles)
Contributing columnist to Motivos (Spanish/English magazine promoting educational
opportunities), The Pennsylvania Homeschoolers’ Newsletter, Central PA Magazine, Next
Step Magazine and the College Guide magazine
Speaker/Trainer





®
“The Admission Game ”—Interactive, motivational case study program presented to more
than 1,000 high school, summer camp and corporate audiences worldwide
“Hotspots, Hooks & Hidden Agendas”—Professional development programming for college
access professionals in schools and social service organizations
Created/delivered capacity building content for GEAR UP college access professionals
Faculty member at College Summit Institute (training for high school personnel)
Keynote addresses to conferences and professional meetings
Thought Leader



Creator/founder of The Admission Game (TAG) college planning solutions
Conference presenter
• National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
• National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
• National School Board Association (NSBA)
• National Council for Community and Educational Partnerships/GEAR UP
• College Summit Institute
• National Honor Society (NHS)
• California Charter School Association
• Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
• Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)
Conference founder/convener (“No Name Conference”—annual think-tank involving senior
enrollment officers and leading college access professionals)
Contact Information: 717-808-5462; [email protected]
www.TheAdmissionGame.com