Peter Van Buskirk, Author, Consultant, Motivational Speaker
A 25-year veteran of the selective college admission process, Peter Van Buskirk is a consumer advocate who cuts insightfully through conventional rhetoric and hyperbole to promote a healthy, student-centered, college-going culture for families of all backgrounds.
As an acclaimed author and motivational speaker, Peter excels at simplifying what is often perceived as a complex and mysterious process—college admission. His creative programming, including his signature presentation of “The Admission Game®,” has informed, inspired, and entertained countless high school, summer camp, and corporate audiences worldwide. His rendition of “Hotspots, Hooks and Hidden Agendas: An Inside Look at the College Admission Process” is a popular conference and professional development activity for educators and college access professionals.
Peter’s trademark candor and insight are revealed in his book, Winning the College Admission Game; Strategies for Students and Parents (Peterson’s, 2007). In it, he coaches students and parents through the complexities of finding and getting into colleges that “best fit” the students.Peter is frequently quoted in the media and featured as a content expert on radio and television programs around the country. He was recently interviewed by Jean Chatzky on “Oprah and Friends” and by Kim Clark for a video segment that now appears on the US News and World Report website. He was also a production consultant—and featured content anchor—for the documentary, “Kids Going to College?” that premiered on the Fine Living Channel in August of 2007.
After graduating from Bucknell University, Peter moved through the ranks at Franklin & Marshall College to become Dean of Admission, Interim Director of Athletics, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, and Executive Officer in the Office of the Provost. He subsequently spent more than two years at Peterson’s where he was Vice President for College Planning Solutions before beginning his own consulting group dedicated to high performance, student-centered solutions in the college planning process.
Peter is an active member of the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) and is a regular presenter at various ACAC conferences as well as meetings of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the National Honor Society (NHS), the National Council for Community and Educational Partnerships (NCCEP/GEAR UP) and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC).
As a parent of three, Peter is a veteran of the admission process on the home front as well. His stories “from the road” add humor and perspective to his presentations.
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