Former College Tour Guides Anonymous

Hi, my name is Hallie and I was a college admissions tour guide. In some ways, former tour guides have an unspeakable bond and shared stories much like recovering addicts. We commiserate over stories of umbrellas gone awry, nosey parents, tripping over curbs, and other tour anecdotes. It takes us years to recover. The hardest aspect to get over - walking backwards.

In a recent post on "The Choice" blog, NY Times reporter Jacques Steinberg wrote about a recent initiative to turn tour guides around. Walking forward encourages a more collegial environment and puts prospective students and parents at ease. Walking alongside the tour guide hopefully gives the prospective student a sense of being a real student at the college. It's like walking next to your friend, walking through the quad while chatting about clubs and upcoming campus events. Plus, I agree with Mr. Steinberg in his recognition of mothers as the leading anxiety producing sources when walking backwards. But for some tour guides, klutziness happens when walking in either direction. I applaud colleges for taking the time and effort to reevaluate their tour programs and really tailor them to the needs of the prospective applicants.

When looking at prospective colleges, students should pay heed to the tour. This is your chance to witness real college students in their "natural habitats." Students - ask questions, stay to the front of the group, and step away from your parents. It's ok (and often expected) for you to ask risque questions that may be on your mind when you are out of earshot of mom and dad. Parents - don't be shy about asking your questions too, but try not to embarrass your child. Teenagers are concerned with their image upkeep, so encourage them to make this trip about their own future and taking initiative. And please remember, tour guides are just students. While they may be extremely knowledgeable about clubs, activities, departments, and other campus happenings or statistics, there are certain questions that are better if left for the admissions professionals. Tour guides will probably not know specific details about financial aid, scholarships, admissions quotas, and admissions chances. Finally, it's ok if you don't mesh or click with your tour guide. This is just one student who is sharing his/her perspective with you. Spend time in public spaces around campus. I urge students to take 20-30 minutes alone (aka away from parents) and pretend to be a student. Sit on the quad, go to the library, sip coffee in the student center. Chat with other students and see what you learn and how you feel in that environment!

On a side note - I trained the F&M tour guide pictured in the NY Times blog and she's a great tour guide whether walking forward or backward!

Happy touring!