At some, it's the ability to walk backward. That's right: Guides at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute need to be able to give a tour that way because it's more personal and allows parents and students to hear what is being said. Luckily for more clumsy students, walking backward isn't the most sought-after skill for college tour guides.
“Ideal candidates must be well-spoken, professional and willing to communicate their experiences at Rensselaer to prospective students and their families,” said RPI spokeswoman Jessica Otitigbe. The College of Saint Rose and Union College say they look for the same.
Guides, who at most schools also work with the admissions office to promote the college in other ways, are usually involved in a variety of activities on campus.
Athletes, members of clubs and students involved in Greek life are guides at Union, said Geoffrey Bowman, assistant dean of admissions.
The schools also look for ethnic and geographic diversity when hiring guides.
Some schools want guides to be at least sophomores, but Union also encourages freshmen to apply.
Grade point average is important, too. Both Saint Rose and Union prefer a 3.0 or higher, but exceptions can be made.
Another key trait for guides is a genuine love for their school and the experience they have had there. Bowman said that's particularly important at Union, because unlike guides at Saint Rose and RPI, Union's ambassadors aren't paid.
“Enthusiasm for the college supersedes everything else,” he said.