First impressions matter, especially for students exploring a variety of colleges across the country. Beyond the brochures, emails and online resources, a student’s first impression of a school lies in the hands of the admission ambassadors.
For Mei McGuinness, her tour as a prospective student solidified her choice to attend Colgate University. Now a sophomore, she serves as an admission ambassador for the Office of Admission.
Following an application and two rounds of interviews, McGuinness secured the position.
On their visits to campus, students and families arrive at the Hurwitz Admission Center in James B. Colgate Hall. After registration, they engage in a brief welcome session with one of Colgate’s admission officers. For the next hour, they will then experience Colgate’s campus through the eyes of a student-led tour. Following the tour, students and their families have a short wrap-up period and may indulge in a classic Colgate snack, the Chipwich.
McGuinness learned quickly how much she enjoys her job.
“On my first solo tour, the family told me that this was the best tour they have had. When I told them it was my first tour, they were quite surprised,” McGuinness said.
But what makes a great admission ambassador? How do you effectively give a tour that leaves a lasting impression on prospective students and their families?
For McGuinness, a great ambassador knows how to read their audience. The best tours will cater to the students and their families, allowing their particular interests and questions to shape their tour experience.
“Every tour is somewhat personalized to the prospective student and their family based on their interests and overall personality,” McGuinness explained. “Being able to read people well enough to give them a tour that best suits them is really important.”
Heavily involved on campus as an intern and SAT preparation volunteer for the Max Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism and Education (COVE), club tennis player, member of the University Orchestra and member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. McGuinness always emphasizes the opportunities Colgate offers in her tours.
Student admission ambassadors offer unique perspectives on campus lifestyles that a non-student fails to provide, whether talking about traditions, residential life, dining culture, activities on and off campus or places students can take advantage of resources.
Ultimately, prospective students and families seek what makes a particular college or university unique. What sets Colgate apart from other liberal arts schools other than the perk of enjoying a Chipwich at the end of the tour? For McGuinness, it’s the community.
“There are so many programs and clubs where Colgate students can give back to our surrounding community, and I think that is really important,” McGuinness said.
Further, traditions set schools apart — no one tradition across different universities is the same. McGuinness emphasizes Colgate’s traditions on her tour, as they are among the many aspects of campus life that truly shape the student experience.
“I always tell them about senior sunset and freshman sunrise as an example of a tradition here at Colgate,” McGuinness said.
Admission ambassadors champion the vibrant parts of Colgate student life that may not be depicted in typical admissions resources. They must guide prospective students and their families through the Colgate lifestyle in just a short hour.
While not an easy feat, tour guides like McGuinness excite prospective students about Colgate and the kind of student they can aspire to be in the next step of their educational journey.
