<p>I've already committed (go Cardinal!) and I'd love to work as a tour guide once I get on campus next year, so I'm wondering just how difficult the application process is. Any advice for filling out the application or for the interviews?</p>
<p>I think I may have some factors going for me:
-Going into Physics/Philosophy, the physics side of which I would guess is underrepresented
-From New Mexico, which might give greater, extra-California diversity
-Tour guide for high school, some baseline experience (though I do walk backwards!)</p>
<p>Should I ask for a rec. from my school's admissions office?</p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>The application for being a tour guide isn’t until winter quarter freshman year, then you have to go through training, etc. Your tour guide job wouldn’t start until summer after freshman year or the beginning of sophomore year. They want you to have some experience with Stanford before making you a “representative” (as it were) of Stanford to prospective students and other visitors.</p>
<p>It’s a relatively competitive process - freshman year (when most apply), I had several friends who applied and didn’t get a call-back. I think they do tend to choose those who exemplify the Stanford student, someone who is engaged in a lot. So when you get to Stanford, be a “go-getter” and take advantage of what Stanford has to offer - academic exploration, involvement in the community, etc. Students who have a broad experience with Stanford are more likely to be picked. And no, a rec from your school’s admissions office won’t help.</p>