Zoe Berg

The tour guide selection process is underway, with over 200 first-year and sophomore students submitting applications for the first round. 

The application process consists of three stages. During the first round, students are required to submit a written statement and complete a five-minute panel interview. Applicants who advance to the next stage complete one-on-one interviews, followed by a full-length audition tour in the final round. 

The recruitment process is overseen by the three head tour guides, as well as the Yale Tour Guides program’s two co-directors. 

“Recruitment is an exciting and busy time for YTG,” said Brynne Aidlin-Perlman ’25, a current head tour guide. “All our current tour guides are involved with every step of the application and audition process.”

Prior to the application cycle, the program hosts a meeting for all current tour guides. During the event, the head guides review the recruitment process and how to evaluate candidates to ensure applicants are assessed by the same standards.

According to Head Tour Guide Josh Leffler ’25, the guides are also provided with “well-defined” rubrics and written materials that they use throughout the process. He noted that structured deliberations amongst current tour guides were also held periodically. 

“We think that the best decisions are made when they’re being driven by the full group of guides from every corner of campus,” Leffler told the News. “This is a key part of how our hiring process is structured.” 

He noted that the rubric focuses on the “critical ingredients” of a successful tour — including hospitality, clarity and storytelling — but does not evaluate applicants based on their prior knowledge about the University or previous experience as a guide. 

Aidlin-Perlman echoed these remarks, emphasizing the importance of incorporating personal anecdotes and experiences into tours. She added that personal anecdotes allow visitors to feel that the experience they are having is not the same as the information they could learn online. 

According to Skylar Cobbett — assistant director of Yale Tour Guides — the program works with cultural centers and residential colleges, alongside other campus groups to encourage a “wide range” of students to apply. 

“Our tour guides are able to speak to the many unique resources and opportunities Yale offers while also shedding light on the incredible people they’ve met and experiences they’ve had,” said Cobbett. 

Applicants are notified about the results of each round via email. The program also provides information sessions and drop-in office hours highlighting skills that are sought in the admissions process. 

During the two weeks before audition tours begin, applicants are required to attend two training tours led by the head tour guides. Cobbett noted that audition sign-ups are “first-come, first-served” and follow the spring tour schedule, as these tours are attended by real visitors.

Offering advice to current applicants, Head Tour Guide Kyle Thomas Ramos ’26 urged students to reflect on experiences that have shaped their time at Yale. He emphasized the importance of incorporating individual experiences and offering “ an honest glimpse” into campus life. 

Matthew Blair ’26 — a current tour guide — echoed these remarks. He acknowledged that while questions on tours can at times be difficult to answer, they come from “a good place” and are often asked by parents wanting to make sure Yale is the right fit for their child.

“The most rewarding experience, for me, is being able to share why I have loved my time at Yale and the memories made with friends that have made it meaningful,” added Blair. “Being a small part of students’ application journey in this way is just really special.”

The Yale Visitors Center is located at 149 Elm St.