Where you decide to attend college is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life. For that reason, it is a good thing that you are here on the Farm right now. We, the Editorial Board, hope that you feel welcome here at Stanford. There are seemingly unlimited academic resources here at Stanford, and thinking extends well beyond the classroom. Nowhere else on earth are world-class academics and world-class sports blended so effortlessly. Plus, in case you have not noticed, we are located in California, and the weather is beautiful. There are many things about this University that can impress you, yet some of the brightest advantages of life on the Farm are unsung.

Nurtured by the surrounding Silicon Valley, there is a very entrepreneurial atmosphere here at Stanford. Yet opportunities are not limited to students with specific interests, as the desire to create and innovate pervades each area of study here on campus. We hope that you bring with you all of your passions because there is a place for every one of them here. And if there is not, then you will have ample opportunities to create one.

The entrepreneurial spirit here at Stanford is perfectly complemented by the many genuine, relaxed personalities. You will hear the phrases “Stanford Duck” and “chill” thrown around a lot of times this weekend. Here on campus nearly every student is involved in activities beyond academics, and yet there is usually no way to guess by his or her behavior. We know that you are probably involved in many high school activities, and rest assured that your extracurricular passions need not end now that you are entering college. Most students at Stanford who are passionate about things outside of school–whether public service, the arts, athletics or otherwise–are able to find a way to keep their passions a part of their college lives.

Minimizing stress in college is simple if you are in the right place. We know that some of you have not yet made a decision as to whether you will join the Stanford community this year. To those of you who have decided to come to Stanford, Admit Weekend is a great opportunity to lay the groundwork for your Stanford career. Take note of the activities that interest you and think about how you may be able to fit them into your time next year. Your experience at Stanford is truly what you make of it; if you treat your time here as special, it will be special to you.