Some Princely Advice

...So you decided to come to Princeton. It's a decision that will change the rest of your life. And one that will change Princeton, too.

...With the choice to attend Old Nassau comes the chance to challenge previous conceptions you have had about yourself, and about the University. Most of you probably visited the campus, perhaps talked with students and administrators and read endless statistics about Princeton. But no matter what hopes, dreams or preconceived notions you bring with your University-approved tea kettle and yaffa blocks, coming to Princeton in the fall will no longer be a stop on a summer road trip. It will be, quite simply, school.

...You'll be busy for the next four years, but how you busy yourself is up to you. You will have enough classwork to sequester yourself on Firestone's C floor, but please don't let this option tempt you. Each one of you was accepted to this University because you possess talent, intellect and motivation. We hope these pages will introduce you to organizations and activities through which you can enrich the University community — not to mention yourself — during your brief stay.

...In whatever you choose to do, expect to work — you're freshmen, the plebians of campus. You may have gotten a 1600 on the SAT, but don't forget that everyone in your class is here for a reason. You will be surprised at how talented some people are. Your classmates will be your strength. You'll see your world-renowned professors on stage for three hours a week — and in office hours if you're not too lazy — but you'll sleep, eat, drink and cry with the clowns next door.

...In the end, take what you do seriously, but keep a sense of humor about yourself. You'll be a senior before you know it.