Another one of those wonderful letters that Stanford sends!

Dear Ying Zhen,

Congratulations! As your regional admission officer, I had the privilege of reading your application, and I would like to offer you my personal congratulations on your admission to Stanford. The admission process at Stanford has historically been extremely competitive and this year has been no exception. Our offer of admission is a reflection of your academic, personal and intellectual accomplishments to date and of the potential you demonstrate to contribute to the Stanford community. I am pleased that you chose to apply as an early applicant, making you a part of a special group of students who have put Stanford at the very top of their list.

Since opening its doors in 1891, Stanford has been characterized by the entrepreneurial spirit of the West. This is a community of people who endeavor to push the limits of knowledge and who share a commitment to extending a spirit of exploration and excellence beyond campus. Jane and Leland Stanford’s founding vision of bringing a talented and diverse group of scholars from all over the world is alive today in our students and faculty.

I invite you to experience this community during Admit Weekend 2009, which will take place April 23-25. Only by visiting can you truly get a sense of this vibrant campus, and we hope you’ll take this opportunity to meet current and admitted students, attend lectures from Stanford faculty, discover research opportunities, sleep in a residence hall, dance with the Marching Band’s tree, attend a concert and begin your own Stanford adventure. There are hundreds of reasons to attend Stanford and 101 “must do’s” before you graduate. Visit http://admission.stanford.edu/cool to see the list and get started checking things off at Admit Weekend.

If I can answer any questions you or your family may have about Stanford over the coming months, please do not hesitate to contact me at XXXXXXX or XXXXXXX@stanford.edu.

Ying Zhen, I look forward to the unique and extraordinary contributions you will make on our campus. Once again, I offer my congratulations on your admission to Stanford and welcome you to the Stanford family!

P.S. The leadership you have demonstrated so far is nothing short of outstanding. Taking the initiative to help found the students council and lead numerous student activities is a true testament to your leadership skills. No doubt you have honed those while writing your book!!! I loved your essays on spiders, and I have to admit, I chuckled aloud when reading about your pet locust, Ian. Your outgoing and wonderful personality literally leaps off the page, and Stanford will be so lucky to have you on campus. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch.