But there are other reasons - good reasons - for choosing mathematics as your undergraduate major. Mathematics is the oldest and most fundamental of the sciences, with a history that goes back at least four thousand years. Many of the oldest mathematical ideas are still being studied and are in constant use.

But mathematics is also a dynamic, rapidly growing subject that sprouts new ideas, new methods,and new applications every day. Major long-standing problems are being solved one after another, and new ones are being identified all the time. Many of the most exciting developments in the "high tech" revolutions depend on mathematical discoveries made since you were born - maybe since you entered high school!

And, in recent years, the use of mathematics has been expanding not only in its traditional territory - the physical sciences and technology - but also into the biological and health sciences, the social and management sciences, and even the humanities. Of course, the computer has been a close partner of mathematics in many recent developments, but mathematics continues to have its own flavor and insights, and goes right on making its own distinctive contributions.

There are many ways of becoming a part of all this - opportunities that can lead to enjoyable, productive, and satisfying careers. Declaring a major in mathematics is a good first step.

It should also be said that a major in mathematics can be part of a liberal education par excellence, and in particular can provide a solid base for further study in many other fields.