The following are quotes culled from the end-of-the-program evaluations by the participants in 1996:

• [The program] has given me focus and direction. The atmosphere supported and encouraged my interest in math. I came to the program torn between computer science and math, but now I feel that math is my true love. The panels and discussions hav been infinitely helpful in making me aware of all the options. I am actually seriously considering grad school now.

• It also made me feel very strongly that I would like to dedicate myself to math for its own sake. My career options are clearly influenced by all this, although I can say nothing specific other than that I have a much better feel for what my options are.

• I tried a lot of new things and learned a lot about math, life, and myself. This is a fantastically well-thought-out program!!!!!!

• But now, given this opportunity I'm excited for school to start in the fall and I'm excited that I am a smart and intelligent math student. Really I am. And most of all, I don't need to prove it to anyone - just to myself.

• But the more I listen and learn of myself, I know that I can't stop after college and I won't stop until I feel that I've learned enough. And when I come to your grad school panel in a few years I'm gonna tell some really good stories.

• Now my problem is that I have seen a lot of things that have interested me and I don't know which one to follow after. Only time will tell.

• During the program, I have had a blast.

• [Studying in a group of women] was wonderful! I have never worked with so many bright and talented women in my life. It was a refreshing and encouraging change. I was still challenged as I would be at school, but in a more relaxed and comfortable setting. The support and encouragement was great!!! Whenever I did not understand a problem, proof, or idea, 20 plus women were ready to help me at any time!

• To learn about other womens' experiences, to be encouraged, supported, to have so many people believe in me, and to connect with such brilliant and fun women was awesome!

• I look around me and see the future - so much talent, determination and humanity! We have so much to offer and programs like this increase the fire to learn and to someday make our own contribution!

• This is one of the best opportunities that I've ever been given. The chance to expand your mind in a new environment on new topics that undergrads won't see in college and may never see. The chance to interact with other women the same age with a common interest that's something that can't be found everywhere. The chance to learn and be in a classroom with everyone at your level or higher. The chance to start up a network of mathematicians that will be helpful for you now and in the future when you have questions, grad school concerns, and job hunting confusions. The chance to see and live in Hometown, USA, honestly. The chance to get away from manual labor during the summer and educate yourself while not having to be worried about losing money by not working. The chance to see math at work all around you...

• Working with a group of women mathematicians made me realize more who I am and what I can achieve. I loved it!

• I honestly feel that I have more confidence now in my mathematical ability than I did before, I learned a lot of math I didn't know in a supportive, non-competitive, non-graded atmosphere different from my home school. I have a better understanding of what graduate school is like, and I made some great friends.

• [Studying mathematics in a group of women students] is the best! People explained things so that others would understand, and people kept telling each other, "Good call", "great idea", or "you're brilliant". You don't hear that studying with guys. It is very reassuring to discover that almost every one else has the same insecurities and self-doubts and when you realize everyone else's are unfounded, it starts to chip away at your own. A very positive experience.

• This program has helped me to decide that I want to go to grad school in math. I knew that I wanted to go, but previously I wasn't sure in what subject. I think that I would like to get my PhD in math and perhaps teach. This didn't seem so clear before. In terms of future courses, I think that it just encouraged me to take more math classes.

• I loved [studying math in a group of women students]! It was a great, supportive environment, and I thought it was conducive to learning. Many times guys will dominate a classroom--it was nice to have girls be comfortable enough to really speak out.

• My confidence has been boosted a lot - - I am planning on taking a course next year that I was considering dropping. But I feel ready now.

• The program gave me a much clearer idea of what graduate school or a career in math would be like. I think that my experience here will play an important role in my eventual career decisions. The program prompted me to look inward and I learned an incredible amount about myself -- some of which involved math and some that had nothing to do with math. Also, this group was like no other I have been a part of and again, caused me to really look at some things and I learned a lot about other people. That which I learned extended far beyond mathematics.

• First, being in a group of female students who are passionate about math was _wonderful_! It was great to learn with them and work with them. The classes and colloquia were also _great_--varied and challenging. The length was _perfect_.

• This program was an incredible success. It gave me a much better feel of what it will be like to be a woman in mathematics. This program allows both friendship and enthusiasm for math to bloom. It was just a wonderful experience.

• I have learned and experienced more here in 4 weeks than I have 2 years in college.

• Total immersion in math was great, although intense. The aspects of the programs (activities, panels, colloquia, etc) work very well together. I think one of the most valuable parts was meeting people, students, professors, and speakers.

• [Studying math in a group of women students] was inspiring. I see studying math differently now. I think it was a strength that we all have such different backgrounds, so we were forced to work with each other.

• It is a very special program, which caused us all to grow mathematically as well as emotionally. I am going back to college so much better informed about my options as a mathematician.

• This program was valuable to me because it gave me a better perspective on the ability levels of other female mathematicians my age. I lead a pretty sheltered "math life" at my home college -- often being a tutor, seldom being tutored. It was eye-opening to be on the other end of the spectrum once in a while. The learning environment was different from anything I've ever experienced. And, my guess is I'll never have such a perfect opportunity again!

• It seems like you have a very cohesive group of adults leading this program (including the TAs). I think that is definitely key to the success of everything. I just feel very lucky to have had the chance to spend a month surrounded by these people. The environment was wonderfully nurturing.

• Carleton/St. Olaf SMP has given me a much broader perspective on what's out there to do in mathematics. It was a challenging month, but I learned more about myself as a learner and about mathematical concepts than I've learned in two years of college. I'm leaving here more excited about math than I was coming in.