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Explore LLC
Explore LLC consist of first-year, incoming transfer students, mentors and alumni. Feel confident in exploring all of the new opportunities that Tech has to offer with your Explore cohort on your side. The Explore team will join you as you take your first steps on campus, check out new student organizations, enter labs for research opportunities, visit campus resources, and step out into the Atlanta community.
Experiment

Georgia Tech challenges students to work together to find solutions and experiment with new personal curiosities. Explore LLC offers common sections of first-year science courses to help students develop team building skills, as well as relationships with professors and peers; essential building blocks as you experiment with finding your passions and interests on campus.

Implement

From spring break international medical service trips to on-campus paid lab positions, there is no shortage of world-renowned faculty and scientists who are excited to work with Explore LLC students. As you explore and experiment with your own education at Tech, you will demonstrate a true passion for learning and fulfilling curiosities. These are incredible strengths that make you desirable to any lab or clinical placement.

Should YOU Join Explore?

Do you:

  • have an interest in a career in health or opportunities for undergraduate research?
  • possess a curious mind that likes to investigate?
  • want to make discoveries that can change how we see the world?
  • plan to attend a top-ranked graduate or professional school?
  • intend to apply scientific discoveries to solving real-world problems?

If so, consider Explore, where we support our students as they jumpstart their first year at Georgia Tech!

We are NOT just another academic program. We are NOT additional work or responsibilities.

We ARE here to support you.

Direct Benefits
  • In-House Tutoring Monday – Thursday in West Commons Classroom
  • In-House Pre-Health advising with professional and peer advisors
  • Special sections of highly sought after courses (College of Science focus)
  • Offer mentoring to first year and transfer students from Explore Alumni
  • Faculty engagement in small groups and one one meetings
  • Access to scholarships and research positions
Prospective Students

If you are not admitted as a College of Sciences major, you WILL NEED TO APPLY.

First year students are required to attend our fall retreat, and take one of our GT1000 first-year seminar courses. After that, everything that you choose to get involved with is up to YOU!

Transfer students are required to attend our opening retreat, and take on of a GT2000 Transfer Student seminar course.

Click here for more information on first-year living learning community applications.

We encourage you to attend the College of Sciences Explore Day.

Applying for a Living Learning Community is a completely separate process from the Housing Application process. All students will need to follow the procedures and meet the deadlines for Georgia Tech Housing.

If you have any questions about the Explore Living Learning Community or the living learning application process, email explorellc.cos@gatech.edu.

Follow us!

@explore.llc

Contact Us

Kimberly Blaise
LLC Assistant Director
College of Sciences
Explore Living Learning Communities

Zoe Meireles
LLC Coordinator
College of Sciences
Explore Living Learning Communities

Cameron Tyson, Ph.D
Faculty Director
College of Sciences
Explore Living Learning Communities

General Contact & questions

Explore FAQs
How do I know if this program is right for me?

We’re looking for students who are interested in kick-starting their undergraduate career by exploring opportunities in research and pre-health with world-renowned faculty, supportive staff, and engaged mentors.

We are looking for students who:

  • Possess a curious mind that likes to investigate.
  • Want to build strong foundations in math and sciences.
  • Want to make discoveries that can change how we see the world.
  • Intend to apply scientific discoveries to solving real-world problems.
  • Are in majors or truly passionate about: Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences​ Biochemistry Biology Chemistry Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Environmental Science Mathematics Neuroscience Physics (including Applied Physics) Psychology Solid Earth & Planetary Sciences
What is required after my first year?

After your first year, we hope that you’ll continue to live and connect with first-year students as mentors, GT 1000 Team Leaders, Resident Assistants, or a number of other leadership positions. There are no requirements to continue to participate, only opportunities.

How will I engage with Faculty?

The Explore program connects with College of Sciences faculty from all over campus who have coffee, lunch, and dinner with students. You can sign up to meet them and spend the semester getting to know them.

Can I participate in multiple LLCs?

Unfortunately, since all living learning communities require participating students to live in different residence halls, students are not able to participate in multiple First-Year LLCs. The only exception is the Ignite program, as students can participate in Ignite over the summer, and another LLC during the academic year.

Can I participate in Ignite during the summer and Explore during the Fall/Spring?

YES! Ignite is a wonderful way to engage with students prior to the hustle and bustle of the start of the academic year. Ignite features a number of pathways that students may choose based on their interest. Your participation in Ignite does not require you to live in an LLC during the academic year, though many students do choose to.

How much is the program fee?

The Explore program fee is $400 per semester for first-year students and $250 per semester for incoming transfer students. This fee covers all trips, events, faculty dinners, community service opportunities, lab tours, guest speakers, the fall retreat, spring research showcase, Explore swag, and so much more!

How does the application process work?

Any student accepted to Georgia Tech may apply by completing the First-Year Learning Communities application received by email. Your Explore application will be read by the Explore staff and admission team. College of Sciences students will receive an automatic admission into the Explore LLC with decisions released on the same day as the other LLCs. Additional students will be admitted based on your interest in research, health, and the fields of math and science.

When do I need to accept my invitation?

You will be given specific instructions on how to accept or decline in your invitation letter. We offer our invited spaces on a first-come, first-served basis. These spaces are highly competitive and do fill quickly.

What if I already signed up for housing?

No worries! When you decide to join Explore, we will work with housing to make sure that you are placed in the Eighth Street West Apartments.

Note: Explore LLC is moving to Eighth Street West Apartments beginning Fall of 2024. First-year Explore students are required to have a Georgia Tech meal plan.

What if I want to live somewhere other than Explore?

An important part of creating a living-learning community is developing connections and shared experiences outside of the classroom, so all Explore first-year and incoming transfer participants are required to live in Eighth Street West Apartments.

First-year Explore students are required to have a Georgia Tech meal plan. 

Can I live with a friend that is not in Explore?

Eighth Street West Apartments are reserved for Explore participants only. Keep in mind that if you both live on West Campus, you will probably be within 400 yards of their residence hall. If you think your friends might be interested in learning about undergraduate research or pre health opportunities, have them apply by the deadline, and we will take a look at their application.