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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.
Discover

Feel empowered to embrace the myriad opportunities that Tech presents, with the support of the Explore LLC. The Explore team of staff, faculty and mentors will accompany you as you embark on your journey through campus life: from your initial steps on campus, to discovering vibrant student organizations, immersing yourself in research labs, exploring campus resources, and engaging with the Atlanta community.

Experiment

At Georgia Tech, students are encouraged to collaborate in pursuit of solutions and to explore their individual curiosities. The Explore LLC provides shared sections of first-year science courses, fostering teamwork skills and meaningful connections with professors and peers. These foundational experiences are vital as you embark on a journey of self-discovery, experimenting with different passions and interests throughout your time on campus.

Implement

Georgia Tech boasts a wealth of esteemed faculty and scientists eager to collaborate with Explore LLC students. As you delve into your educational journey at Tech, your commitment to exploration and experimentation will shine through, showcasing a genuine enthusiasm for learning and satisfying your intellectual curiosities. These invaluable qualities will undoubtedly make you a sought-after candidate for any lab or clinical placement opportunity.

Should YOU Join Explore?
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.

What You'll Gain
What You'll Gain
Academic + Professional Benefits
  • In-House Tutoring Monday – Thursday in West Commons Classroom
  • Optional courses exclusive to Explore LLC students designed around leadership, global challenges, and professional identity.
  • Hands-on activities, case studies, and real-world problem-solving.
  • Exclusive access to faculty, campus partners, and alumni.
Community + Social Benefits
  • Move-in day community events
  • Small-group dinners (“Explore & Dine”)
  • Game nights, field trips (e.g. GA Aquarium, Fernbank Museum, Braves Games), wellness events
  • A close-knit hall experience
Career Development Benefits
  • Research pathways
  • Lab tours + community engagement
  • Career planning workshops
  • Internship panels
  • Peer + faculty mentoring
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

Chris Stanzione, 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.