'More to Explore' lets students experience ASU for themselves

More than 1,500 prospective students to arrive on campus Feb. 16

For many high school seniors and students looking to transfer, the decision of where to study is often fraught with uncertainty.

In addition to academic programs and research opportunities, lingering questions about campus life and the distance, say, between the library and the nearest Starbucks, can be among some of the final factors prospective students consider when making their decision.

For Madison Cranmer, it was the people and the atmosphere that made Arizona State University stand out from the rest.

“I was originally planning on going to the University of Virginia, but I was also considering UCLA,” said Cranmer, who attended ASU’s largest campus visit experience – More to Explore – last spring and discovered that ASU was her perfect college fit.

“The people I met were all very friendly and I loved the atmosphere,” said Cranmer. “There just seemed to be a lot of opportunity to not only grow academically, but also a lot of opportunity for great experiences.”

Cranmer, now a freshman in Barrett, The Honors College, was one of more than a thousand prospective students looking to get a glimpse of ASU through the university’s More to Explore experience – a free, comprehensive conference-style visit that allows students to build their own schedule for the day.

Students can choose from a variety of workshops and information sessions, take facility tours and learn about student engagement opportunities. They can hear about the ASU experience from current students, visit classrooms and get their questions about admissions and financial aid answered.

“Many students and families who attend feel that it’s the key moment where they find their fit at ASU, and choose the university as their college destination,” said David Burge, executive director of Admission Services.

Burge says he hopes that the more than 1,500 students who attend the event with their families are able to use the experience as a way to confirm their college decision.

For Cranmer, not only was the visit instrumental in helping steer her educational decision, it also helped her discover something she never would have known about if she hadn't visited campus: Her future residence hall had a sweet perk.

“Who can turn down the gelato bar?” she said.

More to Explore, slated for Feb. 16, takes place on all ASU campuses and is the university’s largest recruitment event throughout the year.

To learn more about the event, visit more2explore.asu.edu or call the START Desk at 480-727-7013.