Obtaining a graduate or professional degree is among the pathways to economic and career advancement. It is also a vital mechanism for diversifying the nation’s academic, medical, legal, and other professional ranks. These fuel ACE’s mission to inspire, educate, and prepare a diverse and gifted cadre of students for graduate and professional studies. The program offers a three-year comprehensive experience that encompasses the following:
Summer Before Sophomore Year
- Move into McCarthy Residence Hall (commuters are exempt).
- Attend a two-day orientation and challenge course or other community-building trip.
Sophomore Year
- Reside in McCarthy Residence Hall as part of the living-learning community experience.
- Take EDLP 1001 and 1002: Strategies for Graduate and Professional School Admission I and II (one class each semester).
- Meet with the ACE director for advising and postgraduate planning.
- Attend graduate or professional school and career development events.
- Attend monthly social engagements and mixers organized by ACE students and staff.
- Connect with faculty and ACE alumni.
- Attend the ACE Recognition Event.
Junior Year
- Reside in Leavey 4 Apartments (optional).
- Take EDLP 1003 and 1004: Strategies for Graduate and Professional School Admission III and IV (one class each semester).
- Attend a graduate or professional school information session or webinar.
- Take a practice graduate admission test.
- Meet with the ACE director for advising and postgraduate planning.
- Attend monthly engagements and mixers organized by ACE students and staff.
- Connect with ACE alumni.
- Attend the ACE Recognition Banquet.
Senior Year
- Attend graduate school boot camp (optional)
- Meet with the ACE director for advising and postgraduate planning.
- Reside in Leavey 4 Apartments (optional).
- Attend the ACE Recognition Banquet.
Additional Opportunities
- Apply for the Marshall Sauceda Rising Scholar Award.
- Receive assistance to attend research conferences.
- Mentor an Upward Bound student (based on availability).
- Work study opportunities with ACE.
- Resources to help students prepare their graduate applications.
- Participate in ACE Bigs and Littles.
ACE seniors (left to right): Laina Washington, Lauren Anderson, Mariah Williams, Eduardo Encina, Makeen Yasar, Daniel Higuera, and Isabella Powers.