The ACE Experience

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.