The ACE Experience

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The ACE Experience

Obtaining a graduate or professional degree is among the demonstrated pathways to economic progress and career advancement. It is also a vital mechanism for diversifying the nation’s academic, medical, legal, and other professional ranks. These realities 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, dinner with the Office of Intercultural Affairs staff, and a community-building trip.

Sophomore Year

  • Reside in McCarthy Residence Hall as part of the living-learning community experience.
  • Take LIBA 1001 and 1002: Strategies for Graduate and Professional School Admission II (one class each semester).
  • Meet with the ACE director for advising and postgraduate planning.
  • Attend a graduate and professional school conference and career development event.
  • Attend the VOCARE Retreat.
  • Mentor a student from the Upward Bound Program (based on availability).
  • Attend monthly engagements and mixers organized by ACE students and staff.
  • Be mentored by an ACE alum (based on availability).
  • Attend the ACE Recognition Banquet.

Junior Year

  • Reside in Leavey 4 Apartments (optional).
  • Take LIBA 1003: Strategies for Graduate and Professional School Admission III.
  • Attend a graduate and professional school application workshop.
  • Register for a graduate or professional school information session or webinar.
  • Meet with the ACE director for advising and postgraduate planning.
  • Attend monthly engagements and mixers organized by ACE students and staff.
  • Attend the ACE Recognition Banquet.

Senior Year

  • Attend post-college planning workshops.
  • Meet with the ACE director for advising and postgraduate planning.
  • Attend a financial literacy workshop.
  • Reside in Leavey 4 Apartments (optional).
  • Attend three-day graduate school boot camp (optional).
  • Attend a graduate and professional school application workshop (optional).

ACE seniors (left to right): Laina Washington, Lauren Anderson, Mariah Williams, Eduardo Encina, Makeen Yasar, Daniel Higuera, and Isabella Powers.