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.