ACE Selection Criteria

My Brother's Keeper>ACE Freshman Cohort, Closed for 2025-2026 

• Be an incoming new first-time male student of color.
• The first semester of enrollment at John Jay must be fall 2025.
• Be a regular admit and not admitted to SEEK.
• Earned less than 21 credits (AP, College Now, etc.) prior to the first semester at John Jay College.
• Select any academic major except applied mathematics, cell & molecular biology and forensic science.
• Attend the MBK Connect Orientation, July 8-10.
• Enroll in a 5-Week Summer course from July 14-August 14 and attend all classes that meet Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00am-3:00pm.
• No longer accepting applications because we have reached capacity for our MBK-ACE freshman cohort.

ACE Freshman Cohort, Open for Spring 2026 

• Be an incoming new freshman student.
• The first semester of enrollment at John Jay must be fall 2025.
• Attempted at least 15 credits for the fall 2025 semester
• Earned less than 21 credits (AP, College Now, etc.) prior to the first semester at John Jay College.
• Eligible students have been invited to join. Email JohnJayACE@jjay.cuny.edu if no email invite was received.

CUNY Transfer Cohort, Closed for 2025-2026

• Be a first-time CUNY transfer student at John Jay for fall 2025 (continuing/returning CUNY transfers are not eligible).
• The first semester of enrollment at John Jay must be fall 2025.
• Completed prerequisite coursework at prior CUNY community college for the intended ACE-eligible major at John Jay.
• Earned an associate's degree by spring 2025.
• Not enrolled in the CJBS online program.
• No longer accepting applications because we have reached capacity for our transfer cohort.

Additional Eligibility Requirements for All Cohorts

• Complete all CUNY admissions requirements. To apply to CUNY visit: www.cuny.edu/admissions
• Be a New York State resident and/or eligible for in-state tuition.
• Agree to enroll in at least 15 credits (5 courses) each semester.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.*
• Select an ACE-eligible major. Click here to see a list of all ACE-eligible majors.
• Students cannot participate in both ACE and another JJAY special program (SEEK, Honors Scholars, APPLE Corps, Early Start, Adelante, etc.).
• Agree to adhere to all ACE Program requirements.

*All students (except those who are unable to apply due to immigration status) must complete both FAFSA and TAP applications. We encourage those who do not meet eligibility requirements for federal and state aid to check eligibility and apply for funds through the New York State Dream Act.