Year in School: Senior
Major: Bioengineering
I highly recommend this group. Not only does the group provide you with the resources you need to succeed, but the check-ins help to motivate me to do better every week. There is a sense of accountability amongst your peers. I have found some of the skills I have learned in groups have helped me not only in school but in life in general. This group helps to motivate, inspire, and drive me to do my best.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Bioengineering
ACE helped me prioritize and plan in order to better manage my course load, as well as, helped me build important study skills.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Bioengineering
ACE has been really helpful in getting me to bounce back. ACE gave me the tools to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Anita and the mentors have been really beneficial in giving me guidance and strength to perform well. ACE is only as effective as you make it. If you don't commit to ACE then you will not see any results. However, if you do commit, you will definitely benefit from the tools, guidance and support.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Bioengineering
ACE has definitely been helpful to me. I started off embarrassed and nervous about my grades and ACE gave me strategies and life skills that are not only important for academics but also for my physical and mental well-being overall. Becoming healthier improved my studying, and, in turn, my grades. Don’t pass off ACE, you learn a lot each week if you put in the effort during the session and outside it, too. You will see your performance improve.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Bioengineering
ACE was exceptional for holding me accountable. Simply attending and keeping up with the work gave me comfort in knowing that I was taking action to change. The study sessions were also a very productive environment. I looked forward to them each week as I could do my best work while there.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Bioengineering
ACE was very helpful in helping me find ways to optimize my time and learn some study tools. I would recommend that students take the opportunity regardless of their schedule density.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Bioengineering
This group opened my eyes to how much time I really had and showed me ways to use my time better to achieve my goals.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Bioengineering
If you want better grades and a higher overall GPA, this class is your best bet. It holds you accountable for all your actions, which is exactly what you need.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Bioengineering
I found that ACE really helped me get back on my feet and into a rhythm after having problems with motivation. If you're struggling in your classes I think ACE is a great way to get yourself into a mindset where you're more likely to succeed.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Bioengineering
This group is really good for learning how to maintain a good school-life balance while achieving your academic goals. I went from not being sure if I was going to be able to pass my classes to being pretty confident about my work.
Year in School: Junior (Male)
Major: Bioengineering
This group is really good for learning how to maintain a good school-life balance while achieving your academic goals. I went from not being sure if I was going to be able to pass my classes to being pretty confident about my work.
Year in School: Sophomore (Male)
Major: Bioengineering
I would recommend this group to other students because it will truly help you out in the long run. Anita makes the group a family and as an engineer having people you can talk to makes a world of difference for you, especially for your mental health and academics.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Chemical Engineering
I highly recommended Anita’s group because it made me accountable for things I could just shrug off before. Being held accountable by someone who really showed they cared about my success was motivating to me and I feel it made me want to put in the effort to succeed because suddenly I felt that I actually could. Anita’s group gave me the confidence I lacked and the responsibility to study and perform well in my classes.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Chemical Engineering
Honestly, I was hesitant to join because I was embarrassed to reach out and ask for help. Once I joined, I decided to go all in and completely buy into the program. We went over a quote in class that said something like, "The hardest thing I ever had to do, was ask for help." That is how I felt participating in a group. Everything that we go over in group is incredibly helpful throughout a semester here at the Swanson School of Engineering. I am so grateful that I joined and am looking ahead to my best grades in the Swanson School so far! I definitely recommend ACE to anyone who is maybe struggling or just not the best at studying or test prep, and I definitely recommend doing it sooner rather than later.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Chemical Engineering
I think ACE is a great way to not only learn how to improve your habits for success but to feel good about yourself while you do it. Everyone in the group is very respectful and encouraging and it feels good to show up once a week to learn, vent, and be encouraged by your peers.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Chemical Engineering
ACE was really helpful for me because I thought of it as a support group. ACE holds me accountable for attending meetings and bettering myself. Anita and the mentors genuinely wanted me to succeed. As a first-generation student, I felt as if I had to figure out academics on my own. That's not true! I feel as if I was the most supported and academically successful this semester. I highly recommend ACE to other students.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Chemical Engineering
This being my third semester in ACE, ACE gives me a community that helps keep me motivated and accountable throughout the semester.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Chemical Engineering
ACE helped me stay focused and motivated because I have a support group so I didn’t feel lonely.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Chemical Engineering
ACE helped me become the student I see in my classes that I thought I could never be. The skills I have learned are not just applicable to school but are skills I will use for the rest of my life. Joining ACE has helped me enjoy school rather than just getting by.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Chemical Engineering
ACE taught me how to manage my time, study, and learn efficiently. The program allowed me to gain back my time for things I enjoy that I thought I had no time for (i.e. exercise, time with friends). It also helped me learn the materials in my classes in greater depth. My favorite part of all was it allowed me to get my full 8 hours of sleep consistently.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Chemical Engineering
This group gives you the tools you need to focus while you study and to do well in your classes. No stone is left unturned as you are coached through making your study, sleep, and even social habits work for you. The time put into the group work is a small commitment compared to the insight you gain going to the group!
Year in School: Sophomore (Female)
Major: Chemical Engineering
While we're being given the tools we need for success, the group also motivates students at every meeting to keep pushing forward. Dr. Persaud is always available for a conversation, with her and the mentors always being there to motivate and help struggling students.
Year in School: Sophomore (Male)
Major: Chemical Engineering
Not only are you given the tools to study better, group is extremely motivating and refreshes the drive to want to put more effort even during burnout- I always feel a lot more inspired to do work after group.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Civil Engineering
Since joining this group, I have been more disciplined with my time management and academics, and I have learned tons of great strategies. Within this past semester, I have increased my cumulative GPA by 0.5, and I have only been doing better each semester. If you think that joining this group isn’t a good use of your time, like I thought originally, then you are truly limiting yourself and limiting your grades and learning too.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Engineering
Joining the ACE program is one of the best things that could’ve happened to me as a student. I was struggling, but after joining ACE, I now know that I can and will grow as a student and improve my academic habits so that I can set myself up for success in the future. This group is what gave me the motivation I needed to grow and make significant changes in my life.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Civil/Environmental
I really appreciate all the time and effort Anita and the mentors put into the meetings. Even in my second semester of ACE, I still find myself frequently learning new information and different strategies to try to improve myself as a student. With ACE I have noticed a change in not only my grades but also my work ethic outside the classroom.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Civil/Environmental
ACE kept me accountable and gave me access to resources I needed to prioritize myself and my family situation.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Civil/Environmental
Ace helped me by providing resources like study groups and habits, and time management. it also helped me with using a planner and maintaining a routine.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Civil/Environmental
I would recommend ACE because no matter how many of the tools and materials you do or don't use (which are helpful so use them). It is a great way to meet other students in very similar situations as your own.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Civil/Environmental
I'd highly recommend this group to other students because it taught me strategies to improve my homework skills like the Pomodoro technique, to improve my test preparation, time management, and much more. I can apply these strategies to be a better student now and better prepare myself for the future.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Civil/Environmental
This group was a way to accept accountability and pursue self-improvement.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Civil/Environmental
Before joining this group, I was still unsure about how to study and properly balance my time. The ACE group has helped me tremendously in becoming a more productive and efficient student. The group is a great way to connect with others and the resources provided are very helpful. I would strongly recommend it.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Computer Engineering
I will encourage other students to join the group especially if they suffer from imposter syndrome. Being an Engineering major in college is tough as it is and often causes students to compare their own success to others. Anita has talked with me through the toughest times this semester and has given me advice I will carry with me even after graduation.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Computer Engineering
I liked the study guides they provided and the videos that helped with relaxation. I would recommend them to others that might need support in studying and workload management.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Computer Engineering
I originally joined ACE because I saw Anita’s statistics on how students had quantitatively improved after the program. While that has held true for me as well, I’ve also enjoyed ACE as a time and place to be strategic with my time and plan out my goals - if you struggle with time management, or feel like you’re too busy to do everything, I would recommend giving ACE a shot.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Computer Engineering
ACE was super helpful in getting me back on track from where I was. Thinking about how different it was for me last semester is crazy. ACE really helps me to plan out my weeks and keep myself at ease about where I am academically. I absolutely recommend this to anyone. If you think you don't need it or you're too good for it, then you probably need to do it more than the people who can admit it themselves.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Computer Engineering
I would definitely recommend ACE to other students. ACE taught me new techniques that helped me stay focused and study properly. ACE also helped me stay accountable by going to the study groups. I highly recommend going to the study groups, doing the Pomodoro technique, and going to different places to study/do work; DON'T STAY IN YOUR ROOM!
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Computer Engineering
It’s a Calendar heavy course, giving tips on how to study/perform well in class. For example ACE offers guidelines on getting the right amount of sleep, finding the right study strategies, or procrastination.
Year in School: Senior (Female)
Major: ECE
ACE group is a fantastic way to receive information and scientific evidence of study and life habits that make for a successful engineering student and apply it to oneself. The group allows students to share their own experiences with others and receive feedback from those who are in the fire themselves. Learning about sleep, social media, and studying/test-taking strategies are all important aspects for SSoE students.
Year: Sophomore (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
You may not think that ACE is useful in the beginning, but the long-term effect is definitely there.
Year: Senior (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
It's a great opportunity to see that you're not the only one struggling and that is ok.
Year: Junior (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
These meetings serve as a weekly reminder of what I need to do in order to do well. They also give me information and study methods that are very helpful to my academic success. Lastly, they also serve as a place to be able to talk openly about any struggles I have attaining my goals.
Year: Senior (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
This group was very helpful in keeping me focused on myself and my assignments!
Year: Senior (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
ACE helps keep me accountable and thinking about the long-term goals of finishing my degree. The study tips help show me a better way of approaching school that helps reduce the stress of assignments.
Year: Junior (Female)
Major: Computer Engineering
This group has helped me get my grades and GPA up a lot.
Year: Senior (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
Anita is great. Even if you are unsure of joining it is nice to discuss things weekly with students who are in similar positions. Everyone is working to do better and it's great to be around people like that.
Year: Senior (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
ACE is a very useful tool for any student that needs some additional guidance. It gives scientifically proven advice on how to study better, and overall, do better in school.
Year: Junior (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
ACE provides guidance that helps students work through the semester and improve their strategies and motivation to complete tasks.
Year: Sophomore (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
This group really made me conscious of my study habits and other factors that may be holding me back from getting to my full capacity. Dr. Persaud really enlightened me with new ideas. This group helped me keep motivated and silence procrastination.
Year: Sophomore (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
As a transfer student, I really struggled with finding a good group of students to study with. Additionally, the pace and feel of a new campus was overwhelming. In addition to helping me with managing my time so I could be successful, this group allowed me to meet with some good hard-working students to study with.
Year: Sophomore (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
If you know you can do more with your life, get better grades, and mentally feel better, then don’t waste time not being that person. This group gives motivation every week on how to achieve what you know you are capable of.
Year: Senior (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
I’d recommend group because it really is your future and group helps you realize that and put it into perspective.
Year: Sophomore (Female)
Major: Computer Engineering
I definitely recommend this group because as long as you come, you will get something out of every session. The schedules and study plan Anita teaches, as well as the major emphasis on the “little” things like sleep and exercise also made a big difference in my ability to concentrate. ACE is very positive and supportive and still holds everyone here accountable, which really helps a lot.
Year: Senior (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
This group is a great help for anyone, struggling or not; it gives you motivation to do good, a lot of helpful tips, and is friendly and welcoming.
Year: Sophomore (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
This program allowed me to be checked in on and kept me on task throughout the semester. I was reminded of my goals when things got tough and the group is always a calm, judgment-free zone.
Year: Junior (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
When I started in this group I was in a hard place but with perseverance, I started to feel less stressed and have a positive outlook.
Year: Sophomore (Male)
Major: Computer Engineering
I recommend this group to anyone who hears about it. It helped me learn to study better and more efficiently and last semester it helped me improve my grades to get out of academic warning. I have also found several study partners from this group who I study with and encourage.
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Engineering
This group is a great way to meet with other students and see what they are doing to ensure their success in engineering.
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Engineering
This group is a supportive atmosphere that will encourage you to set and achieve goals and hold you accountable.
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Engineering
This group was incredibly helpful to me. Not only did it allow me to develop new study strategies, but it also developed a sense of community with other students in similar situations as you. I would highly recommend it to any student who feels like they are not performing to their full potential and feel like they are alone.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Electrical Engineering
Anita’s group has become one of the most helpful resources for me while studying Engineering at Pitt. It helped me to get back on track with grades and to form overall better habits. I absolutely recommend this group to any student who wants to improve their study habits, work ethic, stress/sleep management and so much more. This group is helpful for both students who are struggling and those who are doing well.
Year in School: Senior
Major: ECE
ACE provided me with the tools to succeed!
Year in School: Senior
Major: ECE
ACE was very helpful for me because it helped give me good methods to improve my study habits and boost my grades. I would recommend this group to other students.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: ECE
I would recommend this group to other students. ACE helped me with study and work methods as well as with commitment.
Year in School: Junior
Major: ECE
ACE provided good techniques and methods for improving study habits.
Year in School: Junior
Major: ECE
ACE helped me stay organized for my classes, I actually was turning in homework! The study tips and 10-day study plan helped me get A's on the exams where I used those practices. When I started to fall behind I met with Anita to make a game plan of how to handle reorganizing my schedule.
Year in School: Junior
Major: ECE
ACE taught me a lot on both the practical and ethical side of being a student - both the "hacks" that allow me to maximize my efficiency and the mentality and grit that are necessary in order to succeed and feel a sense of remission for having become better.
Year in School: Junior
Major: ECE
ACE was helpful in keeping me honest when I was not meeting my expectations from the beginning of the semester.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: ECE
If you’re worried about not having the skills required to be successful in engineering school, ACE gives you the tools to build those skills. All it takes is a little work on your behalf.
Year in School: Senior
Major: ECE
Do the Work and follow the examples that are given and they will help you succeed. You still need to find motivation and put in the work on your own too. Just because you attend the meeting, it doesn't mean your grades will automatically improve. Ace is a guideline to help you succeed.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: ECE
ACE not only helped me to get back on track, but it surrounded me with a network of people who better understood my situation. I highly recommend it to engineers who feel like they need some more support!
Year in School: Sophomore (Male)
Major: ECE
I think ACE is a great way to not only learn how to improve your habits for success but to feel good about yourself while you do it. Everyone in the group is very respectful and encouraging and it feels good to show up once a week to learn, vent, and be encouraged by your peers.
Year in School: Senior (Female)
Major: ECE
ACE helped me become the student I see in my classes that I thought I could never be. The skills I have learned are not just applicable to school but are skills I will use for the rest of my life. Joining ACE has helped me enjoy school rather than just getting by.
Year in School: Junior (Male)
Major: Electrical Engineering
Motivation is the key to success. By attending this group meeting, you will have a clear mind on what to do and how to handle situations when times are difficult. You will learn to manage your time and study habits.
Year in School: Senior (Male)
Major: Electrical Engineering
Group meetings have consistently helped me to feel more motivated when it comes to academic work and have kept me from procrastinating as much as I used to. Group is a great environment and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone seeking any form of inspiration and encouragement to better oneself.
Year in School: Junior (Male)
Major: Electrical Engineering
Motivation is the key to success. By attending this group meeting, you will have a clear mind on what to do and how to handle situations when times are difficult. You will learn to manage your time and study habits.
Year in School: Senior (Male)
Major: Electrical Engineering
I would absolutely recommend this group to anyone who feels they are struggling and need help or are even looking for an extra boost to their academic skill set.
Year in School: Sophomore (Female)
Major: Electrical Engineering
It helped remind me of the things I was ignoring to try to focus on more time studying and instead focus on studying better, which made a big difference.
Year in School: Senior (Male)
Major: Electrical Engineering
The group really does do wonders for underperforming students and the advice given on things ranging from study tactics to sleep is useful not just for schoolwork but for most other things in your life.
Year in School: Senior (Male)
Major: Electrical Engineering
Personally, I would recommend ACE. I normally don't like this kind of thing but I grew fond of it. At first, I wasn't going to stick with it, but I started to make changes in my habits as the semester started in conjunction with the group. Some of these changes I realize needed to happen before the group I think just the environment and accountability of going was the push I needed to start implementing the changes needed. Overall if you are willing to attend with an open mind and have the willingness to grow as a person I believe that incorporating group into your weekly schedule will have some benefit, whether that's small or big truly depends on the person's willingness to implement what is being discussed but surely they will benefit.
Year in School: Sophomore (Male)
Major: Electrical Engineering
I would recommend joining these groups. They cover a lot of good study information, tips on how to avoid procrastination, as well as staying motivated. I definitely didn’t apply the concepts all of the time, but when I did I saw improvement and felt much more knowledgeable on how to improve my grades when I’m struggling.
Year in School: Sophomore (Female)
Major: Electrical Engineering
This group is really helpful when you put the time into it. Anita gives useful tips, and encouragement and tries her best to keep everyone on track.
Year in School: Junior (Male)
Major: Electrical Engineering
Spending the one-hour attending group each time benefitted me more than I could ever imagine. I became a better student and learned lessons I will carry on with me throughout my life.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Electrical Engineer
As someone who really struggled my first year here with time, stress, and anxiety management, I would highly recommend this program. Both through the weekly and biweekly meetings and the special programs put on throughout the semester, Anita does a wonderful job of covering the big issues I listed above and shows you many ways to help deal with them. The experts she brings in are really good and even in a packed room, try to help the individual. Anita really puts her heart and soul into this program and really wants to see you succeed.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Electrical Engineering
I learned study techniques and time allocation techniques I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. It is nice seeing that I am not alone in this.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Electrical Engineering
I have changed my study habits and I schedule and plan out my weeks because of some of the topics we discussed and I took away.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Electrical Engineering
I originally thought this program would not be for me and that I already knew everything. I was quite wrong. I could not be more thankful for attending and I learned multiple things at each meeting. In fact, I would recommend this group to anyone regardless of how well they may already be doing in school. You will learn techniques that you didn't know before.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Electrical Engineering
Anita Persaud truly cares about each individual student. I know that when I speak to her, she listens.
Year in School: Graduated
Major: Industrial Engineering
I started the group with a 1.1 Term GPA. Three semesters later, I have made honors (3.25 and above) twice (3 times after this semester) and I am graduating with my dream job lined up. None of this would be possible without Anita reaching out to me and my continued attendance in the group. Attend, listen, and apply what you learn, it can change your life.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Industrial Engineering
ACE was very helpful. It keeps me accountable and allows me to surround myself with other students who also have similar goals.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Industrial Engineering
ACE has been extremely helpful in improving my academic performance. The skills and strategies we learn are genuinely useful and are backed by science. In addition to this, it provided me with a very close-knit support group.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Industrial Engineering
ACE was helpful in holding me accountable for how I study and how long I study.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Industrial Engineering
I'd definitely recommend the ACE program. It kept me accountable all semester while teaching me really helpful skills that I utilize in everyday life.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Industrial Engineering
I would recommend this group to other students. It teaches you some valuable techniques. The main benefit for me was the schedule of having to go to meetings every week. It was a constant reminder to stay on top of things and which helped me.
Year in School: Junior (Male)
Major: Industrial Engineering
I’ve been in this group for a total of almost three semesters and it has really helped me to maintain motivation and learn about tools like the 10 days study plan that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. I had a really rough semester prior to starting the group, I failed a class for the first time in my life, and now I am consistently getting As and Bs because of the ACE Program.
Year in School: Junior (Female)
Major: Industrial Engineering
This group has taught me how to properly use my time and the importance of daily tasks such as sleep and exercise. I have learned lessons that I will use for the rest of my life. Having a dedicated mentor like Anita also really enhanced the effectiveness of this group because she doesn't give up on anybody and really pushes you to be the best version of yourself while setting you up for success.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Mechanical Engineering
I highly recommend joining the ACE group. I think a lot of people come to college without knowing how to study, and many of us must figure out those skills on our own. It’s helpful to have the support of a group to learn and discuss soft skills that aren’t a part of the official engineering curriculum but are vital to our personal success in the field. It was also very encouraging to know that I am not the only one who struggles with their academics and that it’s okay to struggle as long as you use it as an opportunity to improve rather than a reason to give up.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical/Material
The ACE group has provided me with tools and resources to help me truly excel in my coursework. In the first few weeks of going to ACE meetings, I was surprised by how there were other students facing the same hardships and challenges as I did. The group has been extremely beneficial to me after facing setbacks in the previous semester. I now know what I need to do to be a successful student and I now can identify what works for me as a student.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical/Material
Ace has helped me stay accountable, making sure to keep up with all the work. It has given me a place to go where I don’t feel alone in my struggles.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical/Material
I definitely say that ACE has improved my ability to stay on track and improve my grades.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical/Material
Ace provided me with the time, space, faculty, and peers to use as a resource to better my habits and ultimately my academics.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical/Material
Gaining an understanding of how to learn was extremely helpful to me. Also learning to better manage my time is great.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical/Material
Ace helped me refocus myself on my classes and regain a sense of confidence in furthering my path toward my degree.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical/Material
I believe that in my time here at ACE I have been given numerous tools and methods to better prepare myself to succeed in my degree and in life more broadly.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Mechanical/Material
ACE really helped me to have a better mindset about balancing my life with school. This program doesn't just help you with your academics, it teaches you so many important tools to stay in a healthy mindset so that way you can thrive in an academic environment. Anita and the mentors are all so supportive and make you feel like you are not alone in this. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to study smarter, not harder!
Year in School: Junior
Major: Mechanical/Material
The group helped me stay organized and motivated throughout the semester. ACE helped me realize that certain habits were not conducive to my learning and were holding me back.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Mechanical/Material
I would absolutely recommend ACE to anyone who wanted or needed it. It reinforces a lot of things you may already know. Anita does it in a way that you relearn the tools in a "non-obnoxious" way.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Mechanical/Material
I think ACE has been beneficial for accountability in getting better and progressing toward graduation. It wasn’t a fix-all where all my grades were suddenly A’s. Instead, it was a resource where I've learned tools to constantly improve my grades and pursue graduation.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Mechanical/Material
ACE gives you the tools you need to reach your highest academic potential. I went from being suspended from Swanson due to my grades to making the honor list for my last two semesters, in no small part due to group. Anita and the mentors work hard to help you succeed. I cannot recommend ACE enough.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical/Material
Coming into the program, I was hesitant because I thought that I would be judged. However, after the first couple of weeks, it became a place where I was able to really take in the lessons that were being presented to us. I give credit to ACE for keeping me in engineering.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical/Material
It's a really good way to maintain accountability - ACE helps you to set and maintain academic goals. Anita and her mentors work very hard to help you achieve those goals.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Mechanical/Material
I would recommend ACE to anyone because it’s a unique opportunity to learn new techniques and possibly help fill in the gaps of your own style of learning that you might not realize are there.
Year in School:Junior
Major: Mechanical/Material
If you want a place that’ll help you keep yourself accountable and give tips and tricks for doing school work and daily life, I would suggest going to the ACE group. The group will help you gain better habits that you’ll use down the road.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Mechanical/Material
The ACE program helps provide valuable tools to improve studying and healthy living habits. Utilizing this program will help improve grades, but will also improve your overall well-being.
Year in School: Junior (Male)
Major: Mechanical/Material
I recommend ACE, before to ACE I didn’t actually understand how to study or be a good student in general. Prior to coming to Pitt I never had to study or work hard for good grades so I never learned those skills and it caused a lot of problems in my academic career until I joined ACE. Along with gaining proper study skills and learning what makes a student succeed, the weekly meetings helped create a level of accountability to stick to what we were learning. ACE works and is helpful if you’re willing to put in the effort to apply what is given to you in the meetings.
Year in School: Senior (Male)
Major: Mechanical/Material
ACE gives you the tools you need to reach your highest academic potential. I went from being suspended from Swanson due to my grades to making the honor list for my last two semesters, in no small part due to group. Anita and the mentors work hard to help you succeed. I cannot recommend ACE enough.
Year in School: Junior (Female)
Major: Mech E/Material Sciences
Committing to attending ACE and applying the things we discuss has made a huge difference in my academic and mental health over the past few semesters. I could go into more detail, but I think it's easier to show the progress. I've spent 3 semesters at Pitt since transferring and the last 2 I've been involved with ACE. The first semester I failed half my classes, the semester after that (my first semester in ACE) I made the honor roll. This semester I am on track to pass all my classes and feel better about my academics than I have thus far in my entire college experience.
Year in School: Senior (Female)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Transitioning to online classes when covid first struck was a disaster for me and my mental health. I was forced to retake some key classes. I reached out to Anita and joined up during the summer semester. The group's focus on mental health and the weekly updates provided were instrumental in aiding me to get back on track and graduate on time.
Year in School: Senior (Male)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Persaud's group has helped me turn around a terrible string of semesters into 3+ GPA semesters by reinforcing good study habits and resource-seeking.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Materials Science Engineering
This group helped me tackle my largest problem in college of time management, while also teaching me about proper preparation and skills. I would recommend this to anyone who thinks they might need help in some part of schooling. Chances are if you think you might need it you do.