ACE Student

Are You Ready For ACE?

The Accelerated Collegiate Experience is our scholastic program designed for highly motivated high school students. Learn more about how to begin earning college credits and start your path toward achieving your academic dreams.

The ACE program has done more than just shape me into the scholar I am today. This experience gave me the guidance, support, and direction I needed to understand my full potential and passions.”

Chelsea Atkins

'18, Software Engineering Major and Physics minor

Prospective ACE applicants must have a 3.0 unweighted and a 3.7 weighted high school GPA at the time of application. Per state statute, homeschool students are exempt from the GPA requirement.

FGCU accepts the SAT, ACT, or CLT test scores for admission consideration to the ACE program. Score minimums must be met at the time of application. When signing up for the SAT, ACT, or CLT, please select FGCU as one of the schools that you would like your score report sent to. This reduces the amount of time it takes to receive your official scores for review.

SAT

Minimum Total Score: 1100

Minimum Math Section Score: 500

Minimum Evidence-Based Reading & Writing Section Score: 500

Applicants must meet the total score and section score minimums to be considered for admission. We do not require the Essay component of the SAT.

ACT

Minimum Composite Score: 22

Minimum Math Sub-test Score: 19

Minimum English Sub-test Score: 19

Minimum Reading Sub-test Score: 19

Applicants must meet the composite score and sub-test score minimums to be considered for admission. We do not require the Writing portion of the ACT.

CLT

Minimum Total Score: 72

Minimum Quantitative Reasoning Sub-test Score: 17

Minimum Verbal Reasoning + Grammar/Writing Sub-test Scores: 39

Applicants must meet the total score and sub-test score minimums to be considered for admission.

FGCU offers many different undergraduate programs. Visit our Undergraduate Programs List for more information.

The ACE Program offers its diligent students scholarship opportunities upon graduation from the program.

EARLY COLLEGE HONORS SCHOLARSHIP
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(ACE scholarships may not duplicate other FGCU merit scholarships offered in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions).

Early College Honors Graduates will receive upon high school graduation:
- $5,000.00 per year renewable for three years (6 semesters)
Eligibility:
- Beginning eligibility is the term following high school graduation (excluding summer);
- The student must be a US citizen or meet requirements of an eligible non-citizen as defined by the Federal Student Aid Program (Please see the Director of Early College Programs if you are not a U.S. citizen).
- The student must have a minimum of 3.0 FGCU cumulative institutional GPA;
- The student must have completed a minimum of 48 credits earned at FGCU and successfully completed the Early College Honors Program criteria;
- The scholarship will be awarded once high school graduation certification has been received and FGCU GPA verified.
Criteria for Renewal:
- The student must maintain full-time academic enrollment at FGCU, completing a minimum of 30 credits each academic year toward the chosen degree program.
- The student must maintain a 3.0 FGCU institutional grade point average.
EARLY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
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(ACE scholarships may not duplicate other FGCU merit scholarships offered in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions).

Early College Program graduates will receive upon high school graduation and admission to FGCU:
- $3,000.00 per year renewable for three years (6 semesters)
Eligibility:
- Beginning eligibility is the term following high school graduation (excluding summer)
- Students must be a US citizen or meet requirements of an eligible non-citizen as defined by the Federal Student Aid Program. (Please see the Director of Early College Programs if you are not a U.S. citizen).
- The student must have a cumulative FGCU institutional GPA of at least 3.0 and have completed a minimum of 24 credits hours at FGCU;
- The student must apply for the scholarship through the ACE office by the published deadline. The scholarship will be awarded once high school graduation certification has been received and FGCU GPA verified.
Criteria for Renewal:
- The student must maintain full-time academic enrollment at FGCU, completing a minimum of 30 credits each academic year toward the chosen degree program.
- The student must maintain a 3.0 FGCU institutional grade point average.

Prior to completing the application steps below, a student should:
Meet with their high school counselor to discuss eligibility and attend an ACE Public Information Meeting.

Visit our Admissions Page for all the information you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am a good candidate for the ACE Program?
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If you are interested in a rigorous curriculum along with advanced scholarship and engagement in high-impact experiences (research, leadership, scholarly experiences, service, publication, presentations at professional conferences, etc.), the ACE Program may be right for you. The best candidates have met the minimum test score and high school GPA requirements and have demonstrated maturity, critical thinking, academic and service engagement and have an interest in leveraging resources at FGCU to advance their academic and career goals. In addition, a student applicant must feel confident about her/his ability to make sound decisions, take initiative, seek help when needed, communicate effectively, manage time and obligations, and be willing to mature quickly into a student-professional role.
Do I need to attend an ACE Public Information Meeting before I apply?
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Yes. It is important that both students and parents understand the scholarly expectations of the ACE Program along with the benefits of the program. Often, current or former ACE students attend the sessions to give their perspective of the program. An admission decision may depend on whether the student has a clear understanding of the program.
Why is it important to meet with my high school counselor before I apply?
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It is important to inform your high school counselor about your interest in the ACE Program. There are many accelerated options for students, and ACE is only one of them. Your high school counselor will sign a Program Authorization Form that indicates they support your application to ACE.
Do I need to know what I want to do for my career?
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No. College often is the best place to learn about potential careers, but it is important to be ready to explore. ACE students begin with general education courses that can be applied toward any baccalaureate degree at FGCU. Some programs will require a program track that begins the first semester so students are encouraged to discuss any areas of interest with their academic advisor.
Will FGCU accept college credit awarded through other programs?
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What is “intake”?
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Intake is the opportunity to meet with an FGCU academic advisor after admission to discuss the student’s academic goals, schedule and register for classes, and to discuss other academic issues prior to the beginning of classes. Once admitted, a student will be contacted by the academic advisor to schedule for intake. Registration is dependent on the submission of immunization documentation and the completion of other intake requirements. Students will receive a detailed e-mail about the intake process when they receive their admission decision letter.
May I take part-time dual enrollment at FGCU?
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May I take FLVS while in the ACE Program?
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A student may take a Florida Virtual School course as long as the course is required for high school graduation and is not offered at FGCU. Permission from both the Early College Programs Director and the high school counselor must be given. The only exception to this policy is economics. Students may fulfill the high school diploma economics course through FLVS while also enrolled in the ACE Program. The FLVS economics course is not included in the minimum of 12 FGCU credit count per semester. Students that wish to take economics through FLVS will still need to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 FGCU credits for fall and spring semesters. We recommend that economics be completed during the summer between 11th and 12th grade or during winter break for senior students.
Can I participate in other educational experiences and/or certifications while in ACE.
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Can I take classes at FGCU during the summer while in ACE?
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Can I take classes at FGCU during the summer while in ACE if my parents pay the tuition?
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Will FGCU faculty and others know that I am in high school?
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Will I get special treatment because I’m in high school.
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What will my schedule look like?
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It depends. One thing is certain: It will not be like your high school schedule. A student admitted to the program will work with an FGCU academic advisor regarding their schedule. The advisor will advise regarding appropriate courses based upon remaining high school graduation requirements and the student’s area of interest or major. Courses are offered at different times and on different days, so usually the student is able to build a schedule that works best for them.
I hear that the program is “scholarly.” What does this mean?
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The expectation is that an ACE student will leverage and engage in high-impact opportunities offered by the university. This may include research, publication, participation in musical ensembles, attendance at scholarly presentations, membership in appropriate campus clubs and organizations, leadership development and service. Furthermore, ACE students are permitted and encouraged to enroll in FGCU Honors College courses.
How would the ACE program assist me in recognizing what high-impact experiences may be available?
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All new ACE students are required to enroll in a 1-credit course, IDH 1930 – ACE Elements of Honors, during the initial semester. The honors course introduces the importance of high-impact collegiate experiences and how these experiences can advance the student’s scholarship goals. The ACE office assists with connecting students to individuals, activities, and opportunities that may be of interest to the student.
Am I able to take FGCU Honors College courses?
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How will I be notified if I am admitted to the ACE program?
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If I am not admitted to ACE for my junior year, may I re-apply for my senior year?
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What is the enrollment process if I am admitted to the ACE Program?
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Do I have to attend ACE Orientation? What if my parent cannot attend?
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Admitted ACE students must attend the one-day ACE Orientation. At orientation, the student will be introduced to University web-based programs, will obtain their parking permit and University ID card, tour the major resource centers and be introduced to key staff. A responsible adult (aunt, uncle, grandparent, sibling) in the family (21 or over) may attend on behalf of a parent. A student risks disenrollment from the program if they do not attend orientation.
When and how will my high school receive my grades?
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Can I withdraw from a class in which I am not doing well?
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No. After the first week of classes, a student may not withdraw from any class. However, there may be extenuating circumstances (death in immediate family, illness, etc.) in which the withdrawal of a course or courses will be in the best interest of the student. This is always discussed first with the student’s counselor and a “drop” will not be processed until the counselor has been notified and both FGCU and the district administration are in agreement with the action.
Can I repeat a course while in the ACE program?
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No. As long as a student is in the ACE program, a course cannot be repeated. If the student graduates from high school and continues their academic program at FGCU, the course may be repeated for grade forgiveness. Students are advised to seek guidance from their academic advisor and the FGCU Catalog regarding the process and criteria for seeking grade forgiveness.
How will I be able to meet other ACE students?
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ACE students do tend to hang out together on campus. They begin to meet each other at ACE Orientation. They also see ACE students in the required ACE Honors class and may see ACE students in other classes, as most are taking similar classes. About two weeks into the fall semester, the ACE Program hosts a “Meet and Greet” in which all ACE students are invited to attend. Often, ACE students will form study groups together, meet for lunch or arrange to have other ACE- only events, such as movies, ice cream parties, etc. on campus.
Can I participate in high school activities?
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While the focus of the program is to get you engaged in collegiate experiences on campus, a student may participate in after-school activities at their home high school if it does not interfere with coursework and activities at FGCU. Students are advised to consult with their high school counselor regarding high school participation policies.
Are there areas of study (major) that I cannot pursue while in the ACE Program?
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Yes. While ACE students may take general education music courses and may audition for ensembles in the Bower School of Music, Music majors have definitive performance classes for which credit may not be applied to the high school transcript. ACE students are not permitted to take the Music major courses until after high school graduation.
Can I live in campus housing while in the ACE Program?
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What restrictions will I have as an ACE student?
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There are very few restrictions as an ACE student, but some are: no residence on campus, no participation in Greek life, no participation in NCAA athletics (intramural and club sports are permitted), permission from parents to utilize the services of the Health Clinic and Counseling and Psychological Services. There may be other restrictions while you are legally “underage.”
Am I able to earn the A.A. degree?
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If you have additional questions, contact:

Name	Title	Email	Phone
Rebecca Jones	Director, Early College Programs	ace@fgcu.edu	239-590-7869

ACE Students

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Frequently Asked Questions

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