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Accelerated Collegiate Experience

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Accelerated Collegiate Experience
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Accelerated Collegiate Experience
10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
Edwards Hall, Suite 214
Fort Myers, FL. 33965-6565

Phone: 239-590-7430
Fax: 239-590-1230

Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

For general information about the ACE Program, please refer to this PDF file: General Infomation

 

Can anyone apply to the FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience Program?

Any 10th or 11th grade public, private or home schooled student from the five-county (Hendry, Glades, Collier, Lee or Charlotte) who meets the admission criteria may apply. The student's school must have an accelerated credit/ACE agreement with FGCU prior to enrollment in classes.
When is the best time to apply?
The ACE Program only has a limited amount of students it can accept each academic year. Because we accept students based on rolling admissions, it is recommended to be prepared and ready to submit a completed application as soon our application window opens. Ideally, the first week of January is the best time to apply; however, the sooner you apply then the better your chances of being considered. 
What is rolling admissions?
Rolling admissions is a policy in which candidates are invited to submit their applications within a specific window. For the ACE Program, that is between January and May. Applications are reviewed as they are received and applicants are notified of their decision within a few weeks of submission. As a consequence, the available space for students may be filled prior to our deadline, forcing us to stop accepting applications before the announced deadline.
What is a Public Information Meeting?

Due to the overwhelming amount of interest in the ACE Program, we are unable to answer every individualized question or concern each student may have. Therefore, we host Public Information Meetings (PIM) in which we lecture prospective students and their parents on the ACE Program. It is an opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and current ACE students. It is also a chance to have your individualized questions answered.

Our first PIM starts in October during FGCU's open house known as Eagle Expo. It is followed by a formal PIM in November, Janurary, February, March, and April.
Can I submit PLAN or PSAT scores in place of ACT or SAT scores?
No. You must submit a SAT or ACT score for admission into the Program.
However, you may submit an otherwise complete application packet WITH the date you are registered to take the SAT or ACT test. You may submit your PLAN or PSAT scores as a reference.
If you do submit using a testing date as a placeholder:
  • It is recommended that you request an unofficial test score at the time you test [a fee may be charged]. Request that your score be sent to FGCU.
  • The Admissions Committee will review your application package based on the unofficial test score.
  • When the official test score is received and all other criteria met, you will be notified of your admission status into the FGCU ACE Program.
Which fees will I be responsible for?

Students enrolled in the ACE Program shall be exempt from payment of all application, registration, matriculation, laboratory, health services, activities and services, capital improvement, athletic, and transcript fees.

Students are responsible for the following fees: standard orientation, math placement test, immunizations, and student ID.

Costs of student books and instructional materials required for courses will be the responsibility of the School District. Items such as calculators, consumable materials, bluebooks, notebooks, and folders are not included in materials provided by the School District. Home schooled students and non-public high school students shall be responsible for the purchase of textbooks and instructional material.
Is there an application fee?
No.
If I am currently in an IB program, can I stay in IB and be a student in the FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience?
No. It is not possible to be in an IB program at the same time you are enrolled in the FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience Program.
If I am a homeschool student, will I still receive the cost benefits?
Homeschool students will not have to pay tuition cost; however, they must pay the cost of books.
Where are my classes?
All classes are conducted on the FGCU campus.
Will professors and other FGCU students know I am a high school student?
No. Accelerated Collegiate Experience students will not be identified separately.
How is FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience different from dual enrollment?
The Accelerated Collegiate Experience is a full-time early admission program wherein students do not return to their home high schools for any classes. ACE students are selecting specific fields of interest and will be supported in their work toward both high school diplomas and two years of college credit. Additionally, they have a designated FGCU coordinator for advising and mentoring
How do I get my grades?
As a University student, grades are available on-line. Access directions will be given during orientation. Parents requesting access to student records should become familiar with FERPA.
May I still participate in activities and functions at my home high school?
Yes. Students may participate in clubs and activities at their home high schools. Prom, senior activities and graduation ceremonies may be important to some students and remain an option to them. Students should be aware that FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience courses will be time intensive and first priority must be given to academic success.
Will I be able to work while attending FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience?
The FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience Program is very rigorous. Students are strongly encouraged to make their academic goal a top priority. It is highly recommended ACE students work no more than 10 hours per week.
If my grades fall while I am attending FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience, will I be removed from the Program?
Yes. It is paramount for FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience students to stay on track for high school graduation. Failing the FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience program may require a return to the home high school.
When I have graduated from my home high school and have completed my enrollment in the FGCU Accelerated Collegiate Experience, will I be able to apply a Florida Bright Future scholarship toward my remaining university expenses?
Yes. Students earning the Florida Bright Future scholarship would be able to apply the scholarship to their postsecondary education once they have graduated from high school.
Will I be able to use my Florida Prepaid?
Yes. Students who have Florida Prepaid should read the terms and conditions of their policies. In most cases, students will have the amount and time available to apply to postsecondary study beyond the ACE Program.